Charleston Daily Seeking all the beauty that is Charleston, South Carolina

By Mark A Leon

NORTH CHARLESTON — The local Tex-Mex landscape is about to get a whole lot cheesier. Chuy’s, the beloved Austin-born chain famous for its fresh-made tortillas, signature creamy jalapeño dip, and eclectic, vibrant atmosphere, is officially moving into the Lowcountry.

The popular restaurant is taking over the prominent space at 7811 Rivers Avenue, formerly home to Bahama Breeze near Northwoods Mall. Following a swift transition and interior overhaul, Chuy’s is slated to officially open its doors to the public on November 18, 2026.

For local fans of Southwestern comfort food, the arrival fills a long-standing craving. Diners can expect the brand’s trademark made-from-scratch menu staples, including their massive burritos, hand-rolled “Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom” enchiladas, and fresh-squeezed lime margaritas.  

The choice of Rivers Avenue places the new eatery right in the heart of North Charleston’s bustling commercial corridor, offering plenty of space for hungry shoppers, families, and lunch crowds alike.

Crews are working around the clock to prep the former island-themed oasis for its bold new Tex-Mex identity. Mark your calendars for November 18—because North Charleston’s newest hotspot is ready to roll out the chips and salsa.

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Charleston, South Carolina, is widely known for its historic charm, vibrant culture, and rich artistic community. Beyond the traditional galleries, a thriving network of local boutiques and artisan collectives serves as a home for regional makers. Here are 5 outstanding shops in Charleston that champion independent artists, designers, and craftspeople.

1. Look Up Charleston

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookupcharleston

At the top of the list is Look Up Charleston, a boutique dedicated to uplifting the creative spirit of the Lowcountry. Featuring a curated collection from 38 local artisans, designers, and artists, this space provides independent makers with a retail home to display handmade goods, artwork, apparel, and custom home decor. By giving local creators direct access to Charleston shoppers and visitors, Look Up Charleston plays a vital role in keeping the area’s independent art scene thriving.  

2. Charleston Crafts Cooperative Gallery

 Instagram: [@charlestoncraftsgallery](https://www.instagram.com/charlestoncraftsgallery)  

As South Carolina’s oldest craft cooperative, Charleston Crafts Cooperative Gallery (located on East Bay Street) has supported local artisans since 1989. The gallery is owned and operated entirely by its exhibiting members. Shoppers can browse handmade jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, glasswork, and woodcrafts directly from Lowcountry makers, ensuring that every purchase directly sustains local craftspeople.

3. Indigo Home & Market

 Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/indigohomecharleston

Situated in downtown Charleston near Vendue Range, Indigo Home offers an eclectic blend of home decor, gifts, and fine art crafted by local creators. The boutique works closely with regional artisans—such as polymer clay artists, textile designers, and jewelry makers—to stock unique, sustainable, and handcrafted items. It’s an ideal stop for those looking to support local creative talent while picking up distinctive Lowcountry keepsakes.  

4. The Miller Gallery

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millergallerychs

Located on Meeting Street, The Miller Gallery emphasizes accessibility and community connection in contemporary art. The gallery showcases emerging and mid-career local and regional artists working across various mediums, including painting, ceramics, collage, and sculpture. In addition to exhibiting original artworks, they collaborate with local creatives on custom commissions and community releases.

5. Lowcountry Artists Gallery

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowcountryartistsgallery

Located along Gallery Row on Broad Street / East Bay Street, Lowcountry Artists Gallery is another artist-owned venture that showcases the work of local painters, sculptors, and photographers. Founded by regional creators who wanted a dedicated platform to present their work, this collective features diverse styles capturing the landscapes, culture, and spirit of Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston, South Carolina, known for its historic cobblestone streets, vibrant culinary scene, and Antebellum architecture, faces a relentless existential challenge: severe flooding. Driven by sea-level rise, tidal surges, and increasingly frequent extreme weather, sunny-day nuisance flooding and torrential storm runoffs routinely disrupt daily life across the low-lying peninsula and surrounding basins.

In response, municipal, state, and federal agencies have ramped up funding for flood mitigation and coastal resilience infrastructure. A detailed breakdown of major flood control initiatives funded, expanded, or brought to fruition highlights the substantial capital investments, involved engineering firms, and ongoing harbor projects shaping Charleston’s defense strategy.

