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It’s Friday, Burlington! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Downtown St. Paddy’s Bash, Taste of Upstate NY: Garbage Plates, and a $48 million apartment deal + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Burlington protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Zoning shift prompts skepticism: Elon Town Council approved a tax amendment allowing small elementary schools in existing downtown buildings, aimed at converting Trollinger House. The council approved a purchase and a public nuisance ordinance — get all the details.

Pathways to high-demand careers: In February, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt visited Alamance Community College to highlight workforce training, touring biotech, industrial systems, and automotive programs. The statewide Future-Ready tour will continue — read the full story.

Big multifamily sale insights: Colorado-based Grimley Capital bought Burlington’s 249-unit Retreat at the Park for $48 million, with the deal closing Jan. 21, highlighting growing investor interest near Joe C. Davidson Park and I-40/85 — get all the deal details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy Brick Church BBQ and chicken pie
• Rock to support Shay and Chris
• Seniors 55+ enjoy free movie morning
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Local art, right here: Burlington Artists League & Fine Arts Gallery is a co-op of member artists, featuring paintings, photography, pottery, woodturning, jewelry, and more. Perfect for a blank-wall fix, with hands-on classes and occasional competitions if inspiration strikes.

Backyard upgrade, unlocked: Southern Builders of Alamance designs and builds custom decks and pergolas that fit your life: morning coffee, weeknight dinners, lazy Sunday lounging. If your setup squeaks or feels cramped, their design-to-build process streamlines the refresh, turning unused corners into a space you’ll love every day.

Skip the beach drive: Crab & Catch keeps midweek seafood cravings happy with garlicky boils, crispy shrimp, and even hibachi for the friend who ‘doesn’t do fish.’ Takeout means a no-dishes night, and a quick stop between errands still feels like it’s sunny and 75.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍽 Taste of Upstate NY: Garbage Plates @ Rambling River Mercantile (Haw River) | Friday (3/13) at 4:00 PM – Craving Upstate comfort in Haw River? NY transplants are slinging a beer-battered haddock fry, plus Rochester Garbage Plates, actually good, built with burgers, dogs, or one of each, and two sides of home fries, mac salad, or baked beans. Pre-order, it disappears fast: https://forms.gle/g6TXEZKWFnwZiFqG8.

🍀 Downtown St. Paddy’s Bash @ Burlington Historic Depot | Friday (3/13) at 5:00 PM – Think you know how to celebrate without plastic beads? Downtown Burlington’s St. Paddy’s Bash brings food trucks, live performances, and music that pairs well with a stroll and a pint. Good vibes, actual neighbors, and zero pretense, just the fun kind of green.

🎭 Annie Jr. @ The Lamb’s Chapel | Friday (3/13) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats a classic musical done by our own kids, so GCA is bringing Annie Jr. to the stage with heart, hope, and earworms. Bring the family, cheer loudly, and let Sandy steal your heart. Tickets are on sale, sponsorships and set help welcome.

🏍 Burlington Bike Weekend @ Down Home Harley-Davidson | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Feel like some throttle therapy without leaving town? Down Home H-D is throwing a two-day Bike Weekend with vendors, live music, contests, and food trucks, plus a sea of new and pre-owned Harleys to ogle. Free to wander, family friendly, earplugs optional.

🧠 Mindful Eating: Mood & Brain Health @ Envision Psychiatric & Wellness | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Whether dinner is a balanced plate or a pantry rendezvous, this mindful eating class gets your brain, mood, and fork on speaking terms. Slow down, spot hunger and fullness, and make saner choices, all for $5, thanks to Dr. Kapur. Register: https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/7509/events/8488442

📦 Declutter Donation Event @ Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County ReStore | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – If your garage is auditioning for a reality show, bring those gently used furnishings, decor, and tools to the ReStore’s declutter donation event. Drop off the goods, grab free food from Grace Church, and feel smug knowing you’re backing Habitat’s local housing work, not landfill.

🐰 Easter Bunny @ Holly Hill Mall | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – The Easter Bunny is holding court at Holly Hill Mall, ready for that classic photo you’ll trot out at graduations, reunions, and mildly awkward dinners. Bribe the kids with a pretzel, fix your hair in a shop window, and let someone else wrangle the ears.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Downtown St. Paddy’s Bash @ Burlington Historic Depot – 5:00 PM
• 3/13 Annie Jr. @ The Lamb’s Chapel – 6:00 PM
• 3/13 Open Mic Night @ Persnickety Books – 6:00 PM
• 3/13 Karaoke Night @ Lashay’s Sidetrack Allie – 8:00 PM
• 3/14 Big Bump & The Stun Gunz @ Down Home Harley-Davidson – 11:00 AM
• 3/14 Shamrock Saturday @ The Verdict on the square (Graham) – 2:00 PM
• 3/14 Bob Bedell and John Gillespie @ Sursy – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Burlington report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 59°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 59. South wind 2 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. Southwest wind 3 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 68°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. West wind around 3 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 44.

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Centered on a storage-packed kitchen with an oversized island, optional chef’s package, and easy flow to a great room with a gas log fireplace, this home balances style and utility. A main-floor office and formal rooms add versatility. Upstairs, a primary suite with two walk-ins and a private sitting area, three more bedrooms, laundry, and a loft or fifth bedroom.

Take a peek inside →

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