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After spending eight years and $375 million to transform an abandoned power plant into an eclectic entertainment district on Savannah’s River Street, Richard C. Kessler was eager to learn how his project would be received.
The answer came emphatically from a young mother and her daughter, gleefully enjoying a colorful children’s play fountain that sent bursts of water more than 10 feet into the air.
A delighted Kessler asked the smiling mom for her opinion.
“It’s the fourth day we’ve come here,” Kessler recalls her saying. “When my daughter wakes up, she says she wants to go to the fountain again.”
For Kessler, that was the endorsement he’d hoped for in creating the Plant Riverside District on Savannah’s riverfront.
“I wanted to give back to my hometown,” said Savannah-born Kessler, 74. “I wanted to see people enjoying themselves.”
Walk along the still-evolving Plant Riverside District and there’s plenty of evidence that visitors — young and old — are enjoying the 4.5-acre wonderland.
And why not? There’s nothing quite like it. Opened last July, the District is an eye-popping mix of unique restaurants, themed bars, an art gallery, music, spectacular rooftop views, hundreds of upscale hotel rooms and a Riverwalk with shopping, food, children’s activities and a park honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
There are massive geodes and oversized gemstones from Brazil to Morocco, artifacts from Africa, a pre-historic tortoise shell, pizza ovens from Italy, educational video displays, an immense copper nugget, an Ice Age bear, Mammoth tusks from Russia and meteorites from who knows where.
Rising above the lobby of the inviting JW Marriott Hotel is a gleaming, 135-foot chrome-dipped replica of one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered.
It’s all presented in an artful blend of contemporary technology and reclaimed brick and wood from the city’s first power plant, a landmark hulk built in 1912 and decommissioned in 2005. Visitors from South Carolina’s Lowcountry arriving via the Talmadge Memorial Bridge will spot the west end District beneath the plant’s stillstanding, black-tipped, twin stacks.
The District is the handiwork of Kessler, whose passion and painstaking oversight guided the ambitious project.
Many of the one-of-a-kind displays were selected by the worldtraveled Kessler. Some were taken from his own collection (“I began collecting rocks at age 5,” he says.)
“You see all this, and it makes you think and wonder what it takes to do something like this,” said Joel Gonzalez, general manager of the District’s JW Marriott.
What it takes, Kessler can attest, is a dedication to tackling big, detail-oriented projects and businesses.
A former chairman of Days Inn of America, the Georgia Tech graduate spent decades as an entrepreneur and developer of luxury hotels. His Kessler Collection Hotels has included boutique properties in lush getaways in Florida, North Carolina, Alabama and Colorado.
The Plant Riverside District offers more than a dozen diverse restaurants and lounges, including an African-savanna-inspired cocktail lounge, a Sushi restaurant and a German-style biergarten.
More is in store. This spring and summer, the District intends to open a Mexican restaurant and a third hotel — the Atlantic — increasing the number of rooms in the District to nearly 420.
The District also promises a concert venue to attract nationally known acts.
Kessler said he intends the district as a multi-faceted destination for tourists and locals to visit and return, again and again.
Monthly asked Richard C. Kessler to pick five “must see” vantage points in the Plant Riverside District. HE CITED:
MAIN LOBBY OF JW MARRIOTT Guests entering through massive, restored wooden doors are greeted by splashes of color, sparkling glass and lighting, and – above – the giant dinosaur replica. “You can draw a 10foot circle in the lobby, and that’s about where most people stop to take it all in,” Kessler said. “They look up and say, ‘What is this place?’”
MLK PARK A riverfront greenspace between the JW Marriott and the Atlantic Hotel already offers an up-close view of the river and the passing parade of giant, ocean-going vessels. As the hotel is completed, the park will double in size.
RIVERWALK The District’s 1,100-foot walk along the river provides one of the best views in all of Savannah, Kessler said. The multicolor lights after sundown also provide an experience that is, well, as different as night and day. ELECTRIC MOON Atop the Power Plant Building is the Electric Moon Skytop Lounge, offering river views, signature cocktails and a nighttime vibe for adults. “It’s a place for people 25 to 85 to have a good time,” Kessler said. THREE MUSES: MYRTLE & ROSE ROOFTOP GARDEN The rooftop garden above the luxurious Three Muses hotel features fig trees, lemon trees and a contemplative, romantic setting. “It’s a place to take someone dear to you and totally relax,” Kessler said.
25TH ANNUAL
GULLAH CELEBRATION
Feb. 1-28
FUN
EVENTS FOR EVERYONE!
