Salem's Halloween Happenings...and the Blue Shutters Murder Mystery

October is a very special time at the Blue Shutters. The autumn colors are all around, the beach is quiet and the bars and restaurants less crowded. And for those looking for some Halloween fun, nearby Salem is the world capital. There are events planned all around the city throughout the month. And there's no better place to use as your home base than the Blue Shutters. We're just a short ride by car -- or better yet, by train (a great way to avoid the crowds heading to the city). For those of you looking for other ways to get into the spirit, join us for our Murder Mystery Night on Saturday October 23 (we do all the planning -- you just show up, get into character and enjoy the fun). That's the crew from last October in the photo above. We're running a special discount that weekend -- book Saturday night and get Friday for half-price. Call or email us today for the details.

Come Join the Fall Fun -- Check out these Cape Ann Events

We're just a few days into fall, and we've already enjoy some beautiful days on Cape Ann and at the Blue Shutters. This is a great time of year to visit -- and not just for all the reasons why fans of the Blue Shutters keep coming back. There is also a full schedule of events planned around region -- here's a review of some of what's in store:

Gran Prix of Gloucester -- October 2-3 at Stage Fort Park
The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester unfolds at one of the most beautiful bicycle race venues in the country: the wind-swept oceanside Stage Fort Park.

Cape Ann Farmers Market -- Thursday Afternoons Through October 7
Located on Rogers Street, across from Topside Grill and Pub, this Farmers Market features a locally-grown produce.

Cape Ann Restaurant Week -- October 18-23
Special pricing on fabulous dining throughout Cape Ann.

Essex Clamfest -- October 23 at Essex
This annual Essex ClamFest will run from 11-4 p.m. at Memorial Park in Essex.

Remember, there's no better way to enjoy these events and activities than to stay at the Blue Shutters. We're just minutes away from all the fun -- and we're here at the end of the day to relax and recharge.

Things to do on a Rainy Day on Cape Ann

Just got this photo from longtime Blue Shutters fans Joyce and Jina (that's Jina in the photo) and it reminded us....while we had great weather this summer -- all but a few days were sunny and warm -- there's lots to do during those few times when there's rain. Here are some thoughts (feel free to add your own ideas):
- walk the beach (still pleasant -- a whole different experience that those days when you're sunning)
- sit on the Blue Shutters sofas and watch the storms and surf (take it from us -- this is a real treat)
- enjoy one of the bars or restaurants downtown
- take in a museum (the Maritime Heritage and Cape Ann Historical are two favorites)
- browse one of the area's art galleries (some of the best you'll ever see)
- check out the shops in downtown Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-sea
- go antique-ing (Essex is a hot-bed for antique shops)
- go to a movie at the Gloucester Cinema (intimate and affordable)
- go bowling at Cape Ann Lanes (this is the closest we come to arcades and mini-golf here on Cape Ann, and we think that's a good thing)
- check out other attractions like the Beauport mansion and Hammond Castle

You can visit the Cape Ann Chamber website for more ideas. Or click on the "Our Links" section of our website for more info.

Keep these ideas in mind next time next time you visit -- and hope for just a little rain so you can enjoy these and other experiences around the Blue Shutters and the Cape Ann region.

Coming this Fall: Murder Mystery Night on Oct. 23, Fall Wine & Food Tasting on Nov. 6

While our guests are still enjoying summer, we're busy planning for the off-season. Once again, we'll have weekend specials which will give you even more reason to return to the Blue Shutters when the beach quiets down.

On Saturday, October 23, we'll hold our third Murder Mystery Weekend, recreating an event that was a big hit last fall and this past spring. As we've done in the past, the Blue Shutters' own murder mystery expert does all the planning, and we provide some refreshments -- all you need to do is play along. Because the Murder Mystery takes place during the height of the Halloween celebrations in nearby Salem, you'll have an opportunity to join in the fun there that weekend during your stay at the Blue Shutters (Salem is a short drive or train-ride from Gloucester...and the Halloween festivities continue through the entire month of October).

On November 6, we'll hold our annual Fall Wine & Food Tasting. These evenings are always a favorite among our guests -- and why not? There's great food (courtesy of Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza) and great wine (presented by our own wine consultant, Kathy Hill).

Both of these special events are offered to our guests at no additional charge -- all you need to do is reserve a room on either of these weekends.

And when you're planning that visit, think about making this a full weekend getaway. We're helping by offering a second-night discount -- book one weekend night and get the second night at half-price.

There will be other special events later this fall and winter, including our holiday tree-trimming and a South America celebration benefiting Por Cristo.

And we're looking at other possible Blue Shutters events and activities, including a knitting weekend and a fortune teller night.

Call or email us if you have questions on any of these -- and if you'd like to book a room for our two upcoming events.