Make the Blue Shutters Beachside Part of Your New Year's Weekend Plans

Our online diary has been pretty quiet these past few weeks as the Shutters crew has been off enjoying the holidays. But the activity level around the inn is due to change very soon -- tonight we'll be full up with family and friends here to celebrate New Year's Eve. Our tree and Christmas decorations are still up, so folks will be still be able to see the Blue Shutters decked out for the holidays (in this photo, the four of us are sprucing up the free for the party). While we're full tonite, there are rooms still open for Saturday night...and the weekend promises to be a great one, with temps in the 50's. So why not treat yourself and enjoy part of the New Year's weekend with us!

Attention All Birdwatchers (and Patriots Fans)...Special Discount for Cape Ann Birding Weekend -- Feb. 4-6

The weekend of Feb. 4-6 could be a big one for folks in our region -- the Super Bowl is that Sunday, and we're hoping the Patriots will be there!

That's also Cape Ann Birding Weekend, when birdwatchers from near and far come to our region to experience what we see every day -- we're no experts at the Blue Shutters, but we know there is some excellent birdwatching in the area,including around the beach and marshes right outside our doors.

With this in mind, we're offering a special discont to anyone visiting Cape Ann for the birding weekend. Book two nights at the Shutters and get the second night for half-price. Breakfast is included on both days – as is some relaxing time by our fireplace, where guests can warm up with a complimentary glass of wine after a day of birding. Call/email us for details.

By the way...if you're around that afternoon, you can watch the Super Bowl here at the Shutters as well.

Holiday Ideas: Blue Shutters Gift Cards (Special Discount This Month) and Girls Beauty Weekend on January 29

The Blue Shutters makes a great present to slip under the Christmas tree -- and with the events we have planned for the off-season, this could make for a very nice holiday surprise. We have a full schedule of off-season events planned -- including our popular wine and food tastings, murder mystery night and brews and blues. There will also be a few new events -- a chili cook-off, a knitting night and coming up on January 29, a Girls Beauty Getaway. That weekend, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a mid-winter visit to the Blue Shutters and treat yourself to a bit of pampering while you're here! Beauty Specialist Kathy Farrell will be on hand all day that Saturday to provide a range of services, including hair dressing, Ayurvedic (Indian) bodywork and skin care. There'll be time for dinner in town, stops at local art galleries and shops...and quiet moments by the fire after a walk on the beach. Stay the entire weekend and get a special discount -- book one night that weekend and get the second for half price!

And one more note on discounts -- during the entire month of Decemeber we'll give you a $10 card for every $100 you buy.

You can purchase gift cards for any amount - and these can be used toward a stay at the Blue Shutters anytime throughout the year.

(We wanted to include a photo for the girls beauty getaway...and we found this shot of AnnMarie and Patty decked out for another event, our murder mystery weekend)

The Story Behind the Blue Shutters Christmas Tree

When we had our first tree trimming party a few years ago, we needed to hustle off to Walmart that morning to buy a bunch of ornaments. We decided that this wouldn't do, so we invited our friends to make this their tree, by contributing ornaments. Today, those Walmart decorations sit on the sideline, replaced by the dozens of special ornaments we've received in recent years. Lots of ships, fish, crabs and other nautical items. There are a few photo ornaments, others that celebrate other events here at the Shutters (like our Murder Mystery and Wine & Food Tastings) and some from other parts of the world (there's even one from our friends in Avon Lake, Ohio). You're invited to come by and see for yourself -- our tree will be on display throughout the holidays. And while you're here, you can take advantage of all the Christmas on Cape Ann festivities happening all around Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-sea.

Holidays Begin at Blue Shutters with Tree Trimming Party

The Blue Shutters celebrated the start of the holiday season last night with our tree trimming party. Thanks to guests, family, friends and neighbors for joining in the fun. Here's a shot of some of the party-goers. More photos to come....here and on our Facebook page.

Thanksgiving Thanks -- Part 2

Thanks to Good Morning Gloucester for including a note about our recent Por Cristo fundraising open house. GMG does a great job capturing happenings around Gloucester. Those of us who call Gloucester home -- and that includes you folks who consider the Shutters your home away from home -- should check GMG out regularly. You'll thank yourelf for it.

Thankgiving Thanks -- Part 1

A simple thanks -- for all the friends who have joined us over these past four (almost) years since we took over the Blue Shutters. There are those who have been with us for ages -- and those who have become great new friends during these Shutters years. You know who you are. Thanks for helping to make this a fun place -- where we can laugh, relax and enjoy the beauty of Good Harbor Beach together!

