Georgia's Hutchinson Island lies in the Savannah River, just south of the South Carolina border and directly across the water from downtown Savannah's historic River Street. The narrow island, consisting largely of marshes and swampland, was once the site of rice plantations in the 19th century. It was later used primarily for industrial activities and Port of Savannah support operations until redevelopment began in the late 1990s. Today, Hutchinson Island is home to a convention center, golf resort, racetrack and water taxi service to downtown Savannah.
Attend a Convention
- The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center, which opened in 2000, is the venue for dozens of conventions, trade shows and other special events every year. The center is composed of a 330,000-square-foot facility that includes 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, 50,000 square feet of meeting space, a 25,000-square-foot ballroom and a 367-seat auditorium. The convention center, which sits adjacent to the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, is a short ferry ride across the river from downtown hotels such as the Hyatt Regency Savannah and Savannah Marriott Riverfront.
Relax at a Resort
- The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa on Hutchinson Island is a 16-story luxury hotel with more than 400 rooms and a number of amenities, including a spa, a deepwater dock and marina, a golf course, several pools, and a selection of restaurants and bars. Other attractions include a fitness center, tennis courts, bicycle rentals, bocce court and croquet lawn. Regularly scheduled events at the resort include nature tours, stargazing and various children's activities. The Club at Savannah Harbor's 18-hole championship golf course is open to public play; there is also a nine-hole short course perfect for families and beginners. The resort is home to the PGA's Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf tournament each April.
Take a Ride on a Race Track
- Hutchinson Island is home to the Grand Prize of America Road Course, a 2-mile-long race track that includes pit and paddock areas. The road course, located just east of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, can be used for private rides, product demonstrations and car shows. It is also the site of the Savannah Speed Classic, an annual vintage car race. The race is part of the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concourse d'Elegance, typically held in late October. For an extra fee, race attendees can have access to the pit and paddock areas. There are also opportunities to take lap rides with professional drivers, test the track in your own car or take a test drive in a sponsor's vehicle.
Hop a Ferry to Downtown Savannah
- The most relaxing Hutchinson Island activity might be simply sitting along the banks of the Savannah River and watching the huge cargo ships, tug boats and riverboats ply the waterway. But if you want to visit Savannah's riverfront shops and restaurants or stroll through the city's market, gardens and cobblestone streets, downtown is only a short boat ride away. Indeed, the Savannah Belles Ferry runs shuttles every 10 minutes between Hutchinson Island and River Street. Downtown Savannah attractions include the Georgia State Railroad Museum and the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. Or take a tour of Old Fort Jackson, a brick garrison used in the War of 1812 and Civil War. The fort is located 3 miles east of River Street, just across the river from the eastern tip of Hutchinson Island.
