High in the mountaintops of northern New Hampshire, just shy of the Canadian border, awaits a grand dame hotel that has been entertaining families for more than 135 years. The Dix House, which began to welcome travelers passing through the heavily wooded Dixville Notch in 1874, celebrated its grand opening as an official place of lodging on Independence Day, 1875. In the 1880s, the house was expanded and could house up to 100 guests.

In 1895, Henry Hale, the inventor of the Pullman seat for railroad cars, purchased the Dix House and turned it into the grand resort property it is today, renaming it The Balsams, after the plentiful fir trees climbing the flanking mountains. (The air smells like Christmas!) By 1898, Hale had created a man-made lake for guests to enjoy, and soon the 8,000-acre resort was nicknamed the "Switzerland of America."

In 2002, the hotel and its 8,000-acre property were placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District. Today, the resort honors its history by keeping close the traditions of the days of yore. Rooms with pine closets and floral wallpaper print are lacking televisions and mini-fridges. The desks are small, writing tables not meant to be used as work space. Air conditioning comes from opening a window to the chilled night air, or using the portable fan stashed in a closet. Bathtubs are clawed and sinks are pedestal. All are housed in majestic buildings with wraparound porches, towering turrets and expansive lawns.

Continuing the old-fashion resort feel (we likened it to the movie "Dirty Dancing!") men are required to wear jackets to evening meals, and women are often dressed to the nines. The dining room provides assigned seating to families for the duration of their stay: same table, same service staff, and same neighbors at neighboring tables. An activities board is found in the lobby, listing the daily activities for families to enjoy: tennis, golf, hiking, moose spotting, dancing, movies, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts.

The Balsams beckons for outdoor activity and families will find themselves doing just that. This is a place to spend time together and truly relax.

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