New England's Balsams Grand Resort Hotel Marks 140 Years with New Summer Adventures and Packages

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. October 14, 2008

HIXVILLE, NH, June 23, 2005. Ever seen a moose in its natural habitat? Fly fished in the heart of New England? Tackled the rapids of the Androscoggin River? Built in New England during the grand hotel era, The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville, N.H., is celebrating its 140th season of operation this summer. Now under the management of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, The Balsams will expand its summer guest activities to include new personal adventures, packages and programs.

Since re-opening on May 27, the picturesque resort is welcoming summer guests and offering them world-class golf on the renowned Donald Ross course, as well as tennis, a wealth of guided hikes and mountain bike rides, fishing and swimming. For the active traveler, The Balsams is introducing personal adventures that include white water rafting and kayaking, moose safaris, bird watching excursions, guided fly-fishing trips and outdoor teambuilding courses.

"We're very excited to be adding more great reasons to visit The Balsams," said David Lindelow, general manager of The Balsams for Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. "Our new activities and packages will enhance the guest experience by creating another level of excitement and diversity as we celebrate the 140th year of this spectacular resort."

Specific activities for the 140th season at The Balsams include:

White Water Adventures -- Grab an oar, some friends and hang on for an adrenaline-pumping ride on the Androscoggin River. Guests will be surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains as they take on the rapids during a white water rafting or kayaking experience.

Bird Watching - With a recent resurgence in the White Mountain's bald eagle population, guests have the opportunity to take the resort's shuttle to Lake Umbagog where they can enjoy a guided pontoon ride to view osprey, hawks, eagles and other area wildlife.

Moose Safari - For the true thrill-seeker, moose safaris at The Balsams come complete with an evening HUMMER ride to get up-close-and-personal views of the incredible animals. A resort staff member shares interesting moose facts and figures along the way.

Guided Fly-Fishing Trips - Guests join Osprey Fishing Adventures as they depart directly from the resort to some of the region's best river and lake fly fishing. At the end of the day, The Balsams' talented chefs are happy to prepare the fresh catch for dinner.

Camp E-toh-anee - Families or groups can increase their confidence, teambuilding skills and adventurous spirit on this skills course, complete with obstacles, games and problem-solving exercises.

Each of these personal adventures can be added to any vacation as part of the resort's new Leisure Plan, which allows guests to stay at the resort and create their own vacation "as they stay" with no predetermined package pricing. For guests who prefer an all-inclusive experience, The American Plan is also available at the resort.

Known for its renowned culinary offerings and experience, The Balsams is also extending its summer dining options and hours for added flexibility. The 2005 class of its recognized culinary apprenticeship program will graduate in October.

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts will keep The Balsams open as a year-round destination. As the new operator, Delaware North is responsible for overseeing all lodging, food and beverage, retail and recreational operations for the destination, including the property's renowned culinary academy.