Living on the Beach -- Blue Shutters Apartments Available Through May 2011

While most folks know the Blue Shutters as a place to come for a getaway -- in the summer or the off-season -- there are those who stay with us longer-term, in one of our one- or two-bedroom apartments. From October throught May, we make our four apartments -- Deckside, Beachside, Portside and Starboard -- available for long-term stays (that's a shot of the spacious Deckside kitchen/living area in the photo here). These apartments – specially priced for long-term renters -- have been popular with teachers, students, business travelers, those relocating to the area and others seeking accommodations for a month, a season or longer. Our location is a plus -- and not just our proximity to the beach, Route 128 and downtown Gloucester. Renters like having Stop & Shop, CVS and a neighborhood laundromat just a block away -- and parking right on the property. If you or someone you know is looking for an apartment, we want to hear about it!

Getting Ready for the Holidays...Blue Shutters Tree Trimming Party on December 4

Driving through Gloucester this morning, you can see the holiday spirit starting to build. City workers were stringing lights on the tree by the fisherman statue. Wreaths are hung on lamp posts downtown. Storefronts are dressed for the holidays. Here at the Blue Shutters, we're getting set for the season. We've pulled the decorations out of the attic, we've cleared a spot for the Christmas tree...and now we're spreading the word about our holiday kick-off party. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 4 -- on that afternoon and evening we're inviting you to join us for our annual holiday tree trimming. Come stay for a night or two and enjoy some Christmas goodies and “holiday cheer” by the fireplace. While you're here, you can walk the beach or head downtown for some shopping. There are “Christmas on Cape Ann” holiday events being held all across Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester & Essex all weekend. Check out the Cape Ann Chamber website -- or our November newsletter -- for details. Remember, we’re offering a special discount for this weekend -- simply bring an ornament for our tree and get 25% off your bill! Call or email us for more information.

Friends of Blue Shutters and Por Cristo Get a Taste of Latin America...in Gloucester

With Good Harbor Beach as a spectacular backdrop, friends of the Blue Shutters, together with friends of Por Cristo, came together Sunday afternoon to get a "taste of Latin America" -- food and wine with a South American flair, scarves and jewelrey from Ecuador, and conversations with some of the folks behind the medical missions to one of neediest parts of the world. Our open house spotlighting the work of Por Cristi was a hit, with dozens of guests who came to sample some Latin American cuisine (another big thank you to Langham Hotel chef Mark Sapienza)and check out the items Por Cristo's Medical Services Director Deborah Clark brought back from her trips to Ecuador (in the photo here, you can see the "bazaar" Deborah created in our Fireside room). All the funds raised from sale of these items goes to support the work of Por Cristo. The organization's executive director Joe Reardon was on hand to share more background on Por Cristo's work -- and the Blue Shutters innkeepers chipped in with wines from Argentina and Chile, and some regional music. Gloucester and Good Harbor Beach may be thousands of miles from Ecuador, but for few hours on Sunday we all got a "taste of Latin America" -- and, more importantly, provided some support for a very good cause. Thanks to everyone who joined us -- we hope you had as much fun as we did.

Tomorrow's Blue Shutters Open House Featured on Good Morning Gloucester Website

If you're a fan of the Cape Ann area, you should check out the Good Morning Gloucester website. Lots of interesting notes about happenings around the region and some great photos (the shot above -- on their home page -- is the view of Good Harbor Beach from the Blue Shutters!). For those of you who are friends of the Blue Shutters, there's yet another reason you should visit the site...our "Taste of Latin America" open house was featured today (along with a photo of our guest chef, Mark Sapienza). A reminder about the open house -- it's tomorrow, Sunday November 14, from 2-5 pm. It promises to be a great day weatherwise (today was spectacular) so you can walk the beach after you've popped in for some food (from Mark), conversation (with lots of other friends and former guests) and shopping (for the items the Por Cristo folks brought back from Ecuador). Hope to see you tomorrow!

Check Out the Menu for Our Taste of Latin America Open House -- Join Us This Sunday from 2-5pm!

We're just a few days away from our Taste of Latin America open house, and we've just gotten a preview of the menu from our chef, Mark Sapienza of the Langham Hotel. Here's what he's working on:

Tortilla Chips with Salsa Aji
Seviche de Camarones -- Shrimp Seviche with Cumin Popcorn
Chorizo Quesadilla with Homemade Guacamole
Chicken and Corn Empanadas
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

We'll also have wines from South America for our guests, which they can enjoy while checking out the unique items for sale that afternoon -- a collection of artisan-crafted sterling silver jewelry and items made from sustainable resources of the Amazonian rainforest and elsewhere in Ecuador.

It all unfolds this Sunday, November 14, from 2-5pm at the Blue Shutters.