CALENDAR
FEB. 1-28
25TH ANNUAL GULLAH CELEBRATION:
A celebration of Gullah art, food, music and people. This year’s events include the Arts Ob We People Art Exhibition and Sale, A Taste of Gullah, Soul Food and Friends Cooking Series, Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast and Freedom Day. Event dates, times, locations and ticket prices vary. gullahcelebration.com.
FEB. 2
VIRTUAL LECTURE: “FACE JUGS OF THE
SOUTH”: A lecture by Dr. John Burrison on face jugs at the Museum of International Folk Art, followed by a discussion on how face jugs fit into the South Carolina story. Free. 5 p.m. Pre-register to attend in-person or watch Live virtually on the Morris Center Facebook page @MorrisHeritageCenter. Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org. FEB. 2-28 NOISES OFF: A play-within-a-play about an ambitious director and his troupe of mediocre actors. $50 for adults, $37 for children. Times vary. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2787 or artshhi.com.
FEB. 5
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL: Join political entrepreneur Steven Olikara for a virtual presentation on how the rise of millennials and Gen Z will shape American Foreign Policy. Free for members, $10 for non-members. 10-11:30 a.m. Register online for Zoom link. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.
FEB. 5-6
JOE GRANSDEN AT THE JAZZ CORNER: With pianist and composer Kenny Banks. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com FEB. 6
COLIGNY SOUPERBOWL OF CARING: A fundraiser to benefit Second Helpings. This year’s event will feature a safe outdoor walking event with soup samples at each participating Coligny restaurant. Cost is $25. 1-4 p.m., Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6050 or colignyplaza.com.
FEB. 6
THE GREAT MASK-QUERADE: A DaddyDaughter dance hosted by the Island Rec Center. Light refreshments will be served. Poseidon will offer a 15% discount to dads and daughters for dinner downstairs after the event. Cost is $25 per dad and daughter, $10 per additional child. 4:30-6 p.m., 6:30-8 p.m., Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.
FEB. 6
VIRTUAL LECTURE: “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN”: A documentary screening and discussion of “The Other Side of the Coin: Race, Generations & Reconciliation.” Free. 1 p.m. Pre-register to attend in-person or watch live virtually on the Morris Center Facebook page @MorrisHeritageCenter. Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
FEB. 8
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL SPEAKER SERIES: Captain Chip Michalove will present “There’s (Great White) Sharks in our Waters,” at this month’s Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island’s virtual event. Free for members. 5 p.m. Register for Zoom link. wahhi.org.
FEB. 8
ORCHESTRA SERIES CONCERT 6: “THE BIRTH OF SWING”:
Live stream this SoundWaves concert series from the comfort of your own home. Featuring conductor John Morris Russell and members of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $25 each. 7:30 p.m. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org.
FEB. 9
EVENING SPEAKER SERIES: Dr. Colin Moseley, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, will present the benefits and shortcomings of Universal Health Care and healthcare in the United States. Cost is $10. 7-8:15 p.m. Register online for Zoom link. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.
FEB. 11-12
JUDE FRANCES TRUNK SHOW: Jude Frances Jewelry offers something for women of all ages, combining classic elegance with
HONEY HILL JUDE FRANCIS TRUNK SHOW
on-trend shapes and styles. View the new Spring Collection and enjoy a complimentary gift with your Jude Frances purchase. Please RSVP. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Forsythe Jewelers, The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 311, Hilton Head Island. 843-671-7070 or forsythejewelers.biz.
FEB. 11-14
MOUNTAINFILM ON TOUR: A virtual showcase of the culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring short documentary films curated from the annual Mountainfilm festival held in Telluride, Colorado. Presented by the Island Academy of Hilton Head. Cost is $20 for individual tickets, $35 for families of two to four people, $50 for groups of five or more. 843-342-9826 or hhiacademy.com.
FEB. 12-13
A CELEBRATION OF NAT KING COLE AT THE JAZZ
CORNER: Featuring The Martin Lesch Band and Reggie Deas. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.
FEB. 13
FAREWELL TO THE QUARTERDECK: Enjoy one last soiree before The Quarterdeck in Sea Pines undergoes major renovations. Featuring appetizers, cocktails and a sneak peek of plans for the new Quarterdeck restaurant and rooftop oyster bar. Tickets are $60. 5-8 p.m., The Quarterdeck, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1999 or quarterdeckhhi.com.
