Combining a ski trip along with good food and wine is definitely my kind of weekend getaway. Which is why I’m so excited about heading to The Balsams, a New Hampshire hotel. The occasion: we just need a reprieve from the City. It’s far north in the wilderness, about 390 miles from NYC, but I’m definitely up for the drive, especially because I’ll get to:
• Ski (something I haven’t done since before having my little toddler) in The White Mountains
• Eat dinner in The Balsam dining room where the chef uses local ingredients, and the rest of the dining staff attends the hotel’s rigorous, world class culinary school (I think this Busy Hedonist will be in good hands)
• Enjoy a dish such as roast loin of venison with blackberry demi glace or pan roasted Long Island duck from The Balsams’ table d’hote (i.e. prix fixe menu)
• Drink wine from their cellar, which boasts over 4,000 bottles (I have my eye on a Stag’s Leap from Napa)
• See my husband dressed in a jacket, since they’re required in the dining room
• Sneak off to the spa for a deep tissue massage (I’ll need it after skiing) while hubby watches our toddler (though The Balsams does have a babysitting service)
• Have some peace and quiet in the mountains (I’m fairly certain I live in the noisiest neighborhood in Manhattan so heading somewhere peaceful once in a while is a necessity)
As I am listening to a motorcycle whizz by my building as well as honking taxis, I realize just how much I’m looking forward to a mini vacation at The Balsams.
