We had never stayed at a B&B before and had our reservations thinking we might feel like we were intruding into someone else's life by staying at their house. From the moment we arrived until we left we were made to feel more like family than guest. Thank you Rick and Debbie, you couldn't have been more perfect host. I keep thinking of the sticky bread you made our last day there, delicious! We will also always remember PP Island! We will make it a point to tell everyone about your place and hope we will return this winter or next summer. Thanks again for a great stay.

Date: 8/13/2008  

What a find!  Five Lakes is a gem.  Beautifully designed and impeccably maintained, the lodge offers breathtaking views of Mount Katahdin by day and a skyful of stars at night.  Our two-night stay here was very comfortable and wonderfully relaxing.  Debbie and Rick served a generous breakfast each morning, and they were generous as well with their knowledge of the region, offering us good advice about dining and hiking options. We also enjoyed the canoes and kayaks available to guests for use on the lake.  We'll definitely be back, and we'll recommend 5 Lakes to family and friends.  Thanks, Debbie and Rick!     

We had such a great time!! Thank you Rick and Debbie for such a wonderful place to kick back and relax! Amazing spot you have! You made us feel right at home, however we certainly slept much better there without all the noises of our own busy home. The rooms were beautiful and breakfast to 'die for'! We were happy to be able to summit Katahdin. What a mean mountain! We are missing you already and hope to return someday again! It was a pleasure and thank you so very much!

Date: 7/18/2008  

5 Lakes Lodge is an amateur astonomer's dream. My wife did the reservation for the week of July 4, 2008, with the intention of doing some hiking far away from the crowds. When I looked it up on the map, I realized the place is literally in the middle of 'nowhere'. A quick check on the light pollution map, http://cleardarksky.com/lp/BkrSPMElp.html?Mn=science, showed that this place must be really dark. So I packed my 15" Dobs together with my hiking gear. We got to 5 Lakes Lodge after a long drive from Boston. It was worth the effort: this B&B and its premises are spectacular. The whole premise is on South Twin Lake, on a small peninsula. The rooms are rustic style and luxurious. From every room you can see the lake and mount Katahdin. The lodge is big, spacious, new construction. It is 10 miles away from the closest town, Millinocket. We had two nights of great observing. I set up the Dobs on the premise. The lawn is large enough so that the lodge does not obstruct the sky at low elevations. This darkness is what you dream about: perfect sky from horizon to horizon, with stars visible easily at magnitude 7 and beyond. Imagine the glory of the Milky Way....seeing the Andromeda Galaxy and M13 with bare eye.......... Our hosts, Debbie and Rick graciously turned off the lodge's outside lights once they undestood my dark sky addiction. We also had a great time during the day: the area is notorious for its outdoor activities (that's the main reason we got to this place). We did a lot of hiking in Baxter Park, boating and wild life watching. For the amateur astonomer hungry for dark skies I can say that this is the place you want to be: watch the stars at night and the moose during the day.

Date: 7/9/2008  

My boyfriend and I visited for Memorial day weekend 2008. We had a blast. The lodge was beautiful and Rick & Debbie were really accomdating. We will definately stay there again maybe next summer,hopefully for a longer period of time.

Sincerely,

Heather R. Anderson &

Richard A. Buell

Debbie and Rick,

Thanks for your wonderful hospitality. Your lodge is beautiful, and you made us feel part of your family. We are telling everybody here in Cincinnati that staying at the 5 Lakes Lodge is a must do!

We dropped Abby at Baxter State Park, where she will work on the "trail crew" this summer. Needless to say we were concerned about dropping her in unfamiliar territory. But, after getting to know you, we feel that we have friends in Millinocket, and that if need be, she can ask for your help. As parents, that's huge.

See you in August. (I'm bringing my fly rod for sure this time!) And maybe this winter, too. Snowmobiling sounds great.

Missing the "starters",  

Gail & Bill Strietmann

My husband and I just wanted to say our brief visit to the lodge was wonderful! We arrived later than expected after a very long trail ride from Fort Kent, but Rick & Debbie made us feel right at home, fed us dinner unexpectedly and provided us with a bottle of wine to help start a relaxing evening. It took us all winter to get to you but now that we know where you are we are anxiously planning another visit, hopefully this season!

Thank you for your warm and gracious hospitality.

We stayed at 5 Lakes Lodge between Dec/07 to Jan/08.

Couldn't of asked for a better place! Rick and Debbie truely know their business! Great food each and every day. Love the room,the jucuzzi tub.. and the fireplace how romantic!The bed was so comfortable it was hard to get out each day especially when you have the view of the mountain from there.

They are very friendly felt like we were visiting family!

We wish them all the best in 2008 and hope to visit again.