The Masterwork Harbor Shield: USACE Charleston Peninsula CSRM

The centerpiece of Charleston’s long-term defense against storm surge is the Charleston Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project. Led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with the City of Charleston, this multi-billion-dollar coastal protection program involves a integrated system of perimeter seawalls, floodwalls, storm surge gates, and localized pump stations.

 Total Projected Cost: Est. $1.75 Billion to $2 Billion

 Key Components:

 Adger’s Wharf Segment: Construction of approximately 1,200 linear feet of seawall and pedestrian promenade extending to Waterfront Park (Estimated $15M – $30M).

 Lockwood Drive Segment: Creation of 7,820 linear feet of coastal protection from the Ashley River Bridges to Tradd Street, integrating tide gates, public promenades, and nature-based shoreline stabilization (Estimated $150M – $250M).

 Key Partners & Contractors:

 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Charleston District: Lead Federal Agency.

 Stantec Joint Venture: Selected to advance preconstruction engineering, environmental design, and technical planning for complex segments of the perimeter wall and inland connections.

Subterranean Shield: Spring-Fishburne Drainage & Tunnel Project

Running beneath the surface of the historic peninsula, the Spring-Fishburne Drainage Project is one of the most complex urban civil engineering undertakings in the city’s history. Designed to drain low-lying areas—including the crucial U.S. 17 Septima Clark Parkway (“Crosstown”), Roper Hospital, and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)—the project collects stormwater and channels it through massive underground tunnels to high-capacity pump stations.

 Total Investment: $198 Million

 Scope & Milestones:

 Tunnels extending up to 140 feet deep engineered to move water at rates ten times greater than historical gravity systems.

 Phase 4 and Phase 5 construction focused on finalizing shaft connections, underground wet wells, and a massive 360,000 gallon-per-minute (GPM) pump station discharging into the Ashley River.

 Engineers & Contractors:

 Davis & Floyd: Lead engineering design, modeling, and construction management firm.

 Jay Dee Contractors, Inc.: Primary tunneling and underground shaft excavation specialist.

Historic Armor: The Low Battery Restoration

The historic seawall encircling the southern tip of the peninsula underwent a comprehensive structural overhaul to elevate street elevations and reinforce the city against rising harbor tides.

 Total Project Cost: $71 Million

 Scope: Rebuilding and raising the iconic Low Battery seawall promenade to 12 feet, integrating sub-surface soil stabilization grout injections, ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, and upgraded check-valve stormwater drainage networks.

 Primary Contractor:

 Gulf Stream Construction Company: Lead contractor executing multi-phase seawall reconstruction, structural reinforcement, and concrete restoration.

Neighborhood Drainage & Watershed Restoration Programs

Beyond large-scale downtown projects, significant federal and state funds—including allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) administered through the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR)—have been funneled into suburban watersheds and coastal basins.

The Path Forward for Lowcountry Resilience

To complement hard structural engineering, Charleston has revised its municipal code, embedding stricter water retention guidelines into the City’s Stormwater Design Standards Manual. Ongoing investments blend natural nature-based solutions—such as living shorelines and wetland restorations—with traditional heavy civil infrastructure.

As climate projections demand sustained action, Charleston’s multi-layered infrastructure strategy demonstrates how historic coastal communities can secure billions in intergovernmental funding to safeguard both heritage and future growth against rising ocean waters.

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By Mark A Leon

Charleston Roots & Plot

Deck The Y’alls centers its narrative around Charleston’s culinary scene and local hospitality. The plot follows Rachel, a sharp-witted New York baker who travels south to spend Christmas with her younger beau’s family in the Lowcountry.  

However, winning over his family proves to be a challenge: his mother, Gladys Gibbes, is a formidable Charleston celebrity chef and a true “steel magnolia” who guards both her kitchen and her family with equal fervor. The comedic friction between New York holiday traditions and High Country Southern expectations forms the core of the story, with Charleston’s cobblestone streets, grand historic homes, and renowned food scene serving as the central backdrop.  

Star-Studded Cast & Crew

The project reunites Oscar-winning talent and prominent industry creators:

Jessica Chastain & Octavia Spencer: Marking their first major comedic team-up since their acclaimed co-starring roles in The Help, Chastain and Spencer lead the project. Spencer stars as the formidable Charleston matriarch Gladys Gibbes, while Chastain plays the visiting baker Rachel.  

Wanda Sykes: Joins the core cast, bringing her trademark comedic timing to the Lowcountry holiday chaos.  

