Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

The Balsams, set on 15,000 remote acres in northern New Hampshire, is a proud holdover of the golden age of hotels at the end of the 19th century. We liked that this hotel offered value packages like the popular Modified American Plan, for example, that bundle accommodations with breakfast and dinner. On top of that, you get the free children’s program and a multitude of complimentary activities like family movie nights. Three highlights of our trip were the moose safari, hike to the top of Table Rock, and a kayak trip to Mud Pond -- all offered by the resort. Thanks to its picturesque setting beside a pristine mountain lake, the hotel became known as the “Switzerland of America” and drew a clientele of socialites interested in active pursuits such as boating, hiking, and fishing. There is croquet, shuffleboard, badminton, tennis and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Donald Ross, and even a ski resort with 57 miles of cross-country trails and an alpine area with 16 trails, five glades, and a terrain park.