Again, this is our way of spotlighting the work of Por Cristo, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has been providing healthcare to the poor in Ecuador for the past 30 years.

We hope to see you then!

Meet Our Wine Consultant: The Traveling Vineyard's Kathy Hill

Kathy not only brings us great wines to taste -- a selection of whites and reds, paired with all types of food at our tasting events. She also helps us learn how to enjoy these wines -- and how to select wines for any meal. Kathy is a wine consultant for the Traveling Vineyard -- when she's not helping us with wine tastings here at the Blue Shutters, she's doing these events in homes all around the Boston area. While we'd love to have you come to our next food and wine tasting here at the Blue Shutters, you may want to think about doing this at your home. If you're interested in learning more, call or email us and we'll put you in touch with Kathy.

Meet our Visiting Chef: Mark Sapienza of the Langham Hotel

For our Food and Wine Tasting, Langham Hotel Chef Mark Sapienza prepared a special menu -- five courses, ranging from New England cheeses to pizzas made with wild foraged mushrooms; from shrimp pot stickers to yummy beef sliders. Here's a shot of Mark preparing our final item -- smoked manjari chocolate cake with brandied cherries and chantilly. You can try some of Mark's creations at one of our upcoming food and wine tastings (starting again in January) or at other events here at the Blue Shutters (including our "Taste of Latin America" open house on November 14). You can also visit Mark any time at the Langham Hotel in Boston -- for drinks or dinner at Bond or breakfast or lunch at Cafe Fleuri...or for a special treat, try their famous Sunday brunch or their truly unique Chocolate Bar. If you do make the trip to the Langham, ask for Mark and tell him you're a friend of the Blue Shutters.

Blue Shutters Guests Enjoy Great Food and Wine at our November 6 Tasting Event

We've had a number of Food and Wine Tastings in recent years, and each one is made possible by our friends Mark Sapienza, executive chef of the Langham Hotel in Boston, and Kathy Hill, a wine consultant with the Traveling Vineyard (that's them in photo here). But while they've been responsible for all the food and wine each time, every event is different -- and each time the experience is fantastic. Our guests on Novemeber 6 clearly agreed. Here's a look at the menu for our latest tasting:

Cielo Torrontes -- Argentina 2007
New England Cheese – Fruit and Crackers

Scotto Chardonnay Marsanne -- California 2008
Shrimp and Ginger Pot Stickers with Honey Soy Dip

Bailando, Mendoza Malbec -- Argentina 2008
Foraged Mushroom and Fontina Cheese Pizza

Vina Alamosa Premium Cabernet Sauvignon -- Chile 2003
NEFF Beef Sliders with Red Onion Jam and Shelburne Cheddar

Tanglerose, Sonoma County Backyard Red -- California
Smoked Manjari Chocolate Cake, Brandied Cherries and Chantilly

If you like the sound of this, keep in mind that you'll have a chance to join us for other food and wine tastings...we usually do a few in the winter and early spring. Call or email us for more information!

A Little Bit of Gloucester in Key West

The four Blue Shutters innkeepers traveled all the way to Key West, but we still couldn't escape Gloucester. While in the Keys for "Fantasy Fest" we ran into our friends from the Topside Grill and Pub, Dennis and Dawn. We met a lot of great folks in Florida, but the nicest people were the ones from back home.

Blue Shutters Heads South to Key West

Just before Halloween the Blue Shutters innkeepers slipped out of town, heading south to Key West. The beaches weren't nearly as nice as Good Harbor, and our hotel couldn't compare to the Blue Shutters -- but the Halloween celebration down there couldn't be beat. It's a weeklong "Fantasy Fest" on the streets of Key West -- pet parades, toga parties, decorated floats and a massive outdoor costume bash. The theme this year was "Habitat for Insanity" and the the four of us -- together with friends Brenda and Danny -- joined in the fun as crazy doctors/patients. That's us above. A big thank you to our friends and back-up innkeepers Joe B and Connie -- and chambermaid Wendy -- who kept the Shutters running while we had fun in the sun.

Fall and Winter -- Great Times for Family Fun

There's a group of "girls" from western Massachusetts who stay with us each summer --there's Mom Janet, a bunch of her lovely daughters and their young girls...and every once in awhile there's a husband or son tossed into the mix (we jokingly describe this as our "girl scout jamboree"). That's a few of them in the photo here. They use this time to get away and get together, from homes near and far. Why bring up this summertime story now? Well, a few weeks back, they decided to take this show into the fall months -- it was a smaller group, but not surprisingly they brought alot of laughs to the Shutters. It was a surprise for Mom, who was celebrating a birthday. There were walks on the beach, dinner in town, conversations by the fire. We offer this up as a reminder that the fall and winter months can be a great time to plan that weekend getaway. You might just have as much fun as these girls!

