The River Inn has a brief history. It opened in late October, 2007 after almost five years of study, planning, build ing, and furnishing. At the time of opening, it was called a "dream come true" by the owners and operators. Although the building itself is not old, a great deal in it is. The wood flooring is from a turn- of-the-century Virginia textile mill, and the two mantels are from a New Orleans home built in the 1850s. Antique furnishings and old river lithographs and prints are placed throughout the Inn.
Harbor Town itself, where the Inn is located, also has a brief history. A little more than 20 years ago, this section of Mud Island was undeveloped land with only cottonwood trees, driftwood, and an air strip. Today, it houses almost 5000 people in a beautiful planned development. Early on,visionary developers saw the wisdom in setting aside a small site for an Inn and restaurant.