When Worlds Collide -- Families Meeting Families at the Blue Shutters

We've made many new friends since we took over the Blue Shutters in 2007, but what's just as great -- when friendships develop among our guests. Earlier this summer, guests from Montreal made new friends with a family was western Massachusetts. In July, a couple from Ohio reunited with regular guests from central Massachusetts. And in early August, we witnessed the annual meeting of two of the largest family groups who visit the Shutters -- the Roys and the Woods. The Roys are a group of sisters from western Massachusetts who come with their mom and daughters. The Woods are an extended family from Pennsylvania (and a few stragglers from Massachusetts). At one point, these two groups filled 10 of the 12 rooms at the Blue Shutters -- and when then weren't in their rooms, they mingled on our lawn and gathered around the firepit at night. Most of the group headed out today, but before they did we pulled some of them together for this photo. As we've said in the past, you never know who'll you'll meet at the Blue Shutters -- now we can add...you never know what new friends you'll make.

Guest Comments, Free Gift Card and The Most Interesting Man in the World

Here are some guest comments which were featured in our latest newsletter. Not among our guests: "the most interesting man in the world" from the Dos Equis commercials. But his likeness was here -- along with two of our innkeepers, AnnMarie and Patty on the right, local friends Susie and Laurie on the left, and guest Sue from Clevelend in the center.

If he did come here, we just know Mr. Dos Equis would have comments like this:

"We had the most amazing wedding and mini honeymoon -- it could not have been any better!"
Paul and Teresa

"You guys rock! You are really getting it right!"
John and Lorie

"You can't beat the smores and fireworks"
Karen, John, Chris and Brendan

"It has been lovely! Beautiful views and awesome people make me want to come back!"
Julia and Tom

"I really like this place!"
Jack (age 7)

"We're beach connoisseurs -- having seen beaches in Hawaii, Aruba, California, Nova Scotia,, Virginia, Florida, the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea -- but we must say that Good Harbor is the most beautful and inviting beach..."
Mike and Ona

Thanks to all of you who helped out with reviews and comments so far this summer! Please keep them coming. Don't forget....if you do post comments or a review, let us know about it and that way you'll be sure to be in the drawing for the gift card. Every three months we'll gather up all the reviews -- from online sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp, on the "What's New" page on the Blue Shutters website, and in the guest book in our main room -- select one at random and present that person with a $50 gift card that can be used toward a return visit.

We'll be choosing this first winner at the end of the summer -- and again, anyone can take the prize -- so there's still time to get in on this.

On the Beach or On the Town -- Lots of Reasons to Visit in Late August & September:

The Blue Shutters is full for all but a few dates through the middle of August, but there are still plenty of rooms available later in the month and in early September --and this is a great time to hit the beach. And hit the town. Our August newsletter includes a snapshot of events and activities planned all across Cape Ann. Here is some of what's in store for later in the month and into September:

HarborLoop Concerts
August 11, 18 & 25

Rockport LobsterFest
August 13

Gloucester Waterfront Festival
August 14 & 15

Downtown Gloucester Block Party
August 20

Essex Music Festival
August 27

Stage Fort Park Summer Concerts
August 21 & 28

Schooner Festival
September 2 - 4 (Labor Day Weekend)

Trails & Sails
September 16-25

Downtown Gloucester Block Party
September 17

And coming in October: Rockport HarvestFest and the Essex ClamFest

For details on these and other activiites, visit two of our favorite area websites -- Cape Ann Vacations and Discover Gloucester.

And course, call the Blue Shutters to arrange a stay while you're here!

Love the Blue Shutters? Show It With Our Tee Shirts, Sweats & Hoodies

How would you like to look like these happy folks in the photo on the right? OK, maybe not. How would you like to sport a nifty Blue Shutters Beachside tee-shirt next time you cross the footbridge to Good Harbor Beach? Or warm up with a Blue Shutters hoodie as you stroll through downtown Gloucester? Or show off your love for the Blue Shutters when you return home? Well, now you can...we just got a new shipment of Blue Shutters tees, sweats and hoodies. These are popular items and our supply ran pretty thin over the past few months, but now there are sizes for everyone. Ask us next time you visit. And if you're thinking of giving someone a Blue Shutters gift card, consider making this an extra special present by including one of these shirts or sweats.

Debuting Today....Blue Shutters BeachCam, Our Good Harbor Beach Webcam

We've shared lots of great shots of Good Harbor Beach but today we've added a new view of everyone's favorite beach...the Blue Shutters BeachCam. On this Good Harbor Beach webcam you'll see live video of the beach and guests of the Blue Shutters strolling across the way to the footbridge. The camera is right in the Main Room, by the windows overlooking the beach. We'll soon have this as a link on our website, but for now plan on visiting this page to access the BeachCam. Let us know what you think!

The Experts Finally Agree: Good Harbor Is "The Perfect Beach"

Awhile back, we wrote a piece about the Boston Globe's list of the top 10 beaches in Massacahusetts -- and wondered why Good Harbor Beach didn't make the list. We, along with many other Good Harbor lovers, commented on that story...and it seemed to have made an impact. In yesterday's Globe, Good Harbor was featured in the paper's "On the Water" series focusing on "New England's classic summer pastime." It's a nice article, which talks about "a perfect day on the the perfect beach" and describes Good Harbor as "a perennial favorite". The many friends of the Blue Shutters who are returning year after year for a stay here obviously agree. Many of the guests we're seeing this summer have been coming here since we took over the Blue Shutters in 2007 -- and even more are signing up for next year. While we think the fun and relaxation folks find at the Blue Shutters is a big part of the attraction, we know that the wonderful beach that's right outside our doors makes this place extra special. Check out the article (there's a short video as well) -- the comments from the beachgoers are great...but they don't match all the awesome reviews that our guests have shared with us!

The Blue Shutters: A Place for Fans of the Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies and More

We're in the middle of baseball season, and we thought it was a good time to celebrate our favorite teams -- and not just the Red Sox. While it's true we're here in the heart of Red Sox Nation, we've had a fair number of Yankee fans pass through the Shutters -- just last week, Bob from Staten Island was here, proudly displaying his "Yank Fan" license plate in our lot. We also had a family of Mets fans from New Jersey and two couples from Philadelphia who sported their Phillies hats. And today, little Morgan just had to put on her Dustin Pedroia jersey when she saw innkeeper Tony strutting around with his Yankee shirt. So no matter what team you root for, you're welcome at the Blue Shutters -- feel free to wear your colors proudly (if they happen to be Yankee colors, you may get extra special treatment).