Behind the Camera: The original screenplay was written by Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip, The Blackening) alongside Stefanie Williams. Production is backed by Sony Pictures, Sandbox Studios, and Chastain’s own banner, Freckle Films.  

Premiere & Release Information

 Filming Timeline: Production and principal photography were scheduled in Charleston, SC, kicking off earlier in 2026. 

Expected Premiere: While Sony Pictures has not officially set a specific day on the calendar, the film is slated for release targeting the 2026 Holiday Season.

Related:  Octavia Spencer, Jessica Chastain Reuniting on Holiday Comedy ‘Deck the Y’alls’ – Deadline

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By Mark A Leon

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2026, delivering one of the most eclectic and genre-defying lineups in the institution’s history. Highlighted by a massive wave of Generation X favorites, heavy metal icons, synth-pop visionaries, and hip-hop trailblazers, this year’s roster reflects the expanding definition of rock ‘n’ roll and its widespread cultural impact.  

The 41st annual induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, before broadcasting on ABC and streaming on Disney+ in December.  

The Performers

To be eligible for induction, artists must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior. The 2026 inductees in the main Performer Category feature an extraordinary collection of musical legends:  

 Phil Collins: Already inducted in 2010 as the frontman and drummer for progressive rock band Genesis, Collins enters the Hall a second time for his colossal solo career. Defining 1980s pop and adult contemporary, Collins penned timeless anthems like “In the Air Tonight” and “Against All Odds”.  

 Oasis: Riding the wave of their massive worldwide reunion tour, brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher make their long-awaited entry. The Britpop giants brought stadium-sized rock back to the top of global charts with albums like Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?  

 Iron Maiden: Heavy metal royalty finally takes their rightful place in the Hall. Celebrating five decades as a group, the British metal pioneers redefined the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) movement with furious riffs, soaring vocals, and theatrical stadium shows.

 Joy Division / New Order: Recognized together for their linked, revolutionary history. Joy Division set the gold standard for post-punk emotional intensity before transitioning after Ian Curtis’s passing into New Order—pioneers who seamlessly merged post-punk energy with modern electronic dance music.  

 Billy Idol: The ultimate leather-jacketed, peroxide-spiked rebel of the MTV era. Idol transformed punk attitude into pop-rock hits with classics like “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Eyes Without a Face”.  

 Sade: Fronted by the enigmatic Sade Adu, the group’s timeless blend of smooth soul, jazz, and sophisticated pop has captivated audiences across six multi-platinum studio albums.

 Wu-Tang Clan: One of the most influential hip-hop collectives in history. The Staten Island group revolutionized hip-hop production and culture with dark, cinematic beats, martial arts lore, and an unforgettable lineup of lyricists.

 Luther Vandross: The late R&B icon enters as a first-time nominee. Known as the “Velvet Voice,” Vandross was one of soul music’s most dominant hitmakers, racking up 11 consecutive platinum albums and classic ballads that defined a generation.

Special Award Honors

Beyond the Performer Category, the Hall of Fame honors non-performers, early innovators, and influential producers who shaped the sonic landscape:

Early Influence Award

This category celebrates artists whose early work laid the foundations for rock, pop, and modern urban music:

 Celia Cruz – The legendary “Queen of Salsa” whose vibrant energy and music influenced Latin and pop music around the globe.

 Fela Kuti – The Nigerian multi-instrumentalist and political activist who pioneered Afrobeat.

 Queen Latifah – A pioneering female voice in hip-hop who expanded into film, television, and pop culture stardom.

 MC Lyte – One of the founding female voices of hip-hop who paved the way for generations of rap artists.

 Gram Parsons – A foundational force in cosmic American music and country rock.

Musical Excellence Award

Awarded to musicians, songwriters, and producers whose originality and influence have left an indelible mark:  

 Linda Creed – Prolific lyricist behind Philadelphia soul classics.

 Arif Mardin – Master producer/arranger who worked with Aretha Franklin, Bee Gees, and Chaka Khan.

 Jimmy Miller – Legendary producer who shaped the classic late-’60s and early-’70s sound of The Rolling Stones and Traffic.

 Rick Rubin – Revolutionary producer who bridged hip-hop and rock, co-founding Def Jam and shaping iconic records across every genre.

Ahmet Ertegun Award

 Ed Sullivan – The legendary television host whose Sunday night variety show introduced generations of Americans to fundamental acts like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Supremes.

