It's Fiesta Time!

One of the biggest events of the year here in Gloucester is about to kick off -- the St. Peter's Feast, otherwise known in these parts as "The Fiesta". It all begins tonight and runs through this weekend, with music, parades, religious celebrations, fireworks...and plenty of food and fun. One of the highlights is the famed "greasy pole" -- which you need to see to believe. If you've enjoyed the feast in the past, you're welcome to join us again; if this is new to you, it's something you definitely should experience. You'll find all the details about this year's feast online -- and posted at the Blue Shutters, which is a great stopping off point for your Fiesta fun.

Blue Shutters on Twitter!

If you use Twitter, you'll be happy to know the Blue Shutters is now using this to let our friends know about happenings here. Please become a follwer(our Twitter name is blue_shutters). If you don't know Twitter, check it out and you can see what everyone is talking about.

Summer's Here -- Come Join Us

A few weeks ago we celebrated the coming of summer with our beach bash -- if you get our e-newsletter, you heard about this and got a look at some of the fun (if you don't get our newsletter, call or email us and we'll get you on the list). We've had some nice days since then -- but the best is yet to come. There are still some spots available this summer season, but rooms are going fast. Contact us soon if you're thinking of staying with us. The newsletter also looks ahead to some of the summer events planned here on Cape Ann. Don't miss out!

Brews & Blues on May 30 -- Back to the Beach

Last fall, dozens of friends were on hand for our first Brews & Blues and enjoyed an outdoor concert, free beer tastings and some refreshments on the lawn overlooking Good Harbor Beach. On May 30, we’ll do it all again – this time to celebrate the return of the beach season. Once again, we're teaming up with the Cape Ann Brewing Co. -– makers of the highly-acclaimed Fisherman’s Brew – and some talented musicians who’ll entertain us with a jam session on that Saturday afternoon. The Cape Ann Brewers folks will be on hand into the evening for beer tastings. You can enjoy your brew (or other beverages of your liking) in your room, in our main guest area or out by the fire pit. And all weekend you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy other activities across Cape Ann – including a personal tour of the brewery on the Gloucester waterfront. Reserve your spot soon for Brews & Blues – for Friday May 29, Saturday May 30 or both nights. We expect this will be a popular weekend here at the Blue Shutters.

A Jazzy Time on Cape Ann

Cape Ann offers a wide variety of activities and we thought we had tried them all. But we had a new experience this weekend -- jazz. Longtime friend Bill S arrived Saturday for a visit -- and an extra ticket to a performance by vocalist Kendra Shank, who was appearing in Rockport that night. Bill, who is working on a book about jazz legend Bill Pepper, not only is a Kendra fan -- he's also talking with her about his book. I joined Bill for the performance at the Rockport Art Association and was blown away by Kendra and her band -- and by the art association's exhibit. I'm not sure when Kendra will be back in these parts, but you'll find info on her and samples of her work on her website. A big thank you to Bill to opening our eyes to Kendra -- and to jazz. As for the Rockport Art Association, there's a great exhibit going on through early June -- and there will be other happenings throughout the year. Check out their website for more info.

Food and Wine Tasting -- Part II

Yesterday was another big day for the Blue Shutters, as our guests gathered for the second of our Wine and Food Tastings. Once again, Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant Kathy Hill supplied the wines and Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza created a menu just for us. Here's a review of what we samples:

New England Cheeses Muscat Grapes and Baguettes
White Viognier – Maine Lobster Salad, Tarragon and Baby Russet Potato
White Rhone – Jonah Crab Cake with Grain Mustard Aioli
Argentina Malbec – White Bean, Roasted Garlic and Thyme Dip with Parmesan Crostini
California Zinfandel –Tomato and Molasses BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Italian Super Tuscan – Air Dried Beef Breseola, Parmesan. Taggiasca Olive Oil and Mediterranean Olives

We're planning other events before the summer rolls in, including our May 30 "Brews and Blues" (call us ASAP if you're interested in this -- space is going fast). Stay tuned for more details on these plans.

We'd like to thank Mark and Kathy -- and all the friends who joined us for what turned out to be another great afternoon and evening of wine, food and fun.

Fun and Affordable Spring Getaway

These days, everyone can use a break -- but we can't afford to break the bank. So if you're looking for a fun, easy and affordable spring getaway, why not spend some time at the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn.

We've had many guests visit this winter -- enjoying local restaurants and taverns, quiet walks on the beach, some refreshments by the fireplace, and rest and relaxation in one of our comfy rooms overlooking the waves crashing on Good Harbor --and with the weather warming, the Blue Shutters is even more fun.

This spring, there are lots of special events planned for the spring -- check out the Cape Ann Chamber website for an update. And while you're planning don't forget to mark your calendar for May 30 -- that's the date for the Blue Shutters Beachside Blues & Brews, featuring beer tastings and a jam session on our lawn.

There are plenty of rooms available before the summer arrives -- and for those of you in the northeast, we're just a short drive away. Call or email us and make your plans for a winter/spring getaway -- we promise, you won't be disappointed.