Early Morning or Late Afternoon, It's Always Beautiful at the Blue Shutters

Here are two different views of Good Harbor Beach. One is a late afternoon look a the house on the point, taken from the front yard of the Blue Shutters. The other is one familiar to early-risers at the Shutters -- the sun coming up over the horizon and shining into our Main Room. We think the Blue Shutters and its views are beautiful any time of day -- any time of year. Come check it out...again, or for the first time!

Worried About Rising Gas Prices this Summer? The Answer is a Blue Shutters Vacation!

If you're like us, the news reports on rising gas prices are a concern. Many of you might be worried about those long summer road-trips. Well, the Blue Shutters could be your answer this summer. Those who live in the Boston area are a short drive from one of New England's most beautiful oceanside areas. Even guests from other states can save on gas once you're here. Everything you need -- restuarants, night-spots, museums, nature walks, art galleries, shops and more -- is just minutes away. And of course, you'll never have to drive to the beach. Interested in visiting Boston or nearby spots like Salem? The train can get you there -- saving you on gas (and traffic headaches and parking).

So, rising gas prices are no reason to pass on a summer vacation this year -- instead, you should spend more time with us and save a few dollars...and have lots more fun.

Gloucester's Own Distillery to be Featured on Boston's Channel 5

One of our favorite local establishments is Ryan & Wood, Cape Ann's own distillery. At the Blue Shutters, we have some of their vodka, gin, rum and whiskey -- made right here in Gloucester -- and we're always encourgaing folks to take in a tour (just minutes from the Blue Shutters). Someone passd along this link letting us know that Ryan & Wood will be featured on Channel 5's Chronicle on Tuesday. If you have a chance, check it out.

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day -- Blue Shutters Style -- on March 17th!

We're always looking for reasons to invite folks to the Blue Shutters, and there's no better reason than St. Patrick's Day...especially when we throw in a Murder Mystery Night. That's exactly what we're doing on Saturday March 17. As if St. Patrick's Day celebrating -- Blue Shutters style -- wasn't enough, we're planning to do this with one of our Murder Mystery Nights as a backdrop. In the past, we've done murder mysteries with zombies, around Mardi Gras and with a Margaritaville flavor -- and each time we've had a lot of laughs. Based on those experiences, a St. Patrick's Day Murder Mystery seemed to be the perfect plan. Once again, we're inviting folks to spend the eveving -- and let us do the rest of the work. We'll have some refreshments, decorations and instruactions on each character in the murder mystery. All our guests need to do it play along -- it's casual and fun. There's plenty of time to do other St. Patricks Day celebrating around Gloucester -- but if you'd like more time, we're offering a 2-night special that weekend (stay Saturday night and get Friday night at half price). Call us for details on what promises to be a Blue Shutters classic!

Smiling Faces,Tasty Chili at our 2012 Cook Off

Here are a few more shots from the Chili Cook Off on Saturday February 2012. Lots of smiling faces -- when they're not busy eating chili.

Everyone Was a Winner at Our 2012 Chili Cook Off!

Here are some scenes from the 2012 Blue Shutters Chili Cook Off. We had 10 chili creations to sample -- more than we had last year -- and each was a winner. But our guest judges -- TJ Peckham of Cape Ann Brewery and Doug Silva of Topside Grill -- had to pick the Chili champions, and they selected the chili dishes prepared by Chris Shiels and Donna Sapienza of Stoneham, who took third and second place) and Andy Murphy of Randolph who took the top prize. TJ awarded Chris a six-pack of Cape Ann Brewery's Navigator, and Donna went home with a Topside gift certificate, courtesy of Doug. And Andy earned a return visit to the Blue Shutters with his champion chili. There were others that earned the spotlight -- the popular vote (by other guests) singled out Mike Sapienza of Burlington and Jenny Chacon from Johnstone, RI, along with Andy and Chris. But each and every guest this night felt like a winner -- enjoying lots of great chili, some excellent Cape Ann brews, and a bunch of laughs with friends old and new. Thanks to everyone who joined us for this year's Chili Cook Off. Stayed tuned for our next special weekend at the Blue Shutters -- it could very well be just as much fun.

