Something's New at the Blue Shutters

We've been very busy this winter, sprucing up the Blue Shutters for guests who will be visiting this year. You'll find new, comfy sofas in the Main Room -- which makes the view of Good Harbor Beach even more enjoyable. There is new furniture in Deckside, Captain's Quarters, Lookout, Beachside and other rooms -- and some special touches all over the house (a note to those of you who have reserved Captain's Quarters -- we've replaced the king-size bed with a new queen-size, along with a beautiful set of matching furniture). While there are these changes, some things are still the same -- including the friends and fun that will welcome you whenever you arrive.

Wine and Food Tasting Event Coming March 28

Saturday March 28 marks the return of a favorite Blue Shutters event -- our wine and food tasting. Once again, Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant Kathy Hill will lead us through a special wine tasting, with a selection of red and white wines paired with a sampling menu prepared just for that evening.

We did this back in January and it was a big success. The menu that day included:
- a New England Cheese Display, with Honeycomb, Macona Almonds and Grapes
- Lobster and Vegetable Spring Rolls with Citrus Ponzu Dip, paired with a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc
- Fennel Pollen Grilled and Chilled Shrimp Brochette with Saffron Rouille, paired with a French Muscadet
- Jamon Serrano with Red Wine Poached Figs, paired with a Spanish Tempranillo
- Vermont Gorgonzola, Crimson Grape and Caramelized Onion and Rosemary Flatbread, paired with an Argentina Malbec
- Chocolate and Hazelnut Biscotti, paired with a Moscato D'Asti

Mark and Kathy will have a whole new menu for March 28 -- but it promises to be just as interesting, and tasty. It will all unfold that afternoon in our Main Room, overlooking beautiful Good Harbor Beach. There will be time to compare notes with other wine and food lovers, enjoy walks on the beach, and relax by a roaring fire before retiring to one of our uniquely decorated guest rooms. We’ll also have menus and recommendations for those interested in dining out at one of Cape Ann’s many restaurants – and a guide to some of our favorite spots for drinks, shopping and entertainment.

Call or email us to reserve a room -- for that evening or the entire weekend.

A Salute to Cape Ann Brewing

A few weeks ago, we told you about plans for our wine and food tasting, and we're happy to report that this was a big success -- so much so that we're planning to do this again in March and April. This month's big event is our Valentine's special -- taking place this weekend -- complete with champagne and chocolates. While we're on the subject of grown-up drinks, we'd like to tip our hat to our friends at the Cape Ann Brewing Co. We've long been fans of these folks and always have some of their beer available at the Blue Shutters -- and we've often visited their place in downtown Gloucester to taste their latest creations. They just got some good news: starting February 12, they'll be serving pizza and sandwiches -- as well as beer. Everyone is encouraged to check this out. Also make note that the Cape Ann Brewing Co. will be teaming up with us in May for our second "Brews & Blues" bash. This was big hit when we first did this back in October, and in May, we'll be raising a few pints -- and enjoying some live music -- as we welcome back the warm weather. Call or email for more details.

Valentine's Weekend at the Blue Shutters

It’s never too soon to start planning that romantic Valentine’s getaway – and the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn is just the place for a truly memorable experience. You’ll find it all here -- quiet walks on the beach, hot chocolate or a cocktail by the fireplace, dinner at one of our region's many great restaurants, and a glass of bubbly and some sweets in a cozy room with a spectacular view of Good Harbor. Guests who join us for this special Valentine’s weekend – for one night or two -- will be treated to complimentary champagne and chocolates and morning-after breakfast, in addition to a guide to some of our favorite spots for drinks, dining and entertainment. Call or email us and reserve your spot.

Sampling Fine Wine and Fantastic Food at the Blue Shutters

This past Saturday was a special day at the Blue Shutters as we held the first of our Wine and Food Tasting events. Nearly 20 folks gathered to sample a selection of red and white wines paired with a menu prepared just for us. We were in the expert hands of Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant Kathy Hill. A big thank you to Kathy and Mark -- and to all those who joined us for the afternoon and evening. There are photos of this event on the Blue Shutters Facebook page, and we'll be including these in our upcoming e-newsletter -- at which time we'll be sharing information on our next Wine and Food Tasting event. So, if you weren't able to make it this weekend, stay tuned -- there will be other opportunities to join in the fun (if you just can't wait to sample some of Mark's creations or Kathy's wines, check out the new hot spot at the Langham Boston -- Bond or call us for Kathy's contact info). Of course, if you have any questions about this or other special events planned at the Shutters just call or email us.

Blue Shutters Birdwatching -- Jan 30 - Feb 1

None of us at the Blue Shutters considered ourselves birdwatchers -- before we arrived here on Good Harbor Beach. Now we spend hours watching the birds of all kinds zip across the yard, swoop across the marsh and sail over the beach. That's why we were so excited to hear about the Cape Ann Winter Birding Weekend, January 30through February 1 -- and why we were quick to offer a special package for the birdwatchers expected to visit Cape Ann later this month. We're offering 10% off any room, plus a "welcome package" that includes a bottle of Smoking Loon wine and a selection of cheeses as well as complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon hot chocolate and cookies. According to the experts, Cape Ann is known to birdwatchers worldwide for its exciting concentrations of winter seabirds. Working with the Mass Audubon Society, the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has planned a weekend filled with opportunity for bird lovers of all skill levels to join expert guides on a tour of Cape Ann's birding hot spots. If you're a birdwatcher -- or if you'd like to give it a try -- check out this special weekend on Cape Ann. And of course, plan to rest up at the Blue Shutters.

New in 2009....Blue Shutters on Facebook

Our last posting came just as the holidays were beginning, and as we write this post, we're a few hours from New Year's Eve. The 2008 holidays were a fun time at the Shutters. We had a great turnout for our tree-trimming, and guests throughout the month enjoyed all the festive decorations. Loads of old friends came north to Rockport and Gloucester on December 20 for our annual Christmas on Cape Ann night out. Last week we had two couples visiting us -- including new friends from Houston, Greg and Brooke. And tonite, we have a full house of family and friends here to celebrate New Year's Eve.

There's something new in 2009 -- another way for you to see what's happening at the Shutters and share your memories. We've just launched a Blue Shutters Facebook page. Check it out -- and feel free to leave photos and messages.

Happy New Year