A Broadening Legacy

The Class of 2026 highlights the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s continued evolution. Rather than confining “rock ‘n’ roll” to a single subgenre, the Hall continues to embrace the spirit of innovation, rebellion, and musical mastery across heavy metal, electronic, R&B, hip-hop, and Latin sounds. Whether it’s the soaring metal anthems of Iron Maiden or the street-level grit of Wu-Tang Clan, this year’s inductees represent the soundtrack to multiple generations.

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In 2026, Charleston, South Carolina, saw substantial grant allocations across the arts, historic preservation, and community resilience. Below is a detailed breakdown of major organizations and institutions awarded grant funding this year.

1. City of Charleston Arts Grants-in-Aid Program ($2.5 Million Total)

The City of Charleston approved $2.5 million in public grant funding for local cultural institutions, events, and performing arts organizations:  

 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition: $275,000  

 Spoleto Festival USA: $275,000  

 Charleston Museum: $240,000

 Carolina Art Association (Gibbes Museum of Art): $235,000  

 South Carolina Aquarium: $215,000  

 Charleston Symphony Orchestra: $200,000  

 Cooper River Bridge Run: $150,000  

 Charleston Wine & Food Festival: $140,000  

 SC250 Charleston, Inc.: $100,000  

 Charleston Stage Company: $80,000  

 Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry: $80,000  

 Jazz Artists of Charleston (Charleston Jazz): $80,000  

 Drayton Hall Preservation Trust: $75,000  

 Historic Charleston Foundation: $75,000  

 Lowcountry Jazz Festival (Closing the Gap in Health Care Inc.): $70,000  

 Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art: $25,000  

 Charleston Area Sports Commission: $20,000  

 Charleston Literary Festival (Charleston to Charleston, Inc.): $20,000  

 Charleston Parks Conservancy: $20,000  

 CRW Events (Charleston Race Week at Patriot’s Point): $20,000  

 Engaging Creative Minds: $20,000  

 YALLFest: $20,000  

 Charleston Golf Inc.: $15,000  

 Preservation Society of Charleston: $15,000  

 South Carolina Historical Society: $10,000  

 Company Company: $7,500  

 Pure Theatre: $7,500  

 Charleston Opera Theater: $5,000  

 Lowcountry AIDS Services: $5,000  

2. South Carolina Department of Archives & History – Historic Preservation Grants

Several Charleston-based historic sites received state grant awards for essential structural preservation and weatherization projects:  

 South Carolina Historical Society (Robert Mills Fireproof Building Copper Roof Stabilization): $200,000  

 Christ Episcopal Church (Mount Pleasant / Greater Charleston Area): $200,000

 St. John’s Reformed Episcopal Church (Planning & Assessment): $34,725  

3. Higher Education & Research Grants

 College of Charleston: Participated in a statewide $10 million National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR grant awarded to South Carolina institutions to expand research capacity and build STEM workforce pathways.  

4. Community & Disaster Relief Grants

 Trident United Way: Awarded an $80,000 grant from the Coastal Community Foundation to strengthen community disaster preparedness and emergency response ahead of the hurricane season.

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Fortune Teller Tea Time
Sunday, October 25 · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
SV Crystals, Northwoods Mall
2150 Northwoods Blvd, North Charleston

Join us for an afternoon of tea and tarot. Tarot reader Tiffany of Persephone Secrets will be at SV Crystals with cards in hand, and the tea will be poured.

Dress up for the occasion! Wear your best tea party outfit and come curious.

SV Crystals Official Website

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Downtown Charleston’s historic footprint and commercial corridors continue to evolve through late 2026. Key projects considered and approved for conceptual and preliminary design by the City of Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR-L) across August, September, and October 2026 highlight the city’s focus on mixed-use, healthcare expansion, retail revitalization, and hospitality.

Hospitality & Mixed-Use Projects

 194 Cannon Street (Westside): LS3P’s design for a new boutique hotel development received conceptual approval. Located in the Westside neighborhood, the project spans height districts up to 85/125 feet, aiming to bring additonal hotel lodging to the corridor near the downtown medical district.  

 Radcliffe Street & St. Philip Street (Radcliffeborough): Designed by Evans and Schmidt Architects, this major multi-use proposal received preliminary approval. The footprint will house a new multi-family apartment complex alongside an integrated public parking garage to alleviate parking pressures near the King Street corridor.  