Blue Shutters Open House for Por Cristo Nov. 14: Great Food, Shopping and Fun in Support of a Great Organization

For some friends of the Blue Shutters, it's hard to accept that the summer is gone, but actually the late fall and winter is a beautiful time on Cape Ann. The autumn colors are in the trees, the cool weather along the shore is refreshing -- and the beach is as spectacular as ever! This is also the start of the holiday season, and there's an event here in early November that'll help you get into the spirit.

You're invited to be our guest on the afternoon of November 14 for an open house with a fun, Latin America feel. Our "Taste of Latin America" charity open house is our way of calling attention to the great work of Por Cristo, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has been providing healthcare to the poor in Ecuador for the past 30 years. In addition to great food with a South American flavor -- thanks to our guest chef Mark Sapienza of the Langham Hotel -- we'll be recreating the "bazaar" that was so popular when we did this event last year. You'll be able to get great deals on jewelry, scarfs and other items our friends from Por Cristo have brought back from Ecuador and the Amazonian rain forest. These make very unique gifts -- and it's all to support the charitable work of Por Cristo. So, come join us on November 14 from 2-5pm to have some fun, learn something new and kick-start the holidays.

Essex Clamfest Adds to the Fun on October 23

As if you need another reason to stay at the Blue Shutters later this month....in previous posts you've seen that we're having our Murder Mystery on October 23, and in nearby Salem, there's a weekend full of Halloween Happenings. On that same Saturday, there's the Essex Clamfest. Highlights of the event -- which takes place at Memorial Park in Essex -- include a chowder tasting contest, entertainment, children’s activities, artisan’s wares and more. The Clamfest runs from 11 am to 4 pm, giving you plenty of time to check out all those activities and still enjoy the Murder Mystery that night.

Blue Shutters Wedding Bells -- Part II

How cute are these two flower girls? We just had to share this photo from Melissa's wedding. Libby and Maggie -- from neighboring Manchester-by-the-sea -- agreed to pose for this photo by the fireplace in our Main Room.

Blue Shutters Wedding Bells

Weddings are a special ocassion around the Blue Shutters. We see many bridal parties across the footbridge taking photos on Good Harbor Beach. Many wedding guests stay here -- a few times we've had the groom spend the night. And then there are those weddings when we're fortunate enough to have the bride stay with us. That was the case today with Melissa -- who was here with family and friends this morning to get ready for her big day. That's her in this shot above, where she set up for her wedding preperation photos. If you're planning a wedding -- or planning to attend one here in Gloucester -- give us a call!

Planning for More Murder Mystery Fun -- Coming October 23

The Murder Mystery Night wouldn't be possible without the help of our resident Murder Mystery expert Michelle. She and her husband get in on the action as well. Here Rob plants a congratulatory kiss on Michelle for a job well done at our April Murder Mystery. She and the innkeepers have some special plans for October 23 -- call us for details!

Blue Shutters Innkeepers Help Make Murder Mystery Night Fun...and Easy

The Murder Mystery Night is loads of fun for our guests, and we here at the Blue Shutters look forward to getting in on the fun -- and we're there to work with Michelle, our Murder Mystery expert, to make sure everything runs smoothly (all our guests need to do is show up and play along). Last fall, innkeepers AnnMarie and Patty took on the roles of the "Evil Sisters" (those of you who have met them know this wasn't much of stretch). Join us on October 23 and come see how much fun this night can be!

Look at the Fun in Store at our Murder Mystery Night on October 23

Our Murder Mystery Night is just a few weeks away, and there are still plenty of spots left if you'd like to join in the "murder and merriment." We thought we'd share some photos from past Murder Mystery Nights to give you an idea of what's in store. Here the Black Widow (Sue, who came all the way from Cleveland with "Fabio" for this weekend last fall) meets Gizmo, who was a special guest at that evening's Murder Mystery.

Salem's Halloween Happenings...and the Blue Shutters Murder Mystery

October is a very special time at the Blue Shutters. The autumn colors are all around, the beach is quiet and the bars and restaurants less crowded. And for those looking for some Halloween fun, nearby Salem is the world capital. There are events planned all around the city throughout the month. And there's no better place to use as your home base than the Blue Shutters. We're just a short ride by car -- or better yet, by train (a great way to avoid the crowds heading to the city). For those of you looking for other ways to get into the spirit, join us for our Murder Mystery Night on Saturday October 23 (we do all the planning -- you just show up, get into character and enjoy the fun). That's the crew from last October in the photo above. We're running a special discount that weekend -- book Saturday night and get Friday for half-price. Call or email us today for the details.

