Black Lantern

The hosts know how to present a beautiful breakfast, following a home like comfortable night's sleep. The home was very clean with tasteful decor, in a neighborhood of grand colonial architecture.

Tom and Judy were the perfect hosts, we felt like we were home. Their charm and hospitality set the tone for a wonderful getaway. Waking up to an incredible brekfast was the perfect start to Veterans Day. The house was very comfortable and beautifully decorated, very inviting. We were greeted with a firm handshake and warm smiles and left with hugs and fond memories.

My wife and I stayed one night in January at the Black Lantern. It is a very spare place, without frills or lavish touches. It fits well in its rock-ribbed New England setting with the ice bound Androscogin (?) River visible from the back yard. Tom and Judy, the owners were warm and friendly folks, and provided enjoyable conversation, a good dinner recommendation, and a delicious breakfast. You do share the dining room with their two shih-tsus, but the dogs were cute and added to the experience. We paid $95.00 for a large room with bath and a nice view. Can't beat that, we'd stay again without hestitation if I needed a place in Brunswick/Topsham for the night.

We recently spend two nights with Tom & Judy and had a great experience, our room was very nice and the breakfasts were amazing. Almost too pretty to eat, and really tasty. They are very nice and interesting people and we enjoyed visiting with them and the other guests in their comfortable house. We appreciated their suggestions of places to visit in the area and would definately stay with them again if we are ever in the area.

Tom and Judy are the most gracious of hosts. And boy can they cook! They accommodated our daughter's special dietary needs in a breakfast that was delicious for all! Can't wait to come back and visit them again!

My husband and I have stayed at the Black Lantern twice, have sent others there, and will return when we are next in the area. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the sitting room downstairs comfortable and homey. Guests are asked for their breakfast preferences the night before so that everything is ready for them when they enter the dining room in the morning. The inn's location is excellent -- walking distance to restaurants in Topsham, and a one-minute drive (literally) to Brunswick. There's a lovely view of the Androscoggin River from the back yard and some of the rooms, and a stairway that Tom built leads down to the riverbank. Tom and Judy couldn't be friendlier, know the area well, keep a collection of local menus, and even know what movies are playing nearby. Judy's prize-winning quilts decorate the walls, and Tom's breakfast is not to be missed. The dogs are so cute that you can't help but fall in love with them. If I were running a bed and breakfast, the Black Lantern is the one I'd try to emulate.

My wife and I found this B&B to be everything we were looking for at great value. Our hosts made delicious, creative meals that accommodated out dietary requests and were extremely helpful with our day trip planning. It was a perfect compliment to a great vacation.

Was there for a destroyer christening in Bath. Felt as though I was treated as if I were royalty and couldn't ask for better service. Breakfasts were exquistly delightful and showed lots of gourmet talent. The river breezes keep the bedrooms cool as well as the porch which we used regularly. Definitely on our list of places to stay at again when we're in the area.

We recently spent six nights at this fantastic Inn. It is conveniently located in mid-coast Maine and is a great jumping off point for lots of fun day trips. The Inn itself is beautifully furnished and decorated and immaculately clean with nice sized bedrooms and comfy beds. Tom and Judy are perfect hosts and the visit seemed like a visit to the home of close friends. The breakfasts were delicious, well-balanced and satisfying and the presentation was superb. We would highly recommend a stay here and hope to return soon to see Wags and Moppy. Geo and Vicki

A co-worker and I (both college students) were in the area for a college fair at Bowdoin College in nearby Brunswick, ME and needed a place to stay for one night. We weren't looking for luxury, but rather value, and Black Lantern had the best price when we were searching for a room. How lucky we were to have stumbled upon the inn!! Black Lantern is truly a great place. The room we shared was lovely, with a New England charm, and the hosts made an extra bed out of a sleeper sofa for us (even though there was already a Queen sized bed in the room it wasn't cramped at all). Even though Maine can get chilly at night, we weren't cold at all. A full bathroom was also in our room -- very clean and bright. The whole house is gorgeous. They have a great reading room, where you can curl up with a book -- and with a dog! Tom and Judy have two adorable dogs, Mopsy and Wags, who will gladly perform some tricks for you. If you're a dog lover, they're wonderful, and if you aren't, well they are quite small (little lap dogs) and I'm sure they could be avoided. Tom and Judy are very helpful, right from the moment you call to book a room to when you check out. They know a lot about the local area and are more than willing to give you their advice on where to eat, etc. Breakfast was fantastic. Coffee, orange or cranberry juice, fresh melon, French toast (think bread, not Wonderbread), scrambled eggs, and sausage with blueberries in it. And homemade (by Tom!) maple syrup. Delicious. I loved the Black Lantern and wish I could've stayed for more than one night. If I ever get to return to Maine, either for business or pleasure, I will be booking a room at Black Lantern.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
Just a comment regarding our dogs, Moppy and Wags. They reside in our portion of the house and are only allowed to interact with guests when the guests indicate they would like to see the dogs.

- Tom (Innkeeper)