#198: The Balsams (page 661, Listed as The Great North Woods in the 2nd Ed, pg 824)

August 17, 2017

I can see why the Basalms made the top 1000 list

Because it looks like this.

But..... my verdict is.....

Verdict: No.  Because it's closed.  We drove all the way there, planning to eat lunch, spend the afternoon, stroll the grounds, etc.  Only to find it closed.  And apparently (per the townspeople), it's been closed for like 7 or 8 years.  It is undergoing massive renovations and is being changed into a time share.  I even called to see if there was any way I could get a tour.  But two of the roads to get there were closed and the woman that answered the phone said that you have to make a timeshare appointment to even walk inside the place now.  So, looks like you only have 999 places to see before you die now.

Note:  In the 2nd Edition, it doesn't list this anymore.  I thought it was for obvious reasons (see above) until I read the entry and it specifically talks about visiting the Balsams "a magnificent, old-fashioned resort....over 200 guest rooms and offers loads of activities."  My only explanation is that the book was published in 2011 and it maybe closed between then and when we visited in 2017? And the locals who said "7 or 8 years" were off by a couple years? I just looked up the history of the place and found this "As of 2017 (the year I was there), The Balsams is closed for renovations after being purchased by new owners for $2.3 million in December 2011 (the year the 2nd Edition was published)."   It's listed as "The Great North Woods" in the 2nd Edition, but even so, my verdict doesn't change.  We drove all around this area.  It was scenic and the towns were cool, but nothing about it was a "must do before you die" experience.  Maybe once this place opens after the planned $170 million renovations, it will be!  For that much money, I would hope so!

#197: Mount Washington (pg 663; Listed as The White Mountains in the 2nd Ed, pg 826)

At the top of Mount Washington on Aug 17, 2017

The 6,288 foot summit!

The weather up here is no joke.  It's SO windy and cold! There are no other mountains protecting it, so at the summit, the weather literally blows you away.  At times, apparently, it is comparable to Antarctica and has earned the phrase of "the worst weather in the world."

Having fun on the cog on the way back down.

Here you can get a visual of our cog going down and another on its way up.

Verdict:  Yes. Do it.  I absolutely loved this experience.  You can hike or cog your way to the top and hike or cog your way back down.  We took the cog both ways and I'm glad I did!  Not so much because of the distance or elevation but because it was SO windy and cold, for me, the last part of that hike once you got close to the top just would have been absolutely miserable.  And besides, the cog is so cool! Just a fun, unique experience. The Mount Washington Cog Railway was the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world.  It began in 1866 and the first excursion to the top was in 1869.

Cog Cost: Adults $69 R/T, Seniors $65 and children 4-12 $39

#111: The Lakes Region (Page 662; 2nd Ed pg 825)

July 8, 2011: Welcome to Wolfeboro!

No trip to the Lakes Region is complete without getting on the lake! We each paid $20 to take a boat ride around the lake. Sandy was the operator of "Little Millie" and Dan was our "driver." They were great and we had a FABULOUS time!

Here are just a few of the gorgeous homes you see lining the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee...

This is the home where French President Sarkozy "summered" a couple years ago.

And Mitt Romney's home....

And the Yum Yum Shop. This is a fabulous bakery where we had sandwiches on homemade bread. And, as the name says, it was Yum Yum!

Verdict: We love, love, loved the time we spent here! It is known as America's "first summer resort." Lots of shops, restaurants, beautiful water, homes, etc. You won't be disappointed!