FEB. 16
VIRTUAL LECTURE: “HONEY HILL ARCHAEOLOGY”: Mike Yianopoulos will present details of the archaeological work done at Honey Hill Battle site. Free. 5 p.m. Pre-register to attend inperson or watch Live virtually on the Morris Center Facebook page @MorrisHeritageCenter. Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
FEB. 18
USCB LUNCH WITH AUTHOR: Emergency medicine doctor-turned novelist Kimmery Martin is the featured author for February’s luncheon. Cost is $45. Noon. Country Club of Hilton Head, 70 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-521-4145 or uscbcenterforthearts.com.
FEB. 18
WAHHI VIRTUAL AUTHOR SERIES: Susan Meissner, author of “The Nature of Fragile Things,” will be the featured speaker at this month’s Women’s Association of Hilton Head Island’s Author Series. Free for members. 5 p.m. Register for Zoom link. wahhi.org.
FEB. 19
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL: Ambassador Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, will virtually present what’s next for North Korea. Cost is free for members, $10 for non-members. 10-11:30 a.m. Register online for Zoom link. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org. FEB. 20
FOURTH ANNUAL ANTIQUES APPRAISAL AND
SILENT AUCTION: Join the Kiwanis Club of Bluffton for its annual fundraiser, featuring on-site authorized and registered appraisers and a silent auction. Support local children and fundraising for the various service projects that Kiwanis does in the local community. Appraisal cost is $10 per item appraised, $25 for three items. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Seaquins Ballroom, 1300 Fording Island Road, Bluffton. blufftonkiwanis.org.
FEB. 20-27
CHAMBER RESTAURANT WEEK: The Chamber’s 13th annual Restaurant Week features more than 70 Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants offering specially-priced menus for participants. Visit hiltonheadchamber. org for a list of participating restaurants.
FEB. 22
ORCHESTRA SERIES CONCERT 7: “HAYDN-FEST”: Live stream this SoundWaves concert series from the comfort of your own home. Featuring Conductor John Morris Russell, Cellist Raymond Tsai, and members of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $25 each. 7:30 p.m. 843-842-2055 or hhso.org.
FEB. 26
LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER ROAST: All-you-can-eat steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder and chili. Drinks sold separately. Admission is $50 for adults, $40 for ages 17 and under. 5-8 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or hiltonheadoysterfestival.com.
FEB. 26-27
THE JEREMY WOLF GROUP AT THE JAZZ CORNER: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.
FEB. 27
LOWCOUNTRY GLASS MOSAICS: Glass artist Pat Stone leads this four-hour workshop where attendees will create a luminous mosaic suncatcher. Learn how to safely cut glass, follow mosaic patterns and grout pieces. Cost is $50. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Morris Center, 10782 S. Jacob Smart Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
FEB. 27
SPRING OYSTER ROAST: Enjoy a toasty fire pit and buckets of fresh, local oysters. Featuring live music and waterfront family fun. Free entry. 4 p.m., The Salty Dog, South Beach, Hilton Head Island. 843-671-2233 or saltydog. com.Boulevard, Ridgeland. 843-284-9227 or morrisheritagecenter.org.
THROUGH FEB. 28
SAVOR SEA PINES: The Lowcountry’s newest epicurean festival brings some of the finest chefs in the world to Hilton Head Island for a month-long celebration of food, wine and spirits. Dates, times, locations and ticket prices vary. savorseapines.com.
THROUGH FEB. 28
TREASURES OF OUR COASTAL STATE: A juried and curated exhibit of art by the members of the South Carolina Chapter of the National Association of Women Artists. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays. Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
THROUGH MARCH 19
ART LEAGUE SEEKS ARTISTS: The Art League of Hilton Head invites artists to enter their 27th National Juried Exhibit, featuring over $5,000 in cash prizes. All works of art selected by jurors will be on display at Art League Gallery. The application deadline is March 19. The fee to enter is $35, then $10 per additional entry (limit three). 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org.
MARCH 14
HILTON HEAD IRELAND ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE:
The oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Carolina is back for its 37th year. Free. 3 p.m., Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. hiltonheadireland.org.
MARCH 18
LOWCOUNTRY SPEAKER SERIES:
Tickets are on sale now for the next Lowcountry Speaker Series in March. This rescheduled live lecture will feature Robert O’Neill, one of the most highly decorated combat veterans of our time. Cost is $85-$150. 4 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-823-4111 or lowcountryspeakerseries.com.
RIBBON CUTTING
Feb. 3
HERITAGE ACADEMY RIBBON CUTTING: Celebrate the ribbon cutting for new Heritage Academy owner and Head of School Amanda Williams-O’Nan. Her vision for the school is to support students in small classes and to provide a state-of-the-art college preparatory education. 10-11 a.m. 11 New Orleans Rd., Hilton Head Island.
