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

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Costly heating mistakes, a new push for Europe flights, and UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Costly heating mistakes revealed: In Hampton Roads, expert Art Mowry warns hidden ductwork and insulation problems can quietly raise energy bills. Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare provides no-cost services for enrolled customers — see what’s driving higher bills.

Regional group de-risks new routes: After an initial delay, Hampton Roads leaders formed a coalition to attract flights between Norfolk International and Europe, pooling business, grant, and community funds. They will court airlines this month — read the full story.

Fresh roles for local actors: A recent roundup spotlights top paid casting calls near Norfolk, including a psychological thriller, a superhero comedy, a My Fair Lady production, and a Little Caesars campaign — get details on roles and pay.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you (or someone you care about) to clean up all that up – learn more here.

Highlights this week:

• Taste wines with Stefano Occhetti
• Shop the Clothes Galore community sale
• Explore 100+ tables of sports cards
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Plant-based comfort, unlocked: Skip the sad desk salad. Jikoni Cafe, an all-vegan Norfolk staple inside House of Consciousness, serves Jikoni Kush-loaded burritos, pizzas, and silky shakes. Comforting, bold, and plant-powered, it hits the spot on nights you want cozy without compromise.

Weekend treasure therapy: If your shelves crave personality, Ghent Antiques keeps the good stuff rotating, from mid-century furniture and art to vintage jewelry you might even call practical. Stroll the Ghent aisles, trade stories with Dan, and let the right piece claim a well-earned spot at home this week.

Save your morning minutes: Brow pencil ghosting you? Karina Michéle Permanent Cosmetics delivers powder brows, shaded eyeliner, and lip blush with a natural, I-woke-up-like-this glow. A meticulous, friendly Ghent team, they streamline your routine so the 6 a.m. mirror shuffle becomes optional, not daily.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 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.

⚓ Tour of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum @ Nauticus | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been looking for an excuse to learn your dreadnoughts from your destroyers, take the free, guided tour of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum at Nauticus with a pro historian. Expect stories, zero fluff, and bragging rights. RSVP to Karen Owen at [email protected].

🍀 Garden Artists: Shamrock Plates @ Norfolk Botanical Garden | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – St. Paddy’s spirit meets craft time at NBG, where you and the kids paint two 7-inch shamrock plates, then roam the gardens on the same ticket. Recommended for ages 3+, with adult backup. Everyone needs their own ticket, yes, even you, the “helper.”

🧺 Crumbs and Creators Cottage Market @ Natural Roots Boutique | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Skip the big-box craft chaos and pop into this cottagecore pop-up that feels like your favorite Norfolk bungalow discovered a pastry obsession. Small-batch sweets, cozy drinks, indie art, ceramics, and candles, all curated, no junk bins. Wander, snack, pretend you live in a storybook.

🎭 2026 UNCF Hampton Roads Mayors’ Masked Ball @ Hilton Norfolk THE MAIN | Saturday (3/7) at 5:30 PM – Break out the tux, the comfortable heels, and a mask you can actually breathe in. The UNCF Mayors’ Masked Ball is Hampton Roads playing dress-up for HBCU dreams, with gourmet bites, red carpet photos, a paddle raise, and auctions that make generosity feel glamorous.

🍴 Taste of the Town @ Ohef Sholom Temple | Saturday (3/7) at 6:00 PM – Craving summer without leaving Ghent? This island-themed Taste of the Town at Ohef Sholom Temple, newly rescheduled after the weather’s mood swing, serves up bites, rum punch, Orange Crush, beer, seltzers, and wine, plus 2024 Master Chef Derek Green’s live demo and a tempting raffle.

🥾 Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve Hike @ Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve | Sunday (3/8) at 10:15 AM – Trade the treadmill for Hoffler Creek’s boardwalks, wetlands, and a 3 to 6 mile moderate hike with bird-spotting. No pets, no running, no bikes, just coastal calm, so bring water, bug spray, and binoculars, and call it a workout that doesn’t involve merging on 264.

🎻 ODU Symphony Orchestra @ University Theatre | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – Think you know your American classics? ODU’s Symphony serves up American Perspectives at University Theatre, with standout young artist competition winners, Dr. Adam Muller on sax, and the kind of goosebump moments you can’t stream, only savor, preferably after parking without drama.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 After Work Happy Hour @ Lisa’s Restaurant and Lounge – 5:00 PM
• 3/6 Shamrockin’ in Ghent @ Colley Ave. – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Dexter and The Moonrocks @ The NorVA – 8:00 PM
• 3/7 Hank’s 8th Birthday Party @ Hank’s Filling Station – 12:00 PM
• 3/7 HR Pride 2026 Brew Tour Kickoff @ Maker’s Craft Brewery – 4:00 PM
• 3/8 Sunday Funday Tunes & Tees @ Just Birdies Sports Bar & Simulators – 12:00 PM
• 3/8 ODU Symphony Orchestra @ University Theatre – 3:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Norfolk report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 73°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 14%

Partly sunny. High near 73, with temperatures falling to around 61 in the afternoon. West wind around 8 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers between 7pm and 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. East wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 61°F – Precip: 9%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 3 to 13 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 61. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Something in your house is about to break 🏠

It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major system and appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’re staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast.

It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

Set in Ocean View, this 4-bed Norfolk home blends coastal ease with flexibility, offering two primary suites and an active short-term rental permit secured for five years. Granite and stainless anchor a stylish kitchen, while new first-floor flooring refreshes the open living area. Balconies on each level invite sea breezes, and a second-floor laundry adds ease. Furniture can be purchased.

Take a peek inside →