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Hey Union County, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Chocolate painting, a free wine tasting, and a back-to-school basketball clinic + lots of fun things to do for free.
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.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A refreshed shopping destination: Arhaus relocated its Charlotte showroom to The Village at SouthPark, opening July 31, 2026 at 4320 Sharon Road. It will contribute $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region -- see the showroom move.
Community support for students: Two Charlotte groups, Lion Nation Pro-Am and SneakersUDDSCLT, hosted a back-to-school basketball clinic at INSZN Athletics that gave free haircuts, supplies, backpacks, and donated shoes. Charlotte-Mecklenburg students return August 25 -- see the clinic highlights.
Culture close to home: Locals love four Charlotte museums, from the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown to Mint Randolph’s 1936-rooted art trove, all easy day trips for Union County families seeking close-to-home culture -- read the full guide.
The bill all retirees 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 $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my 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.*
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*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf 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.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Upgrade your hair game: If your ends are thin or you’re craving volume that actually blends, Liv'd in Beauty focuses on sew-in weft extensions with clean installs, smart maintenance move-ups, and zero guesswork consults. Swing by this week for low-drama, high-impact hair that keeps you looking put-together for school runs and weekend plans.
Sneak in some serenity: When you need an easy breather this week, Crossing Paths Park is the low-stress green pocket in Indian Trail. Stretch your legs, let the kids burn energy, and if you’re planning a small get-together, you can even reserve space so it stays fuss-free.
Paint with chocolate: Cartwill's Delight turns the classic sip and paint into a sweet-tooth fever dream, where you brush edible paint on white chocolate canvases, build 3D chocolate art, and decorate marshmallow critters. Roll in this week with friends, kids, or your team, then predictably eat your masterpiece on the ride home.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
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 slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
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 Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎆 National Night Out @ Chestnut Square Park (Indian Trail) | Tuesday (8/4) at 6:00 PM – Grab a lawn chair and your friendliest wave for National Night Out, a low-key evening of games, safety demos, and neighborly catch-ups. Meet the folks in uniform without the flashing lights, trade tips, and remember who actually lives three doors down.
🤝 Open Visitor Networking @ Millbridge Clubhouse (Waxhaw) | Wednesday (8/5) at 8:45 AM – Wednesday mornings at the Millbridge Clubhouse mean handshakes, coffee, and actual leads, not awkward small talk. BNI Success Builders hosts an open visitor session where Waxhaw pros trade referrals and advice, first visit's free, then you’re back to work before the inbox riots.
🍷 Free Wine Tasting @ East Frank Superette & Kitchen (Monroe) | Thursday (8/6) at 6:00 PM – Thursday means a free wine tasting, your wallet’s favorite price, with Mel pouring and DJ SweeTee keeping it lively at East Frank. Sip through a few varietals, swap tasting notes without the snobbery, and snag food specials. Grown-up fun, home by a reasonable hour.
🥕 Waxhaw Farmers Market @ Waxhaw Farmers Market | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – Swing by the Waxhaw Farmers Market for farm fresh produce, natural meats and eggs, artisan foods, and specialty treats worth the tote. Chat with the growers, skip the kale sermon, and leave with bread for the car ride, and tomatoes that taste like tomatoes.
🚗 Waxhaw Coffee Cruisers Car Meet @ Harris Teeter | Sunday (8/9) at 7:30 AM – Whether you baby a classic or just show up for free donuts, this monthly Waxhaw coffee-and-cars hang pulls in every make and model, plus a free raffle, vendors, and special guests. Low-key, free, and friendly, it even fuels a local cause, caffeine included.
🍷 FREE Wine Tasting @ East Frank Superette & Kitchen (Monroe) | Thursday (8/13) at 6:00 PM – Whether you can tell cassis from “that red one” or just like free things, East Frank’s Thursday free wine tasting delivers. Mel pours while DJ SweeTee spins, you’ll sample a variety, swap flavor notes with actual adults, and snag food specials, because dinner happens.
🎶 Music on Main @ Dowd Center Theatre (Monroe) | Friday (8/28) at 6:30 PM – Free live music is back in downtown Monroe, now inside at the Dowd Center Theatre, which means AC, real seats, and zero storm roulette. From Motown and beach vibes to R&B, Buffett tributes, 80s anthems, and yacht rock, you probably know the words.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Union County report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 60%
A chance of rain showers between 9am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2pm and 3pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 3pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East northeast wind 1 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East southeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 86°F — Low: 71°F — Precip: 67%
A chance of rain showers before 11am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. South southeast wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1am and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%. This house is wildThis custom-built 1.06-acre retreat in Rolling Hills Country Club Estates pairs timeless style with serious wow factor. Brazilian Cherry floors, 10-foot ceilings, custom millwork, and two fireplace-warmed gathering rooms set the tone, while the Viking kitchen, main-level primary suite, screened porch, and whole-house generator deliver polished comfort with everyday ease.
Take a peek inside → |
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