Healthcare Infrastructure

 5 McClennan Banks Drive (Medical District): The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) gained conceptual approval for a new multi-story medical facility. The plans include an adjacent structural parking garage designed within the city’s 85/200-foot medical height district overlay to support growing downtown clinical and research space.  

Historic Corridor & Retail Renovations

 257–261 King Street: Conceptual design approvals were granted to update the mid-century structures along Upper King Street. The scope focuses on installing modernized storefront facades and exterior alterations intended to accommodate upscale commercial retail tenants.  

 152 Market Street (Harleston Village): Charleston Place Propco LLC secured conceptual approval for substantial exterior renovations. The project includes site hardscaping, structural updates, and a redesigned retail storefront to refresh street-level access along Market Street.  

Everything NEW and Coming Soon to Charleston SC

This video offers context on major ongoing construction projects, commercial transformations, and infrastructure updates taking shape across the Charleston peninsula.

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$656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Obatala Sciences (Obatala), a biotechnology company, today announced it selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation. The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities in biotechnology and related fields. 


Based in New Orleans, Obatala develops and manufactures biomaterials, stem cells, media and advanced tissue models to support preclinical medical research. The company’s mission supports America’s ongoing efforts to increase its biomanufacturing and research capacity. 


Obatala’s new operation, located at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston, will facilitate partnership development, translational research, product development and future scale-up activities tied to its human-derived biomaterials and microphysiological model technologies. 

Operations are already online. Individuals interested in joining the Obatala team should contact the company (careers@obatalasciences.com).

QUOTES

“Obatala Sciences was founded to change the way new therapies are discovered, tested and translated for patients. Expanding into Charleston County through our partnership with MUSC and Blue Sky Labs gives us access to an extraordinary innovation ecosystem and creates a meaningful bridge between our New Orleans headquarters and South Carolina’s growing life sciences community. Just as importantly, this partnership helps answer a national call to scale domestic advanced biomanufacturing capacity for high-value biotechnology products that support FDA New Approach Methodologies goals. We are excited to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to advancing human-relevant research, strengthening U.S.-based biotechnology infrastructure and creating new opportunities for scientific and economic impact across the Southeast.” -Obatala Sciences Co-founder, President and CEO Dr. Trivia Frazier PhD, MBA

“We are proud to welcome Obatala to South Carolina. As our state continues to strengthen its position as a leader in manufacturing and technology, we are pleased to see the company bring 46 new jobs to Charleston County.” -Gov. Henry McMaster 

“Obatala’s investment in the Palmetto State will support South Carolina’s ongoing growth in the life sciences sector. We welcome the company to the Lowcountry and look forward to its growth in our state.” -Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Congratulations to Obatala Sciences on expanding its presence to Charleston County. This investment adds meaningful momentum to the region’s growing life sciences sector and strengthens our progress toward a thriving environment that delivers both economic opportunity and improved health outcomes for our community.” -Charleston County Council Chairman Joe Boykin

“Obatala Sciences’ investment is a great example of the innovation taking place within Charleston’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Their plans at Blue Sky Labs and partnership with MUSC demonstrate the value of having world-class research, clinical expertise and entrepreneurial resources working together in our region. We are proud to welcome this next phase of Obatala Sciences’ growth in Charleston County and look forward to their continued success.” -Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board Chairman Will Russell


FIVE FAST FACTS

• Obatala Sciences (Obatala) selects Charleston County for its first East Coast operation.
• The company’s $656,000 investment will create 46 new jobs and training opportunities.
• Obatala is a biotechnology company.
• The company is located at Blue Sky Labs in Charleston, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Obatala team should contact the company (careers@obatalasciences.com).

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By Mark A. Leon

Savannah is a city that rewards curiosity.

It is a place where wandering down a side street can reveal a hidden courtyard, where a piece of art may be tucked into an unexpected corner, and where history seems to exist alongside the present rather than behind glass. A heart-shaped lock, an old phonograph, a sculpture on a bench or the silhouette of a bridge over the Savannah River can become part of the experience.

From a city shaped by centuries of triumph, tragedy, reinvention and resilience, Savannah has evolved into one of the South’s most distinctive destinations for art, food, history and hospitality.

And now, there is a new place from which to experience it all.

Tempo by Hilton Savannah Historic District (220 E. Bryan Street) places travelers in the middle of that experience — just steps from River Street and some of the city’s most recognizable restaurants, shops and cultural attractions.

