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Hello Leland! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Free concert series, a splash pad playdate, and the Oak Ridge Boys + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Leland help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Summer nights in Leland: Leland’s free Live in Leland concert series is underway at Founders Park with live music, food trucks, a beer garden and yard games. Parking and weather updates will be posted -- get the full event details.
Transportation funding decisions ahead: WMPO is taking public comments through 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 12 on allocating 1,600 local input points shaping NCDOT funding for 2028–2037 regional road and transit projects -- see how to weigh in.
Expanding service network: American Tire Distributors opened a Wilmington distribution center built for tires, with greater SKU capacity than its previous site. The launch supports ATD’s Network 2.0 to improve availability and service -- see the new distribution center.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking 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, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Beat the heat, Leland: Northside Splash Pad is managed by NSEA Swim alongside the Earl Jackson Pool, so you get an easy, no-fuss spot for the kids to run wild while you catch a breather. Recreational swim is encouraged, and NSEA Swim even offers lessons if you want to level up those water skills.
Treat yourself right: Milly's Ice Cream is your local scoop shop for fresh, irresistible flavors, from classic sundaes to creative treats, plus legit dairy-free options for the lactose-averse. Swing by this week for pure #sweetmoments and the kind of cone that makes errands feel like a victory lap.
Southern cravings, sorted: Quick hop across the river for crispy fried chicken, cheesy grits, and banana pudding, because Rooster & The Crow brings the comfort with a side of fun. Hit the Beer Garden, sip unique cocktails at Cryptid Den, then tap into Fowl Play Arcade for bragging rights and bonus nostalgia.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
💦 Weekly Thursday Splash Pad Playdate @ Long Leaf Park Splash Pad (Wilmington) | Thursday (8/6) at 10:30 AM – If you need a reason to lace up before the kids unleash chaos, head to Long Leaf Park for the Thursday splash pad playdate. Stroller Strides at 9:30, splash pad at 10:30, then sunscreen, squeals, and glow of cardio before coffee. Runs May through September.
🎪 Wilmington Summer Market & Festival @ Riverfront Park | Friday (8/7) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’re shopping for something handmade, grazing like a pro, or just chasing a good guitar riff, Wilmington’s summer market and festival hits the spot. Expect local makers, tasty eats, and live tunes, plus prime people-watching, zero pretense, and a pleasantly smug hometown glow.
🎶 The Oak Ridge Boys @ Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington) | Friday (8/7) at 7:30 PM – The Oak Ridge Boys are rolling into the Wilson Center with their Celebrating Route 66 tour, delivering unmistakable four-part harmonies that never go out of style. Expect hits you know, sharp suits, and wholesome fun even your teenager will tolerate. Elvira sing-alongs strongly implied.
🧺 Riverfront Farmers Market @ Riverfront Farmers Market (Wilmington) | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – If your fridge looks like a bachelor pad, Dock Street fixes it with Wilmington’s 23-year Saturday ritual of farm-fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, and dangerously good bread. Add small-batch coffee, honey, and artisan goods, then stroll the river with a leashed pup, and yes, it’s free.
🧘 Back-to-School Wellness Fair @ Holy Cross Episcopal Church of Myrtle Grove (Wilmington) | Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 AM – Back-to-school chaos pairs nicely with a tune-up at Holy Cross, a wellness fair that actually helps. Get car seats checked, brush up on fire safety and anti-bullying, snag free vision and no-cost adult health screenings, then let the Cub Scouts charm kids, rain or shine.
🖼 Cape Fear ArtXchange Sunday Art Market @ Cape Fear ArtXchange (Wilmington) | Sunday (8/9) at 12:00 PM – Looking for a Sunday ritual that is not grocery runs and laundry roulette? Swing by the pavilion behind the shop every Sunday for Cape Fear ArtXchange’s market, featuring locals peddling handmade, vintage, and upcycled treasures, real conversations, and the satisfaction of buying from neighbors.
🎮 Pokémon League @ Cape Fear Games (Wilmington) | Sunday (8/9) at 3:00 PM – Sunday afternoons mean Pokémon League, where age divisions keep it fair and that deck you secretly baby gets real reps in Standard, Swiss, best of one. Eight bucks in, POP pack just for playing, store credit per win, and go undefeated for a fresh pack.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Leland report Weather forecastToday — High: 88°F — Low: 75°F — Precip: 63%
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 90°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 34%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 2 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 76. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. This house is wildThis 2017 Fogelman-built homestead on Cape Fear National Drive blends golf course views, thoughtful upgrades, and polished craftsmanship. North-facing light fills the open interior, where tray ceilings, pocket doors, and a granite kitchen set the tone. A screened patio, fenced yard, oversized climate-controlled garage, built-in audio, and bonus suite add comfort and flexibility.
Take a peek inside → |
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