MONDAYS VIRTUAL KIDS STORY TIME: Listen to Rebecca read family favorites about the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural history on the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Facebook page. Watch on Facebook Live at @ coastaldiscoverymuseum. 843- 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS MEMORY MATTERS: “VIRTUAL COMPASS CLASSES”: An online program designed for adults experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Compass provides curriculum-based activities, physical exercise, relaxation techniques, life-long learning, small group discussions and socialization. Free. 10 a.m., 1 p.m. 843-842-6688 or mymemorymatters.org.
TUESDAYS HILTON HEAD ISLAND FARMERS MARKET: Support our local farmers and producers and take home fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, free range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, sausage, cookies, bread, she crab soup and more. Entrance and parking are free. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum. 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-473-5231 or hhifarmersmarket.com.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT CORKS: Show up and show off your talent during this open mic night, every Tuesday night at Corks Bluffton. 7-10 p.m., Corks Wine Bar and Restaurant, 14 Promenade Street, Bluffton. 843-815-5168 or corkswinecobluffton.com.
SIT AND STITCH IN THE EVENING: Enjoy knitting, crochet, needlepoint, rug hook practice as Needlepoint Junction stays open late. All levels welcome. Outside food and drink permitted. Free. 5-8 p.m., Needlepoint Junction, Suite J-7-E, Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or needlepointjunctionhhi.com.
ZION CEMETERY AND BAYNARD MAUSOLEUM COSTUMED
CEMETERY TOUR: Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and learn about the blood skirmish fought just a few steps away. $15 Adult/$10 Child, 11 a.m., Corner of U.S. 278 & Matthews Dr, Hilton Head Island. Reservations required- 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.
TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS MARINA MORNINGS: OUTDOOR YOGA: Practice yoga on the pavilion at Shelter Cove, with draft kombucha to follow. All levels welcome. Cost is $20. 9:30 a.m., Pure Salt Studios, 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-707-7027 or puresaltstudios.com.
WEDNESDAYS HAUNTED HISTORY TALES: : Listen to graveside storytelling in the eerie setting of Hilton Head Island’s oldest burial ground and hear spine-tingling tales of the Island’s shadowy past. Cost is $25 for adults, $20 for children ages 8-16. 9 p.m., Zion Cemetery, 574 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.
ALLIGATOR TOUR
THURSDAYS CIVIL WAR ERA: Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Join this presentation featuring maps and historic photos of this time on Hilton Head from 18611865. Reservations required. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223. or coastaldiscovery.org.
DUELING PIANOS SHOW: The only Dueling Pianos Show on Hilton Head Island takes place each Thursday night on the Rooftop Bar. Cost is $5. 8-11 p.m., Rooftop Bar at Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3838 or therooftophhi.com.
FARMERS MARKET OF BLUFFTON: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Calhoun Street. Buy a fresh assortment of strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more. Also, hear local, live entertainment and see Chef demonstrations. Noon-3 p.m., Calhoun Street, Bluffton. 843-415-2447 or farmersmarketbluffton.org.
PAINT ’N PARTY ONLINE: A fun evening of painting online. Any number of people can join, plus no need to pay for a babysitter or an expensive dinner out. Cost is $15 per household. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 843-342-5439 or scartstudio.com.
FRIDAYS SIT AND STITCH: Practice needlepoint every Friday during this casual sit and stitch event. All levels welcome. Free. 10 a.m., Needlepoint Junction, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 6134, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or shopneedlepointjunction.com.
SATURDAYS
ALLIGATOR AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR
Alligator & Wildlife Boat Tour with H2O Sports in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get an up-close view of indigenous plant and animal life, including the American alligator, on a one-hour guided boat tour. Reservations are required, 843-671-4386 or h2osports.com.
CURBSIDE CRAFTS TO-GO
Children and adults can order a variety of craft activities pre-assembled and ready to enjoy at your home or villa. Book online. Cost is $12-$20. Sea Pines Resort Fitness and Recreation Department, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 122, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com.
TRAIL RIDES THROUGH THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE WITH LAWTON STABLES
Trail Rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables. Meander through the preserve on horseback for the true feel of the untouched Lowcountry. Trail riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservations are required. 843-671-2586 lawtonstables.com.
PICKLEBALL AT PALMETTO DUNES
Learn how to play Pickleball with daily clinics and round robins at the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Courts and equipment are available to rent. Reservations recommended. palmettodunes.com.
THE HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
Explore Hilton Head Island’s rich history and learn the story behind its famous lighthouse in a unique, museum-like setting. Admission is $4.25/person, complimentary for children ages 5 and younger. 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-671-2810 or harbourtownlighthouse.com.