Come Join the Fall Fun -- Check out these Cape Ann Events

We're just a few days into fall, and we've already enjoy some beautiful days on Cape Ann and at the Blue Shutters. This is a great time of year to visit -- and not just for all the reasons why fans of the Blue Shutters keep coming back. There is also a full schedule of events planned around region -- here's a review of some of what's in store:

Gran Prix of Gloucester -- October 2-3 at Stage Fort Park
The Great Brewers Gran Prix of Gloucester unfolds at one of the most beautiful bicycle race venues in the country: the wind-swept oceanside Stage Fort Park.

Cape Ann Farmers Market -- Thursday Afternoons Through October 7
Located on Rogers Street, across from Topside Grill and Pub, this Farmers Market features a locally-grown produce.

Cape Ann Restaurant Week -- October 18-23
Special pricing on fabulous dining throughout Cape Ann.

Essex Clamfest -- October 23 at Essex
This annual Essex ClamFest will run from 11-4 p.m. at Memorial Park in Essex.

Remember, there's no better way to enjoy these events and activities than to stay at the Blue Shutters. We're just minutes away from all the fun -- and we're here at the end of the day to relax and recharge.

Things to do on a Rainy Day on Cape Ann

Just got this photo from longtime Blue Shutters fans Joyce and Jina (that's Jina in the photo) and it reminded us....while we had great weather this summer -- all but a few days were sunny and warm -- there's lots to do during those few times when there's rain. Here are some thoughts (feel free to add your own ideas):
- walk the beach (still pleasant -- a whole different experience that those days when you're sunning)
- sit on the Blue Shutters sofas and watch the storms and surf (take it from us -- this is a real treat)
- enjoy one of the bars or restaurants downtown
- take in a museum (the Maritime Heritage and Cape Ann Historical are two favorites)
- browse one of the area's art galleries (some of the best you'll ever see)
- check out the shops in downtown Gloucester, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-sea
- go antique-ing (Essex is a hot-bed for antique shops)
- go to a movie at the Gloucester Cinema (intimate and affordable)
- go bowling at Cape Ann Lanes (this is the closest we come to arcades and mini-golf here on Cape Ann, and we think that's a good thing)
- check out other attractions like the Beauport mansion and Hammond Castle

You can visit the Cape Ann Chamber website for more ideas. Or click on the "Our Links" section of our website for more info.

Keep these ideas in mind next time next time you visit -- and hope for just a little rain so you can enjoy these and other experiences around the Blue Shutters and the Cape Ann region.

Coming this Fall: Murder Mystery Night on Oct. 23, Fall Wine & Food Tasting on Nov. 6

While our guests are still enjoying summer, we're busy planning for the off-season. Once again, we'll have weekend specials which will give you even more reason to return to the Blue Shutters when the beach quiets down.

On Saturday, October 23, we'll hold our third Murder Mystery Weekend, recreating an event that was a big hit last fall and this past spring. As we've done in the past, the Blue Shutters' own murder mystery expert does all the planning, and we provide some refreshments -- all you need to do is play along. Because the Murder Mystery takes place during the height of the Halloween celebrations in nearby Salem, you'll have an opportunity to join in the fun there that weekend during your stay at the Blue Shutters (Salem is a short drive or train-ride from Gloucester...and the Halloween festivities continue through the entire month of October).

On November 6, we'll hold our annual Fall Wine & Food Tasting. These evenings are always a favorite among our guests -- and why not? There's great food (courtesy of Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza) and great wine (presented by our own wine consultant, Kathy Hill).

Both of these special events are offered to our guests at no additional charge -- all you need to do is reserve a room on either of these weekends.

And when you're planning that visit, think about making this a full weekend getaway. We're helping by offering a second-night discount -- book one weekend night and get the second night at half-price.

There will be other special events later this fall and winter, including our holiday tree-trimming and a South America celebration benefiting Por Cristo.

And we're looking at other possible Blue Shutters events and activities, including a knitting weekend and a fortune teller night.

Call or email us if you have questions on any of these -- and if you'd like to book a room for our two upcoming events.

Schooner Festival -- and Blue Shutters Openings -- this Labor Day Weekend

The Labor Day weekend will soon be upon us, and there's good news for those of you hoping to make a visit to Gloucester part of your holiday plans. We've been booked solid for most of the summer, but there have been some last minute cancellations that opened up some rooms for this weekend. Call or email us and we'll see if we can get you here for the Labor Day holiday festivities. And those festivities will be pretty awesome -- there will be boat tours, fireworks, a downtown block party and more, all part of the Gloucester Schooner Festival, September 3-6 (that's one of the featured ships -- Gloucester own Schooner Thomas Lannon -- in the photo above). There's no better place for your home base than the Blue Shutters -- in between all of the festival activities, you can enjoy the beach and the peaceful backdrop of our Good Harbor Beach. Hope to see you this weekend!

