Celebrating Good Harbor Beach's Island Playground

One of the most unique parts of Good Harbor is Salt Island, the island which sits just off the beach.  At low tide, a sandbar appears and folks can wade through ankle-deep water out to the island.  On this beautiful early June Sunday, you can see some beachgoers walking out to the island, others sunbathing on the sand, and still more hanging out in the tidal river.  And in the distance you'll spot a sailboat and one of the Thatcher Island's twin lighthouses.

All this at one great beach -- located just a few steps from our front door.  You'll be hard-pressed to find another beach with so much to enjoy.

New Look On Our Lawn....But Still the Same Great View

Those of you who haven't visited in awhile will notice a lot of little improvements around the Blue Shutters (don't worry -- the views of Good Harbor Beach and the fun and friendly atmosphere hasn't changed).  There's some new furniture, new bedding, new cable TV boxes -- and new chairs on our lawn.  Here's an early morning look at the beach from our new lawn chairs -- now picture yourself sitting here enjoying a cup of coffee, planning your day across the way at the beach!

After the Storm -- Walking, Surfing, Watching

Those of you who live in the Boston area know that yesterday was a very storming day -- lots of rain and wind.  Not the best day to sit on the beach, but a great day to sit and watch the waves.  The day after a storm like this is even better -- the waves seem even bigger and you're able to walk the beach without a soaking.  Here are a few shots -- one shows the sun breaking on the horizon, the other shows surfers heading out to the beach, and the last folks returning after a walk on the sand.  The waves are even more impressive than what you see in the photos.  There's still time to come check it out for yourself.  

Brews & More Brews: The Answer to a Rainy Day

The rain might have put a damper on our Brews & Blues event, but that won't stop us from enjoying some awesome Cape Ann Brewing beer.  The folks at the brewery gave us a case of their Sunrise Saison and two "growlers" -- Great Wit Whale and Dead-Eye Double IPA.  If you'd like to sample these, come on by -- grab a glass and sit with us to watch the waves crash on Good Harbor Beach.

Wet & Wild....Instead of Brews & Blues

It was supposed to be a Brews & Blues day today -- instead, it's Wet & Wild.  The rain has put plans on hold for our annual celebration of summer's return, but there's still lots to enjoy here.  Enjoying the view of storms on Good Harbor Beach is a favorite pastime of guests here -- as you can see from these photos, a few early-risers are already settling in to do just this.

This is also a good day to visit the museums, shops, galleries and nightspots in Gloucester and other parts of Cape Ann.  Or enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner downtown.  Or you can just grab a cocktail and a seat by the big windows overlooking the beach (that's what we plan to do).

If you're interested in Brews & Blues, call or email us for udpates on those plans.

A Preview of This Saturday's Brews & Blues

This Saturday June 2 will mark the return of Brews & Blues, when we celebrate the return of summer with free beer tastings courtesy Cape Ann Brewing Company, and live music on the front lawn of the Blue Shutters.  Here are some scenes from past Brews & Blues -- it'll give you an idea of the fun in store this weekend.  Call us today for more info!

Is Good Harbor on Your List of the World's Best Beaches?

Doctor Beach -- who bills himself as "the foremost beach expert" -- just announced his 2012 listing of the world's best beaches.  Topping the list was Coronado Beach, which is a very nice spot in San Diego.  We're the first to admit, we're a bit biased, but we ask you...is there no better beach than Good Harbor?  It's convenient to Boston and even closer to the restaurants and shops in downtown Gloucester and Rockport.  It has awesome views of the unique twin lighthouses on Thatcher Island and the picturesque home of the bluff overlooking the beach.  It has an island you can walk to, a tidal river you can drift in and rocks you can climb.  It has a footbridge, dunes, clean sandy beach and gentle waves.  And there's a really great B&B just steps away.  We don't know if Doctor Beach has ever visited Good Harbor -- but if he did, we think we just might make it onto his list.  Is it on yours?  We think it's a safe bet that the "Roy Girls" from western Mass would agree -- this is one of their Good Harbor Beach photos.