Considered by many to be one of the country’s most treasured resorts, The BALSAMS in Dixville Notch is known far and wide as a fine-dining and golfing Mecca. Offering guests a combination of culinary excellence coupled with a wide array of outdoor activities, the resort that is steeped in US history has been a destination for outdoor lovers from around the world for nearly 150 years. Located on the resort’s hallowed grounds is what many leading golf publications consider to be one of the nicest public courses in the United States. With 18 holes of golfing splendor set on a beautiful backdrop of mountains and rolling hills, the famous Panorama Course provides heavenly views into New York, Vermont and even Canada. Opened in 1912, the course includes all the features one would expect from a Donald Ross-designed course: large, inverted saucer greens, oversized fairways and hazards that can be seen from the tee boxes.
Playing a little over 6,800 yards from the back tees, the Par-72 course has a rating of 72.8 and a slope of 127. This very well-maintained course has received a boatload of accolades from major golf publications, including consistently being ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the best golf resorts in America and the best public play in New Hampshire by Golf Digest.
The beauty of the Panorama Course strikes golfers right from the first tee, which is more than 2,600 feet above sea level. On a clear day, golfers can see Quebec’s Hereford Mountain rising in the north almost on the 49th Parallel, the point exactly halfway between the North Pole and the equator. To the west is Mount Monadnock and to the south is Mount Washington. The valley below this picturesque setting features the Mohawk River.
But the beauty multiplies exponentially as golfers make their way around the course. In fact, it’s the 9th, not the 1st, that’s the most photographed hole. A long, uphill Par-4, the hole features a green perched atop a dome abutting a man-made lake, one of three such lakes on the resort’s 8,000-acre property. And it doesn’t’ stop there as the 5th and the homeward 18th are also worth noting. No. 5, a Par-3, is equally challenging as it is beautiful and features a significant carry over a mountain lake. Making this hole even more of a challenge is the green, which seems to feature a Sunday pin placement regardless of the day of the week. No. 18 is also extremely challenging. In addition to its consistently tough pin placement, oftentimes located in such a way that golfers can only see the very top of the pin, the hole features a very steep approach shot that can easily result in a big score on the card if not enough club is used.
But we wouldn’t be Birdie G if we didn’t mention one final hole, what we consider the best hole on just about every course we play—the 19th. It is without hesitation that we say this may in fact be the most picturesque experience you will ever have on a golf course. Providing views all the way into Vermont, Maine and Canada from its deck, The Panorama Grille not only offers heavenly views, but also heavenly food and beverages making it one of the best places on earth to unwind after a long day on the links. Featuring items ranging from juicy burgers and delicious sandwiches to fresh lobster rolls and crisp salads, there is something for everyone on the menu.
The Panorama course includes locker rooms, a driving range and a putting green, and a comprehensive golf learning center is located at the resort’s executive nine-hole Coashaukee course. Additional highlights include lessons for golfers of all skill levels, and the resort has recently entered into a relationship with Golf & Ski Warehouse to provide visitors with access to top of the line equipment for renting or purchase.
Although often considered by many to be out of their price range, The BALSAMS offers one of the Granite State’s most incredible packages for avid golfers. Called the American Plan, for just $249, golfers enjoy unlimited greens fees (play 36 holes and you’ve almost made your money back given the fact greens fees at Panorama are $80/round); breakfast, lunch and dinner at one of the many renowned resort eateries; accommodations; and unlimited use of all resort facilities, including access to their award-winning tennis courts.
For non-golfers and children, the resort offers countless activities, including Camp Wind Whistle, a day-camp for children, as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, a heated pool, kayaking, tennis, daily and nightly entertainment, guest speakers and more. The resort also boasts a salon and day spa and access to trained child care.
Additionally, The BALSAMS is home to some of the country’s greatest cuisine. Perfect for any special occasion—from birthdays and anniversaries to family reunions and weddings¬—the resort’s acclaimed chefs use only the freshest ingredients, oftentimes from local farmers. They also have a wine cellar continually recognized by Wine Spectator that features more than 4,000 bottles of wine from 310 different labels. The famous dining room is open for breakfast and dinner year-round and a buffet luncheon is served during the summer season and on holidays. Dinner is served table d’ hôte style, meaning the gracious staff serves a complete meal with courses as specified on the menu, which changes daily.
With all this focus on culinary excellence, it should come as no surprise that The BALSAMS is home to a renowned culinary program after they adopted the National Apprenticeship Training Program for Cooks and Pastry Cooks (SM) creating The BALSAMS Culinary Apprenticeship Program. The brainchild of then-Director of Food Service Chef Phil Learned, the program launched in 1978 with a goal of providing “a reliable culinary staff operating with a high degree of professionalism.” Since its launch, many of the graduates have remained at the resort, while others have gone on to successful careers in some of the nation’s most prestigious resorts, hotels and restaurants.
Finally, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we left out one of the major facts about The BALSAMS that truly makes it an American institution. Every four years, the resort becomes the focal point of the country when it serves as the place where local residents (about 30 of them) cast the first votes in the presidential election—at midnight of Election Day. Now that is what we call being steeped in history!
For more information on everything the BALSAMS has to offer for you and your family, visit www.thebalsams.com