The Legendary Dixville Notch

Tucked away in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the Balsams Grand Resort is a place of legend. Once one of the most iconic and luxurious resorts in New England, it sat surrounded by towering peaks, deep forests, and some of the most rugged terrain in the White Mountains. The Balsams was famous for its high-end accommodations, world-class skiing at The Balsams Wilderness, and its remote, almost mystical setting. But beyond the luxury, it also played a unique role in American history—Dixville Notch is home to the country’s first-in-the-nation voting tradition, where a handful of residents cast their ballots at midnight during presidential elections. (I've been fortunate to see this one with my own eyes!!)

Though the resort has been closed since 2011, efforts to revive it have been ongoing for years, with plans for massive ski expansion and a full-scale renovation. Whether it makes a comeback or remains a relic of the past, The Balsams is a reminder of a different era in the North Country—when grand hotels were the ultimate getaway and the mountains were a playground for the elite. If you’ve ever driven through Dixville Notch, you know how wild and beautiful this place is. Have you ever visited or explored the area?