But the story of the property begins well before the hotel.

The site was once home to Savannah’s original FBI Field Office, a brick building dating to the 1950s. It was later used by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation before the land was acquired and now the home to the Hilton Tempo lifestyle brand..

Unlike many hotels in Savannah’s Historic District that occupy renovated historic structures, Tempo is a new construction, built with steel and concrete while intentionally positioning itself within one of the country’s most historic urban environments.

That contrast is part of the concept.

Tempo by Hilton was created with the independent business traveler and couples in mind — guests who want the reliability and loyalty benefits of a major hotel brand while also looking for the personality and atmosphere of a lifestyle hotel. It is designed for travelers who appreciate modern amenities, technology, wellness and thoughtful design without sacrificing the ability to step outside and immediately experience the character of Savannah.

The hotel’s location also places it close to one of Savannah’s most important creative institutions: the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

That proximity has already created a meaningful connection between the hotel, SCAD students and their families. Parents visiting Savannah for campus events, move-in, family weekends, graduations and other milestones have become an important part of the hotel’s relationship with the university community. Students and their families aren’t simply visitors passing through — they are becoming part of the hotel’s growing local story.

It is a natural relationship for a property built around art, creativity and the modern lifestyle.

The hotel’s design reflects that philosophy.

The fitness center sits on the seventh floor, rather than being tucked into a basement or ground-level corner. From there, guests can take in views toward the Savannah River while working out, with Peloton-equipped rooms and other technology-driven wellness features adding to the experience.

Hydration stations throughout the property, high-end UHD televisions and thoughtful touches in the guest rooms reinforce the hotel’s modern approach.

There is also a strong emphasis on food and gathering.

At street level, Bluestone Lane, Australian Café and Coffe Shop brings its café concept to the property, offering breakfast and lunch to hotel guests and the public. It is the kind of space that works equally well for a morning coffee, a casual meal or simply watching Savannah move around you.

Above it all is Waving Girl Rooftop, named for Florence Martus, Savannah’s legendary “Waving Girl,” who became known for greeting ships entering the harbor.

And this is a place worth lingering over.

For a meal, start with the Whipped Goat Cheese Tartine or the French Onion Soup. For an entrée, the Seared Ahi Tuna and Firecracker Salmon Bowloffer two distinctly different choices. Add a glass of Marchesi di Barolo, and the combination makes for a satisfying evening overlooking the city.

The rooftop restaurant and bar offer the kind of elevated setting that makes the hotel feel connected to Savannah rather than simply occupying space within it.

The hotel is also designed to serve the community beyond overnight guests. Its conference and event spaces provide an opportunity for local businesses, organizations and residents to use the property for meetings, gatherings and special events — part of an effort to establish the hotel as a community partner rather than simply another place for visitors to sleep.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Tempo concept is what happens at the front desk.

Rather than relying solely on a traditional concierge model, front desk agents are trained to help guests experience Savannah — from arranging trolley tours to recommending restaurants and helping visitors discover the city beyond the hotel doors.

And there is certainly no shortage of places to discover.

Within an easy walk are The Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s most recognizable dining landmarks; Alexandra’s Gift Shop and other Historic District shops; Lucas Theatre for the Arts; River Street Marketplace; and the Savannah River itself.  Of course, if shopping is your passion, Broughton Street is just a couple of blocks of away.

The legendary Waving Girl is also part of the neighborhood’s story, giving the rooftop restaurant its name and connecting the contemporary hotel to one of Savannah’s most enduring waterfront characters.

The location is equally convenient for business travelers, with conference facilities nearby and easy access to the Savannah Convention Center. A three-story parking garage is located about a half-block away, while valet service provides another option for guests arriving by car.

For Tempo, the next chapter may be even more local.

The hotel is working toward replacing some of its designer artwork with pieces created by local artists and exploring opportunities to bring local musicians into the property. Beginning in January, guest rooms are also expected to feature Bluestone Lane coffee, further connecting the café experience with the rooms themselves.

There is a certain irony in placing such a modern hotel on a site once occupied by federal investigators.

But perhaps that is Savannah.

The city has always been about reinvention — taking what came before and finding a way to make it part of what comes next.

Tempo by Hilton doesn’t attempt to recreate Savannah’s past.

Instead, it puts travelers within walking distance of it — and gives them a comfortable, contemporary place from which to look up, walk out the door and discover the city for themselves.

Click HERE for reservations.

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