Thank you

John & Sherry

Rick and Debbie, Marc and I truly enjoyed celebrating our 31st wedding anniversary at your beautiful place. Needless to say, it was everything we expected and more. You made us feel like welcome guests and the scenery was amazing. We didn't see a moose but that's ok because we're looking forward to going back and trying again. Thanks for making our experience so special!

Date: 10/17/2007  

Thanks, Rick and Debby --

Although our stay was short, we feel like we were away for days.  We enjoyed exploring our new home state and plan to return to 5 lakes soon, maybe in the snow!

Because David is now disabled, our usual hiking and biking and paddling activities have limited his access to the beautiful Maine wilderness.  It was wonderful to be right ON THE LAKE right in our own room and hear the water lapping the beach and listen to the loons.  We feel we've found a home away from home in the North Woods.

Ann Caswell

Ann Caswell

My husband is an English professor at the University of Texas and was writing a book on nature writing. He wanted to visit Mt. Katahdin where Thoreau wrote. We found 5 Lakes Lodge on the web and all our expectations were exceeded by the wonderful experience there. Rick and Debbie Le Vasseur are the consummate hosts - warm, exhilirating and interesting company because they both grew up in the woods of Maine. Their lodge is beautiful and intimate yet it offers complete privacy. The rooms are spacious and appointed with king beds and good reading lights, spectacular views of the lake and Mt. Katahdin in the background and every amenity the heart could desire. The breakfasts are more like brunch and give you the needed energy to hike in Baxter State Park - where we saw moose - or to participate in the many water sports. We traveled all over Maine and stayed in B & Bs but 5 Lakes Lodge was the highlight of our trip and we would definitely return. Bravo! and 5 Stars for 5 Lakes Lodge!

Date: 6/25/2007  

My girlfriend and I just returned from our snowmobile trip to 5 Lakes Lodge. We had a great time! I highly recommend anyone who is looking for a great place to stay to try out 5 Lakes Lodge, you will not be disappointed. The hosts Rick and Debbie are truly the nicest people, their honest suggestions and advice on where to ride, and eat, or where you may see a moose, they know how to do it right, we had such a great time. The lodge is amazing, with spectacular views. Thank you guys very much for one of the nicest get aways!!! We will vist again!!!

Taylor Craig

Most people think that you have to die before you get to Heaven, well for two weeks in September 2006 we can assure you that we went to heaven and as far as we can recollect we're still alive. We can't guarantee that you will meet God, but what we can guarantee is that you will meet the next best thing...........Rick and Debbie.

Situated along the banks of a Lake "5 Lakes Lodge" is a shining example of a Bed and Breakfast built to perfection with only one thought in mind - the welfare and happiness of its Guests.Our initial intention was to stay for 7 nights but after the first night we were "Begging" Rick for more - ultimately we spent our whole vacation there, 11 glorious nights. Breakfast at the Lodge is magical. Recipes painstakingly prepared by Debbie and professionally cooked by Rick (no "sunny side up" or "over easy" here,  not bad for a Brit eh!).

After Breakfast whether you plan to chase Moose or Hike the miles of winding Trails or even go the Distance and climb Katahdin, Rick is always willing to convey his vast knowledge and experience of the area to you.

We hated to leave and just wished that we lived in the U.S. so that we could visit more often. The warmth, friendliness and generosity that you will find at the Lodge is second to none and we certainly plan to taste a bit more of that again next year. So readers, don't take my word for it go visit and experience it for yourselves.

Oh, by the way, if you do visit please ensure that after breakfast you give "Amber" the dog her daily tummy rub......she loves it.

PS. Rick/Debbie you far exceeded our expectations. You are a credit to both yourselves and more importantly to the people of Maine.

Good Luck see you soon

Trudie and Steve Biddiscombe Somerset England

Staying at the 5 Lakes Lodge is a very special experience. We were truly made to feel like a part of their family from the very moment we arrived, to when we - VERY reluctantly! - had to leave after our 4 night stay.  Rick & Debbie are truly outstanding hosts and could not have done anything more to make this stay a wonderful experience. 

The Lodge is simply superb in its decor, ambience and comfort. The location is awesome - truly a place for all seasons, whether rain (catching up with that "must read" book whilst watching the breathtaking and ever-changing landscape) or sunshine (when activities such as some hard - and not so hard! - hiking or kayaking is rewarded with a great sense of achievement).

Rick and Debbie's local knowledge is second to none and they readily offer personalised suggestions to maximise your enjoyment of the area they love so much.  Baxter State Park - just on the doorstep - is one of the most unspoilt and tranquil Parks we have ever hiked in - and it's also the traditional end-point of the long-distance Appalachian Trail. Don't miss the chance to see the Park- and view moose! - from a different perspective either; that's from the air, from a float-plane which picks you up directly from the lake in front of the Lodge (and you dont even have to get your feet wet!).