Blue Shutters Plays a Part in "Run Gloucester"...and a Birthday Celebration

The Blue Shutters played a small part in one of Gloucester's newest events -- the Run Gloucester roadrace that took place this Sunday morning. The 7-mile race through the streets of Gloucester was organized by Dave McGillivray, technical director of the BAA Boston Marathon, and his team at DMSE Sports. The race -- which attacted more that 1000 runners -- passed just a block from the Blue Shutters, but more importantly, Dave's brother Alan and his family stayed at the Shutters this weekend, and after the race Dave's team and Alan's family gathered on our lawn for a post-race celebration - and a family birthday (Dave and Alan and Alan's kids Katie and Matt all had birthdays this weekend). That's Dave in the blue cap; Alan is to his left and Alan's wife Ellen is in the light blue jacket to his right. We're hoping Run Gloucester becomes a new Cape Ann tradition -- and that the Blue Shutters continues to be part of this event.

Send Us Your Photos and See Them Here on Our Beachblog

Cape Ann, Good Harbor Beach and the Blue Shutters are a photographers paradise. We've seen some fantastic photos taken by our guests -- and now, we have a better way to share them with you...right here. Just this week, we've posted a few photos from the Roy family (their latest is here - s sunrise shot from a few days ago). We're asking all of you who have passed through the Blue Shutters to send us your photos (email works well -- you can send them to us at info@blueshuttersbeachside.com), and we'll do our best to showcase them.

A Word About Family Gatherings at the Blue Shutters Beachside

Some of our best days at the Blue Shutters are those spent with families who come here as a gathering place. That was the case this past week, when we have four family groups here, including the "Roy girls" (that's them in the photo) and the Wood clan, now in their third year at the Shutters. There were two other groups who came here for weddings -- bringing together family members from as far away as San Francisco and the Carolinas. There have been dozens of stories like this -- and in all cases, they'll tell you the Blue Shutters is the perfect backdrop for a family reunion (this can be even more fun in the off-season, when these groups can take over most of the entire inn. Call or email us and we'll help you plan your family gathering here at the Blue Shutters.

A New Look for the Blue Shutters Beachblog Diary

A few months back, we started adding pictures to our Beachblog Diary, and today we introduce a new look, incorporating the blue hues of the ocean and sky that guests of the Blue Shutters enjoy when they settle into the comfy sofas in our main room and gaze out at Good Harbor Beach. We hope this helps you remember those days.

You Beachlovers Are In Luck....A Few Rooms Finally Open Up at the Blue Shutters

This coming week a few rooms open up at the Blue Shutters -- the first availabilities since the beginning of July. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy another day or two at the beach -- the weather in the week ahead promises to be great. Call us today and make your reservation -- then grab your sunglasses, pail and shovel and head to the sandy shores of Good Harbor Beach.

Events, Activities Heat Up Summer on Cape Ann

Here's an article from the Blue Shutters e-newsletter, spotlighting events and activities coming up this summer around Cape Ann:

This has been the busiest year we can remember for events around Cape Ann -- and some of the best is yet to come.

Our guests raved about the Farmer's Market, the Manchester Arts Festival, St. Peter's Fiesta, the downtown block parties and the July 4th festivities -- and the fun will continue through late August and into September.

The Farmers' Market continues each Thursday afternoon throughout the summer -- at a new location on Rogers Street across from the Topside Restaurant.

The Gloucester Waterfront Festival returns to Stage Fort Park on August 14 and 15.

Cape Ann welcomes a new event on August 22 -- the "Run Gloucester Road Race" -- which will pass through the streets near the Blue Shutters.

On Labor Day weekend, the Schooner Festival sets sail (that's the Blue Shutters' own AnnMarie Comer and Patty Sapienza aboard one of Gloucester's most famous schooners, the Thomas Lannon, in the photo above).


Check out the Cape Ann Vacations website for more details on these and other summer events.

And remember, there's no better way to enjoy these events and activities than to stay at the Blue Shutters. We're just minutes away from all the fun -- and we're here at the end of the day to help you relax and recharge.

Don't wait too long -- there are just a few openings here at the Shutters now through the end of summer.

