Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Expansive outdoor destination revealed: Kingsport cut the ribbon on the new BlueCross Healthy Place at Riverwalk Park, a 5.6-acre Holston River site with recreation and cultural features funded by the BlueCross Foundation -- read about features and funding.

City urges motorists to reroute: Lane closures along South Greenwood Drive in Johnson City could last up to 10 days, with milling and paving from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Drivers may face delays -- get all the closure details.

Retail development proposal details: Aldi is proposed off Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, a 20,000-square-foot store with TIF requested. If approved, construction would take seven months and add 12 to 18 jobs -- learn about costs and timeline.

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 $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Climb off the couch: Appalachian Bouldering Center is climber owned, Bristol’s very own bouldering gym and a legit community hangout, with fresh problems set regularly and a friendly league to nudge progress. Perfect for swapping screen time for chalky hands, stronger fingers, and some local stoke.

Two-course putt escape: Paradise Acres packs 36 holes: a breezy tropical layout with a waterfall cave, and a sheltered mountain course circling a koi pond. When the sun dips, it glows... a low-key reset where errands give way to friendly smack-talk.

Greens worth chasing: Pine Oaks Golf Club nails that laid-back muni vibe with a legit test, quick greens, roomy fairways, and a range to sharpen the swing. Bring a buddy, and let the mountain views calm whatever chaos your driver is plotting.

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 →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🌸 Pressed Flower Resin Pendant Making @ Sullivan Gardens Branch Library (Kingsport) | Tuesday (4/28) at 5:30 PM – Swap doomscrolling for a calm hour at the Sullivan Gardens branch library, making pressed-flower resin pendants that look boutique-worthy and giftable. Materials are provided, bring your own blossoms if you are fancy. Grown-ups only, registration required, and patience rewarded.

🥕 Opening day of State Street Farmers Market @ State Street Farmer's Market (Bristol) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Ready to pretend your pantry is seasonal again? State Street Farmers Market opens for the season with sourdough that crackles, cookies and hand pies that vanish fast, and all the local goodness you swear you’ll cook with, then mostly snack on, happily.

🍎 Peppermint Farm Craft Fair and Farmer's Market @ Peppermint Farm (Johnson City) | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Peppermint Farm is rolling out a craft fair and farmer’s market with local artisans, produce, baked goods, and food trucks, plus space for the kids. Wander, sample, and buy "just one more thing," then call it supporting Boones Creek, your sanity, and your weekend plans.

🌼 Annual Flower Sale @ The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County (Bristol) | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – Spring on Volunteer Parkway means Animal Shelter of Sullivan County’s flower and veggie sale is back. Grab blooms and veggies at 1200 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol, upgrade the porch, feel smug, every flat helps dogs and cats. Your planters, and your conscience, will thank you.

🍽 Tasting Block Party @ Taste Buds (Johnson City) | Saturday (5/2) at 11:00 AM – TasteBuds is turning the block into a bite-sized buffet, with mini burgers, chicken tenders, fried flounder, and ice cream tastings, so seconds count as research. Bring your crew, let the kids conquer the bounce houses, and enjoy actual conversation between samples.

💬 Free Comic Book Day @ Kingsport Public Library | Saturday (5/2) at 12:00 PM – Swing by the Kingsport Public Library for Free Comic Book Day, and embrace your inner nerd, no spandex required. Browse graphic novels, manga, programs, and gaming resources, trade comics, play a few games, then crank out a custom button like it's shop class for superheroes.

🏇 Kentucky Derby Fundraiser @ Paramount (Bristol) | Saturday (5/2) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to wear an outrageous hat, sip a mint julep, and call it community service, consider this the signal. A Kentucky Derby fundraiser with screens, friendly wagers for a cause, and bragging rights for best dressed. Giddy-up, generosity.

This four-level, 12,417 sq ft estate on 1.5 acres pairs mountain views with gated Reserve at Leonard Farms living, including a 15x40 saltwater pool and pickleball court. An elevator links a chef’s Wolf/Sub-Zero kitchen, theater, wine cellar, and a 2,200 sq ft primary suite with terrace and spa bath. Seven climate-controlled garages with RV hookup and geothermal systems add ease.