2012 Chili Cook Off Heats Up Tonight!

A reminder: tonight is our Chili Cook Off and there's still time to get in on the fun. Last year's champ is back, along with a few other contenders from 2011 (including a professional chef and a runner-up who is looking for revenge). Some newcomers have signed on, claiming they have the winning chili recipe. The competition may sound serious, but it's all in good fun -- last year's Chili Cook Off was one of our most enjoyable evenings (the photos here are from 2011). And with a bit of snow on the ground later today -- and the fireplace blazing -- the Blue Shutters will be a great backdrop not only for chili-tasting, but also for a special Valentine's weekend getaway. Call us for details!

More Good Harbor Beach Photos

We just received some new photos from our friend Marie Pelletier, a frequent guest here and an even more frequent sight along Good Harbor Beach, where she can often be seen toting her camera equipment. We've featured some of Marie's photos in the past -- here are her latest....one from the Blue Shutters front yard, and another taken from our favorite footbridge. Check out earlier posts on this blog for more of Marie's photos -- and shots from other guests. And a reminder -- if you have photos you'd like to share with us, please send them along. We'd love everyone to see them.

Saturday's Blue Shutters Chili Cook Off -- Whether You Compete or Just Eat, You're Sure to Have Fun

A reminder to all of you who think you're a chili champ -- or just want to try sample some awesome chili: our second annual Chili Cook Off is set for next Saturday Feb. 11. It's free to anyone who stays with us that night -- and we're making it even more "appetizing": just bring some chili for others to sample and we'll knock 25% off the room rate. And if our judges name you the chili champion, you'll get a gift card for a free stay at the Blue Shutters! A reminder, it all takes place just a few days before Valentine's Day -- and the Blue Shutters, Good Harbor and Cape Ann can be a perfect choice for a romantic getaway. Call or email us for more details.

The View from Widow's Walk...and Another Look at the "Pagoda House"

Here are two more early morning photos of Good Harbor Beach to share -- one of Salt Island (the hunk or rock just off the far end of the beach) with one of the twin lighthouses in the background, taken from the third-floor Widow's Walk "overlook" (the roof-top area just outside that room's outside entrance). Widow's Walk is a particular favorite of many Blue Shutters fans because of this view. The other shot is a familiar one -- the "pagoda house" on the rocks at the edge of Good Harbor Beach (we call it the pagoda house because of the distinctive top, which reminds us of a Japanese pagoda). This has to be one of the most photographed spots in all of NE -- and this morning was no exception. Blue Shutters fan and expert photographer Marie Pelletier was out early this morning yet again shooting. We hope to share these photos with you soon.

Walking the Beach...and Thinking About the Super Bowl (and Our Chili Cook Off)

Without fail, there are folks walking the beach every Sunday -- even Super Bowl Sunday. To be honest, this photo of a lonely beach-walker was taken about 11 hours before the game kicks off, but our guess is there will be people enjoying Good Harbor Beach at 6:30 tonight. Not us, however -- we'll be watching the Super Bowl along with most of the rest of the US. But we'll be thinking ahead to next weekend, when we'll be able to turn our attention back to the beach -- and to our Chili Cook Off. There are still spots available for folks who want to stay with us on Saturday -- whether you want to compete or just eat, you're welcome to join us for what promises to be a fun evening. Call us for details

Beautiful Beaches and Cute Puppies....Gloucester Has It All!

Who doesn't love cute puppy photos? So here's one -- and it's not just any puppy. This is Beatrice -- the newest addition to the Roy clan, the Blue Shutters friends who invade our place every August (and a few other times during the year). The Roys -- who hail from western Mass -- came all the way to Gloucester and the Cape Ann Animal Shelter to get Beatrice. I guess we not only have the most beautiful beach (and the best B&B) around ...we also have the cutest puppies.