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Hey York County, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Community development grants, music bingo, and the pack experience + 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.
Funding for local upgrades: S.C. Commerce distributed $7,710,772 in Community Development Block Grants to eight communities, benefiting 8,299 residents statewide. Local governments must cover at least 10% to launch public improvement projects -- see the grant breakdown.
Charming streets and local treasures: From Beaufort’s antebellum walking tour to Camden’s antique storefronts and Georgetown’s riverfront boutiques, seven South Carolina towns showcase picture-perfect main streets, plus Bluffton’s art district and Abbeville’s 1908 Opera House -- explore the full list.
Tourism powers the economy: Charleston led South Carolina’s record tourism surge as domestic visitors spent $29.2 billion. The boom fueled tax revenue supporting services across all 46 counties, with ripple effects reaching York County -- read the full story.
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.
Make waves this week: SouthTown Wake Park keeps summer interesting with cable wakeboarding that’s friendly for first-timers and spicy enough for seasoned riders, plus an Aqua Park for all the splashy chaos. Grab a buddy, try a few laps, then kick back lakeside and call it cross-training for real life.
Local spa day upgrade: Pure Escape Resort, Inc. delivers results-driven facials, peels, waxing, makeup, and custom massages with full hands-on time, using high-quality pro brands, all in a calm, private retreat. Family owned for 17 years in Rock Hill, they tailor every service to you, so this week actually feels like yours.
Clear the music closet: Got a dusty guitar or an amp you swore you'd learn on? The Local Pickup in Rock Hill makes it easy to consign your instruments and browse a constantly changing mix of used guitars, amps, drums, keys, and pro audio... they test, clean, list, ship, and send you the money.
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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.
🎶 Music Bingo @ Velvet Coupe Wine Bar (Fort Mill) | Wednesday (8/5) at 6:30 PM – Swap trivia night for Music Bingo, where your 80s and 90s playlist finally pays rent. It is free to play, with prizes, bragging rights, and the joy of recognizing three notes before the kids at the next table do. Low effort, high satisfaction.
🌿 Fresh Air Hour @ Anne Springs Close Greenway - Lake Haigler (Fort Mill) | Thursday (8/6) at 5:30 PM – Fresh Air Hour is opening the Greenway for free exploring at the Lake Haigler Entrance on the first Thursday each month. Skip I-77 drama, choose pines, quiet water, and actual breathing. Free, low stakes, high quality evening reset.
🚗 First Friday Night Cruise In @ Yorkville Marketplace | Friday (8/7) at 5:30 PM – Think the glory days of chrome and carburetors are over? Every First Friday brings a rolling museum to York, with Monte Carlo Cruisers hosting all makes, live tunes, beer, wine, and grub. It’s free, family-friendly, and wonderfully nostalgic, without the awkward high school reunion.
🐺 The Pack Experience @ York Technical College (Rock Hill) | Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 PM – Skip stuffy brochures and hit York Tech’s Pack Experience, a free, family-friendly festival where an open house does not feel like homework. Test drive programs with hands-on demos, meet faculty, chat admissions, and treat yourself to food trucks, music, and activities for all ages.
✍ Afternoon of Poetry & Prose @ Bakhita Arts (Rock Hill) | Sunday (8/9) at 2:00 PM – Afternoons are made for poetry, prose, and a cookie or two, and this one delivers. Rev. Mary Lautzenhiser Bellon, Ph.D., reads from Awakened Geographies, then your inner English major gets fresh air with an open reading, refreshments, book browsing, and neighborly chatter. Free, donations welcome.
🐔 Henny and Chicken Day Party @ Cru Charlotte | Monday (8/10) at 10:00 AM – A Sunday day party in Charlotte slinging crispy wings, Henny, and good vibes, plus $5 wing baskets, $7 drinks, and $10 hookah. Grown folks’ Sunday Funday, with music you recognize, seats you can claim, and a bedtime your Monday appreciates.
🐾 "Starting Lineup" Adoption Event @ Zoom Room Fort Mill | Sunday (8/30) at 1:30 PM – Zoom Room Fort Mill teams with the Humane Society of York County to kick off football season with a Starting Lineup of adoptable dogs, free to attend, big on charm, low on drama. A roster built for couch defense, snack management, and lifelong loyalty.
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 — York County report Weather forecastToday — High: 84°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 56%
A chance of rain showers between 10am and 11am, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 11am and 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 84. East northeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 87°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 65%
A chance of rain showers before 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. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South southeast wind 1 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 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%. This house is wildThis Lake Wylie waterfront retreat spreads across more than 4 private acres with over 400 feet of shoreline and sweeping lake views. A newly cleared lot and fresh landscaping add polish to the peaceful setting, while the dock makes boat rides and sunset hangs part of the daily routine. Privacy and natural beauty define it.
Take a peek inside → |
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