Snapshots from the Blue Shutters Guest Comments Book

We always enjoy thumbing through the guest book located in the main room of the Blue Shutters -- and every once in a while, we like to share some of these comments with you. Here are a few excerpts, taken from late 2009 and early 2010:

"What a wonderful place to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Thank you for making it so special." Bryan and Janine (that's them with thier kids in the photo to the right)

"Thank you for making this dream come true! Renee & Conor

"What fun we had by this beautiful inn by the sea -- you are all great innkeepers!"

"Thank you so much for this 3-day stay in paradise!" Taylor

"The rooms are great and the beds are very comfortable. I loved the place and the great view. Can't wait until we come again."

"Another amazing weekend! Always fun and interesting people." Paula

Blue Shutters Weighs in on Beach Debate

The Boston Globe and Boston.com recently ran a story comparing North Shore beaches to Cape Cod beaches...and we couldn't help weighing in. You can probably guess where we stand on this debate, but here's our arguement (posted as a comment to the online version of the story earlier this week):

There's no question that the North Shore -- specifically Cape Ann is the winner. The first advantage is getting there: 45 minutes from Boston (by car or train) versus who knows how long to travel to Cape Cod. And once you're on Cape Ann it's much easier moving about the area to experience not only a variety of beaches (foremost among them, Good Harbor) but also the region's history, culture and character. The four towns on Cape Ann -- Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester-by-the-sea and Essex -- offer all this, without the hassle of Cape Cod crowds and traffic. And as for beaches, there's something for everyone here as well -- the long stretches of Wingarsheek, the beauty of Singing Beach in Manchester, the quaint in-town feel of Back Beach in Rockport. But for me, Good Harbor is by far the best -- you can splash in the waves on a long flat beach, walk along a sandy shoreline, sit among the dunes, float in a tidal river, gaze out at the unqiue twin lighthouses, stroll across a footbridge, explore the rocks and "lagoons" and wade over to an island at low tide. And there is a supermarket, ice cream shop and diner within walking distances -- and some very nice B&Bs right along the beach (you need to check out the view from the Blue Shutters Beachside). You won't find this combination anywhere else in New England.

On Tap for this Weekend: Whalefest, Downtown Block Party

As reported earlier in our online diary, there are all kinds of great events planned for this summer -- and one is kicking off today...the first-ever Whalefest Gloucester. Cape Ann has long been the perfect stepping off point for whale-watching -- our guests ALWAYS come back full of great stories of whales "performing" alongside their boat -- so it makes creat sense to celebrate these amazing creatures. This festival coincides Gloucester's Downtown Block Party this Saturday. This is all the more reason to come up to the Blue Shutters for a visit. There's still an open room tonite, and another on Saturday.

Rockport Music Hall Sounds Spectacular

We've gotten more rave reviews from folks who have attended performances at the new Rockport music hall. We haven't been inside ourselves yet, but hope to slip away for a performance sometime this summer. We can tell you that the view of the massive window overlooking the water is awesome. And guests who have been to performances report to us that the experience inside the hall -- both the visuals and, of course, the sound -- is spectacular. If you have a chance, check it out next time you're on Cape Ann -- or plan a trip to attend a performance (and stay at the Blue Shutters while you're here!)

Looking to Beat the Heat? We Have Rooms Available This Weekend!

It has been a busy week -- thanks in part to the steamy weather that brought more and more folks to the beach...and this coming weekend promises to be just as nice. The good news for those of you looking to make some last minute getaway plans -- we still have a rooms available on Saturday and Sunday nights. Call us before someone grabs these!

Special Events, Activities Unfolding All Summer Across Cape Ann

There is a full schedule of events and special activities unfolding across Cape Ann this summer -- and the Blue Shutters is a great stepping off point to enjoy it all.

There are some past favorites like Sidewalk Days in downtown Gloucester and the popular Farmer's Market, in a new location on Rogers Street.

And there are new events, like the first-ever "Run Gloucester" Road Race planned for August 22 -- part of a 'trifecta' of major road races along New England shorelines .

Here's a peek at these and other fun activities in store for this summer:

Manchester Arts Festival
July 24
Downtown Manchester

Seascape Festival
July 24-25
Gloucester Maritime
Heritage Center

Gloucester Sidewalk Days
August 5-7
Downtown Gloucester

Gloucester Waterfront Festival
August 14-15
Stage Fort Park

"Run Gloucester!
7-Mile Road Race"
Aug. 22
Gloucester

Cape Ann Farmers Market
Every Thursday
Rogers Street in Gloucester

Check out the Cape Ann Vacations website for details on these and other summertime activities, or call us for more information -- and we'll book your stay at the Blue Shutters.

