A River Runs Through It: Honoring the Lindsey Legacy

They say you can’t step into the same river twice, but standing here on the banks of the Little Red River, I feel the weight and the warmth of sixty years of history rushing past me.

My name is Regina Cantrell, and as one of new owners of Lindsey’s Resort, I’ve spent a lot of time lately looking at the water—and even more time looking at the incredible foundation laid by Bill and Mavis Lindsey. Taking over an institution like this isn’t just a business venture; it’s the stewardship of a dream that began in 1965.

More Than Just "Before the Trout"

There’s a famous saying around here: "We’ve been here longer than the trout." It sounds like a clever marketing line until you realize it’s actually a historical fact. When Bill and Mavis started this journey, the Greers Ferry Dam had only recently been completed. The warm-water bass were disappearing, and the cold-water trout hadn’t even been stocked yet.

Big Shoes and a Gracious Handover

Walking through the resort, we are constantly reminded of the "Lindsey Legacy." Bill and Mavis didn't just build a resort; they built a community. From the addition of the Pot O’ Gold restaurant in 1980 to surviving the collapse of the docks during the 2012 snowstorm, this family poured their lives into this riverfront.

To say we have "large shoes to fill" feels like an understatement. However, the transition has been made so much smoother thanks to the Lindsey family's generosity. We’ve had the privilege of working hand-in-hand with Lindsey White, Bill and Mavis’s grandson and the former General Manager.

Lindsey has been an open book for us, acting as a vital bridge between the past and the future. Whether it was walking the physical grounds to explain the intricacies of our wastewater systems or sitting down to talk recipes that guests have loved for decades, his guidance has been a masterclass in the Lindsey way of doing things and a testament to the quality of character that was instilled in him by his elders.

Carrying the Torch

As we look toward the future, our goal isn't to change what makes Lindsey’s special, but to polish the gem they created. We are continuing the vital upkeep of this beautiful property, updating our offerings, and ensuring that our 45 cabins remain the cozy, rustic retreats generations of anglers have come to love.

We are so fortunate to have had Lindsey’s expertise to guide our first steps. His mentorship ensures that even as the roles at the resort change, the heart remains the same.

To Our Guests, Old and New

Whether you’ve been coming here since the 60s or you’re planning your first trip to catch a record-breaking German Brown Trout, I want you to know that the legacy of Bill and Mavis is in safe hands. We are honored to be the next chapter in this 60-year-old story.

The river keeps moving, and so do we—with deep respect for the past and a bright hook set in the future.

We can't wait to welcome you back to the river.