Everything you have read about this amazing place is true....and then some!!  We know you won't believe this just from reading our comments, so our challenge to you is....go there and see for yourselves!!

We are definitely intending to go back to the Lodge in winter-time to take advantage of the snowy fun and games and soak up the unique atmosphere of another season.  Seeing Rick and Debbie again - and hopefully even some of the locals and other guests we had the pleasure of meeting during this visit - will be like meeting up with good friends once again.  We can't wait!!

PS - a special "woof" to Amber - Rick & Debbie's gorgeous cross-Labarador / Husky dog!! 

Cheers!

Ben & Jayne, UK

What a great time we had at Five Lakes Lodge.  Rick and Debbie were great hosts and made us feel like family.  They met our every need.  The breakfasts were yummie.  The accommodations were outstanding.  We were awed with the surrounding area and especially enjoyed our hikes on Mt. Katahdin, the beautiful loons on the lake and the picking of wild blueberries.  Each year we select a destination where we can enjoy the greatest parks America has to offer.  We have hiked up Mt. Rainier and other trails in that national park.  We have hiked across the Grand Canyon and the beautiful trails of Zion and Bryce national parks.  We have experienced the rugged beauty of the great southwestern trails of the Chisos mountains at Big Bend and Guadalupe mountains national parks.  However, the hikes on Mt. Katahdin were special.  The trails are unique and challenging but so worthwhile.  It was so awe-inspiring as we started our climb in full sunshine and then the clouds began to creep over the top of the ridge and obscure the summit.  Soon after we reached the top the clouds gave way to the sun again and wow!  The views were spectacular.  It was a most rewarding adventure and  experience that we shall never forget.  What an awesome mountain is the great Katahdin.  Of all the wonderful trips we have taken this is the first time that we have said that we must return to Millinocket, Baxter State Park and especially the Five Lakes Lodge to see our great hosts and friends, Rick and Debbie.

Dale & Vickie Bynum  

Thank you for a wonderful time! We loved every minute from start to finish and really didn't want to leave. I've never been to another B&B that was this genuine, beautiful, pristine, welcoming and authentic!! A true gem!

Date: 8/22/2006  

Imagine an elegant and luxurious pine log lodge with tile floors and sanded smooth pine walls, light dancing off the knots and cathedral ceilings, grand windows facing South Twin Lake, twenty paces across the green lawn. As if the lake and surrounding forest aren’t view enough, Mt. Katahdin stares straight at you, one day rising clear in the blue sky, another wearing a headdress of white cumulus, and another gone, completely submerged in grey rain clouds. We drank in the views from our bedroom rocking chairs, from the lawn chairs, and from the lodge kayaks and canoe. Late the first afternoon our hosts, Rick and Debbie, motored by with friends in their pontoon boat, almost old enough to be an antique and so well kept you could have bought it new yesterday. They hollered for us to join them and as the afternoon turned to dusk and then night we watched the full moon and the clouds turn colors and heard stories of the lake and its people. Whether we needed to map out a hike, go boating, white water rafting, or pick out a restaurant, Rick and Deb had excellent advice. Each morning their breakfasts were delicious and the conversations even better. This lodge is their home and they share it so graciously you feel like family. Quite frankly we didn’t want to go home… 5 Lakes Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for romance, tranquility, and rejuvenation. You won’t find anything else like it.

Date: 8/13/2006  

I can spend a great deal of time highlighting all the wonderful qualities 5 Lakes lodge has to offer, but that has already been done in all the other posts. So too has the many wonderful aspects of our hosts Rick and Debbie. Instead I’ll choose to remark on the incredible relaxation achieved here. I have been many places around the world, but I never left a place feeling as complete and relaxed as I did when I left 5 Lakes Lodge. Sorry to leave but happy to return to my own life rejuvenated. My wife and I live busy and stressful lives. This place will truly heal and make one’s soul whole again. Any of the following words can describe this place, Tranquil, serene, majestic, beautiful and peaceful, it just depends on what you’re doing or feeling at the time. If you want peace, wildlife, adventure, romance, what ever you desire, it can be found here. My wife and I spent a week and it was our 25th wedding anniversary. During our week stay we hiked Katahdin and the knife’s edge, kayaked, took a seaplane ride which picked us up at the lodge’s beach, went birding, saw 19 moose, and explored the golden road. With our host’s knowledge of the area, their directions and suggestions it enabled us to make the most of the adventure time we had. Try it, you'll love it, we did!

Date: 8/11/2006