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Hi Manchester, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: 10 hole-in-the-wall favorites, Bill “Spaceman” Lee luncheon, and a post-Labor Day school start debate + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Small spaces, big flavors: Looking for low-key eats close to home? A recent roundup names 10 New Hampshire hole-in-the-wall favorites, including Manchester’s Red Arrow Diner and Sugar Hill’s beloved Polly’s Pancake Parlor — see the 10 hidden gems.

A pathway to prosperity: Nashua’s Barbering For Tomorrow helps students start with a 150 hour pre apprenticeship, then earn while training, often boosting first year pay by nearly 50 percent and lifting lifetime earnings — learn how the model works.

Debate over school calendars: New Hampshire lawmakers are weighing a bill to start school after Labor Day, with business backing and concerns about local control. If approved, districts including Manchester would change in 2027 — see arguments on both sides.

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.

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:

• See art bloom at the Currier
• Flutist Matthew Lee headlines masterclass and concert
• Discover how murals revive old towns
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

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 Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Serious smash-burger fix: BAD BRGR turns the humble burger into a crispy-edged, juice-dripping situation worth a midweek detour. Keep it classic or pile on add-ons, then pair with salty shoestring fries and a thick shake for an instant morale boost during New Hampshire’s long winter.

Skate night, sorted: From throwback playlists to glow-skate vibes and kid-tiring family rolls, Remix Roller Skating & Event Center keeps the rink buzzing with themed sessions and included rentals. Shoes become wheels, laughter echoes, and even midweek starts to feel like Friday, thanks to a floor that never stops humming.

Need an art reset? Currier Museum of Art offers calm galleries, sharp exhibitions, and just enough spark to pull you out of autopilot. When the week gets loud, it’s a quiet spot for a slow look. You might leave lighter, and maybe a little curious again.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Manchester for grown ups

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.

👶 Dine to Donate: Manchester Diaper Pantry @ Red Robin | Thursday (3/5) at 11:00 AM – Dinner at Red Robin in the Mall of New Hampshire does some good. Mention you’re there for Manchester Diaper Pantry, and 20% of your tab goes to keep little locals stocked in diapers, while you handle the bottomless fries, the conversation, and a guilt-free burger.

🎸 Another Tequila Sunrise @ The Palace Theatre | Thursday (3/5) at 7:30 PM – This tribute nails the Eagles so well you’ll swear you double parked the El Camino. Another Tequila Sunrise delivers the peaceful, easy feeling with harmonies and guitar work dialed in, from Desperado to Life in the Fast Lane, no Ticketmaster drama, just sing-alongs.

🧶 DIY Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop @ Harpoon Brewery | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Harpoon’s Queen City taproom is going cozy with a no-needles workshop where you hand knit a chunky throw while sipping something cold. Pick your yarn amount, finish a project in one sitting, and bring a tote. Come solo or with crew, ages 12 and up.

☘ 1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party @ Murphy’s Taproom | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – St. Paddy’s cheer without the pub crawl at Murphy’s Taproom in Bedford. Live Irish music, Heavey Quinn dancers, a kid-friendly dance floor, and included apps for you, plus a cash bar and games. Tickets required, babies are free.

🎤 Speaker Series Luncheon @ Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester Union Street Clubhouse | Wednesday (3/11) at 12:00 PM – Speaker Series Luncheon is serving up Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Sox Hall of Famer and storyteller, with tales from the ’75 run to his Savannah Bananas cameo, yes, at 78. Grab a seat, or go VIP for pre-lunch meet and greet, and soak in baseball lore.

🌸 Bloom: A Floral Palette @ Currier Museum of Art | Thursday (3/12) at 10:00 AM – Ready to trade road salt for ranunculus? The Currier is blooming with 18 art-inspired arrangements, designer-led tours, hands-on making for all ages, and a Bloom Bash that finally justifies your loudest floral shirt. Grab a weekend pass, an evening ticket, or a bundle.

🍀 Sea Glass Shamrock Gnome @ Green Envy | Thursday (3/12) at 6:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade from plastic leprechauns, consider this it. In a guided workshop, you’ll craft a sea glass gnome with a layered green hat, a gray beard, and a lucky shamrock, no experience required. Your mantel will thank you.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 Eddie Sands @ Fratello’s Restaurant – 5:30 PM
• 3/5 Developing Characters in Improv @ Unitarian Universalist Church of Manchester – 6:30 PM
• 3/6 Doug Mitchell @ Harpoon at Queen City Center – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Cabaret @ The Palace Theatres – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 Bad Move and more @ Bungalow Bar & Grill – 6:00 PM
• 3/7 Out the Vault @ SoHo Bistro & Lounge – 7:00 PM
• 3/8 Brunch & Beats @ The Derryfield Restaurant – 11:00 AM

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
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Manchester report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 45°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 26%

Mostly cloudy. High near 45, with temperatures falling to around 35 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Snow likely before 8pm, then rain and snow likely between 8pm and 11pm, then snow and sleet. Cloudy, with a low around 28. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Little or no ice accumulation expected.

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Tomorrow – High: 37°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 77%

Snow before 7am, then snow and sleet between 7am and noon, then a chance of rain and snow between noon and 1pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 1pm and 5pm, then a slight chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 37. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Little or no ice accumulation expected. Later: A slight chance of rain and snow before 7pm. Cloudy, with a low around 29.

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

This meticulously updated 3-bedroom ranch shines with a fully gutted kitchen and bath, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, central air, and stainless appliances. Energy-smart upgrades include new windows and doors, a tankless water heater, and a new walkway. A partially finished basement adds storage, and irrigation with fresh landscaping boosts curb appeal. Close to highways, Derryfield Country Club, and downtown Manchester.

Take a peek inside →