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Hey Springfield, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Mermaids at Wonders of Wildlife, 100 years of Route 66, and refill stores cutting plastic waste + lots of fun things to do for free.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Springfield 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

Changing how households buy basics: Springfield shoppers are embracing refill stores to cut plastic waste and stretch budgets, with The SOAP Refill Station letting customers bring containers and buy household essentials by the ounce — see why shoppers are switching.

Ties to Brown v. Board: Springfield’s Benton Avenue AME Church, built in 1922 and on the National Register, is getting new life as Drury University renovates it, with plans to reopen in 2026 — learn about its civil rights ties.

A road that shaped America: The State Historical Society of Missouri celebrates 100 years of Route 66 with exhibitions, speaker series, and a mobile exhibit set to visit communities statewide, rooted in Springfield’s 1926 telegram — get all the 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:

• Meet mermaids at Wonders of Wildlife
• Shop C-Street, earn stamps, win prizes
• Go green at Springfield’s Shamrock Shuffle
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Fresh pasta, zero fuss: When cravings hit, Bambinos Cafe delivers from-scratch pasta and sauces with a cozy, family-owned feel locals love. Two Springfield locations keep weeknights simple, and every bite tastes like someone fussed for hours… without leaving you a sink full of dishes.

Quick cold‑plunge reset: Whether your back’s acting up or your brain needs a hard reboot, Theta Wellness Center pairs a legit cold plunge with a toasty Finnish sauna, plus floats, massage, and red-light therapy. Shake off the week, reset your system, and feel human again with contrast, calm, and a little bliss.

Treasure-hunting, leveled up: Little Bluebird Vintage Boutique gathers 50+ local vendors blending vintage finds, handmade goods, and easy-to-wear pieces, so you can snag a quirky lamp, a retro tee, and a last-minute gift in one lap. Low-stress browsing, ideas that spark, and a friendly hunt for treasures… all under one charming roof.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Free events worth checking out

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.

🤝 Swapaplooza Community Sale & Swap Meet @ The Acacia Room | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Swapaplooza is taking over the new, bigger spot off Kansas Expressway for a one-day rummage spree with 90-plus vendors, free entry, and food trucks. Expect everything from new tools to geodes and vintage threads, so clear the trunk, bring small bills, and embrace buyer’s remorse.

🚶 WWAD @ The Meyer Center– The Gym | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Last lap at The Meyer Center, so come get your steps with a free health talk and community walk. No membership hoops, just bring your ID, and roll in with kids, strollers, and your best small talk pace to thank them for winter hospitality.

🔬 15th Annual Seuss Science Day @ Pat Jones YMCA | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Bring the kids or grandkids to Pat Jones Y for a free Seuss-style science romp with S.T.E.A.M. activities, story times, a Big Rig corral, and a birthday bash for Dr. Seuss. Cat in the Hat shows up, you score photos, laughs, and a breather.

♻ Spring Clean Up @ Keller Williams Local | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Swing by Keller Williams’ south lot in Springfield for a free community cleanup that finally tackles garage gremlins. Donate clothes and shoes to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, toss junk in dumpsters, and shred old documents on the spot. Bring paper, clothing, and trash, RSVP.

☕ Free Samples @ Ozarks Farm Stop | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Swing by for free pour over samples from Coffee Ethic, then sip while you shop like the seasoned local you are. A mellow caffeine boost for cruising the aisles, catching up with neighbors, and remembering what coffee tastes like without syrups.

🥚 The Great C-Street Easter Egg Hunt @ That Lebanese Place | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Ready for cardio that ends in baklava? Every Saturday in March, C-Street hides eggs in shops and along the street; find one, redeem it at That Lebanese Place for goodies, and you could win an Easter feast for six, with the golden egg counting double.

🚗 Sunday Cruise-In @ Hardee’s | Sunday (3/8) at 12:00 PM – Roll into Hardee’s for a family friendly Sunday cruise-in where every make, model, and year gets a spot. Not a club gig, and no, The Left Overs aren’t running it, William Price is. Chrome, coffee, and friendly bench racing, courtesy of our biscuit HQ.

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.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Springfield report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 78°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 54%

A slight chance of rain showers between 8am and 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and 2pm. Partly sunny. High near 78, with temperatures falling to around 75 in the afternoon. South wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers before midnight, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 70°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 87%

Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 70. South wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

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 outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Set on 10 wooded acres in the Glendale School District, this retreat blends seclusion with Highway 65 access. The main level offers 3 beds, 3 baths, a powder room, and a heated and cooled sunroom overlooking wildlife-rich woods. A walk-out basement adds a second fireplace, full kitchen, flexible space. A 1,900 sq ft outbuilding with attic storage adds versatility.

Take a peek inside →