Dinner at the Linger Lodge

On September 24, about 20 members of the club met for dinner at the Linger Lodge in Bradenton, FL. Due to the uncertain weather (the more than usual number of thunder storms) this month, most everyone left their LBC sheltered at home. It has been over a year since our last visit to this iconic restaurant, but the “Old Florida” atmosphere and good food remain unchanged. Nestled amongst massive, live oaks dripping with Spanish moss on the bank of the Braden River, it’s easy to imagine that the large, stuffed alligator on the wall of the main dining room came from their own back yard.

Until new owners arrived on the scene a few years ago, the Linger Lodge advertised its status as “untouched by time.” Unfortunately, many of the stuffed animal specimens, apparently preserved by someone taking up taxidermy as a hobby, were also untouched by dusters. Most of the better examples have now been rounded up and relegated to glass cases.  

Following dinner we were invited to Bill Stelcher’s garage and work shop, located only minutes from the Lodge. His 1965 Morgan plus 4 and 1929 Model A Speedster are kept ready in this roomy and impressively organized building. 

For all participants, it was a very pleasant late afternoon with rain showers conveniently only while we were in the restaurant. Photos by the author.

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