A Last Chance for Those Counting Down the Final Days of Summer

For many folks, this coming week marks the end of summer -- kids back to school, vacation days end.  We're not ready to give up on summer yet, but for those who have to move on, there's still time to squeeze in some beach days before Labor Day -- still more opportunities to start your day with a view like this.  There are still plenty of rooms open at the Blue Shutters right through Friday this week -- so call us today!

Kick Off Labor Day Weekend at the Gloucester Schooner Festival

The Gloucester Schooner Festival begins later this week, and this once again promises to be one of the best weekends of the summer here on Cape Ann.  We still have rooms available on Friday night, which should give you enough time to enjoy the schooners and spend some time on the beach.  Check out this link for more info on the Festival - and call us about available rooms this Friday.

More Shutters Tee Shirts, Sweats and Hoodies Now Available -- Show Your (Blue) Colors!

You never know where you'll find Blue Shutters tee shirts, sweats and hoodies -- perhaps among the mountains of Yosemite Valley or off the coast of Key West...or on the footbridge at Good Harbor Beach.  We'd like to see even more of these Blue Shutters "colors" -- in these exotic places, around your hometown and here on Cape Ann.  So, we've ordered a new batch of shirts and sweats.  Our last order was gobbled up fast, and many who were looking for a particular size this summer went home disappointed. Worry no more -- we have all sizes in stock. Ask us next time you're at the Shutters -- or call us and we'll ship one (or two or more) right to your home!

An Artist, His Easel and a Breathtaking Beach Scene

It's not often that you see a painter with an easel on the lawn of the Blue Shutters. That was the case this morning, when John from Chelmsford set up here and started this painting of Good Harbor Beach scene.  Maybe this will inspires you to bring your paint brushes next time you visit the Blue Shutters.

Guest Photo: View from Captain's Quarters

We always love to share photos passed along to us by our guests -- many folks post them on the Blue Shutters Facebook page.  We'll also spotlight them here -- like this one from the Poole's, who visited from Canada a few weeks back.  This was their view from Captain's Quarters -- something they say they're missing already (we don't blame them).

Spotlighting Nearby Rock Neck -- Gloucester's Historic Artist Colony

Here's another Cape Ann suggestion -- one that isn't at all new.  In fact, Gloucester's Rocky Neck is the home of the nation's oldest art colony.  This quaint artist village, located just a few minutes from the Blue Shutters, is worth a visit anytime, but this year they began something called "Nights at the Neck" -- check out this site for info on this and other Rocky Neck details.  And of course, when you do plan your visit, you can make the Blue Shutters your stepping off point!

Check Out the New Gloucester Harborwalk

Here's a new suggesstion for your next visit to Blue Shutters -- and it's something that'll work after the beach season ends.  In recent weeks, we've seen the debut of the new Gloucester Harborwalk, which is located just a few minutes from the Shutters.  Check out their site -- and think about adding this to your plans for a Cape Ann getaway.http://www.gloucesterharborwalk.com/

Blue Shutters Memories...From a Long-Ago Chambermaid Living in London

We hear many Blue Shutters stories from folks who pass through this special place. We hope you'll share your memories here and on our Facebook page -- or when you come to visit. Here's a note we just got from Esther of London, who worked here years before we took over as innkeepers...

"When I was only 20 I was a chambermaid at Blue Shutters and loved my summer there. I have since returned several times with my husband. I wanted you to know that I’ve immensely enjoyed the webcam you’ve installed. I keep it on my computer’s tool bar at work and home and take a peek once in awhile. It’s very close to the view that I had from my center window overlooking the beach (before renovation – yes they gave that room to their help! Amazing!). I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy it and hope that it will be running for a long time. I spent many happy afternoons on that gorgeous beach!"

This is a photo of the webcam Esther mentions, which you'll see in the window in our main room.  You can see the webcam view for yourself by clicking here or on  "Live Webcam" on our home page.

Good Harbor Tops Boston.Com "Best Beach" Poll

We've seen a lot of stories in the media on the region's best beaches, and we're always surprised that Good Harbor Beach doesn't place higher.  Well, Boston.com finally got it right -- actually it was the Boston.com readers who chose Good Harbor as the best beach in all of New England in a recent poll.  It's about time!  Check out this link for more.

There's a Spot Waiting for You on Good Harbor Beach

We like to think that it's fun just to relax around the Blue Shutters -- but we have to admit, you can't do better than Good Harbor Beach when you're looking for some sand, sun and surf.  So remember...there's a room waiting for you at the Blue Shutters -- and a spot on the beach for your sand chairs.

Family Fun at the Blue Shutters

The Woods and Collins clans -- and their extended families -- have gathered here at the Blue Shutters for the past few years, and you'd be hard pressed to find a group that has more fun at Good Harbor Beach and all around Cape Ann.  Here are some scenes from this year's visit to the Blue Shutters.

More Guest Photos....

Here are still more guest photos -- these from longtime Shutters fans Joyce and Jina, who'll be with us later this month...no doubt adding more photographs to their library of shots featuring everyone's favorite beach.

Photos from Friends of the Blue Shutters...

We love to get photos from friends of the Blue Shutters -- we've featured many of them right here on our blog and on our Facebook page.  Here are a few from Peter H, one of the first guests who stthe Blue Shutters when we took over in 2007.   You'll find even more of Peter's photos on the wall near the fireplace in our main room.