July 4th Kicks off Summer in Style

The calander says summer begins on June 21. For many of us, the summer starts the first day we're able to sit on the beach in a bathing suit and dip our toes in the water (and that happened in May this year). But others see July 4th as the official launch of the season -- and for those who do, 2010 was not a disappointment. Here's a photo taken that morning -- from the sands of Good Harbor Beach, where crowds flocked to enjoy the warm weather and cooling breezes. It was a perfect beach day, and the week ahead looks to be even nicer. In fact, we're expecting many more days like this all summer long. While it's filling up, there are still plenty of spots left for a visit to the Blue Shutters. Call us so that you can join the beachlovers here at the Blue Shutters.

Diving into Summer -- and into Gloucester Harbor....from the Greasy Pole

It seems as though there wasn't much of a spring around New England this year - but who cares when you can dive right into summer! It's Saturday June 26 and it's shaping up to be another great beach day. And when you're done splashing in the waves at Good Harbor Beach, you can head downtown to watch the greasy pole contestants splash into Gloucester Harbor. That's just some of the fun at the Fiesta Weekend that runs through Sunday night. The party looks bigger and better than ever this year -- you won't want to miss this famous Gloucester party...or a great day at the beach.

Jimmy Buffett Sings About Good Harbor Beach (well, sort of)

If you're a Jimmy Buffett fan, you'll appreciate this. If not, you owe it to yourself to check out Jimmy's song, One Particular Harbor. We saw Buffett last night and when he played this tune, it made us think of some similarites to our own Good Harbor Beach.

I know I don't get there often enough
But God knows I surely try
It's a magic kind of medicine
That no doctor could prescribe

...there's this one particular harbor
So far but yet so near
Where I see the days as they fade away
Finally disappear

...there's this one particular harbor
Sheltered from the wind
Where the children play on the shore each day
And all are safe within

A most mysterious calling harbor
So far but yet so near
Where I can see the day when my hair's full gray
And I finally disappear

Jimmy was writing about a spot in Tahiti, but when you consider these lyrics we hope you see what we mean about the Good Harbor connection.

June Beach Days are the Best!

It's another beautiful beach day at Good Harbor and the Blue Shutters. The hot summer months will soon be upon us, but these last few weeks in June can be just as nice as July and August -- and a lot less crowded. Plus, there are special events now through the end of the month -- including the world-famous St. Peter's Fiesta Weekend, June 24-27. There are still rooms available -- don't miss out.



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Come Enjoy a Gloucester Tradition -- The Famed St. Peter's Feast

If you've never experienced the "fishermen's feast" in Gloucester, you're missing a very special part of Cape Ann's history. And a very fun time. St. Peter's Fiesta starts on June 23 and ends June 27, and before it's done there'll be: the famed greasy pole contest in Gloucester harbor, parades through the streets, the blessing of the fleet, music and carnival rides in downtown Gloucester and so much more. And there's no better place to rest up between all the feast fun than the Blue Shutters, especially with the sun warming the beach these past few weeks. We still have rooms available for those dates...but don't wait too long, as this is a popular weekend here in Gloucester.

Rockport Music Hall: a World-Class Addition to Cape Ann Scene

There's something new on the Cape Ann scene and it's making a lot of noise -- beautiful noise. It's the new music hall that's home for Rockport Chamber Music Festival. Friends Art and Pat were up for an overnight stay this weekend and somehow scored tickets. The new music hall has been getting rave reviews, and Art, Pat and thier good friends were also wowed. This performance center -- overlooking Sandy Beach in Rockport -- is already attracting world-class musicians to Cape Ann. So, if a beautiful beach, awesome whale-watching, great restaurants, unique gallaries -- and the Blue Shutters -- aren't enough to get you here, consider this newest Cape Ann attraction.

Still Time to Arrange a Blue Shutters Father's Day Surprise

Father's Day is just a week away, and for those of you still haven't decided what to get Dad, give us a call -- there are still rooms available next weekend. And if Dad does celebrate Father's Day at the Blue Shutters, we'll have some of our local brew -- Cape Ann Brewery beers -- waiting for him. We'll also help with other plans -- dinner, fishing or whale watching trips and other Cape Ann activities that'll make this a special Father's Day. If next weekend doesn't work, you can give Dad a gift card he can use anytime throughout the year. Get in touch with us soon!

Stunning Photos of Cape Ann's Beauty

Anyone who has visited Cape Ann knows how beautiful the region is -- and for this reason, it attracts many artists and photographers. Some of the best images of Cape Ann come from someone right in our backyard -- Gloucester's Kirk Williamson. You may have seen Kirk's book of photos in our main room -- "Cape Ann: In the Off Season" gets a lot of comments from our guests. Now you can see some of these photos on display, just down the street from the Shutters at the Cape Ann Coffees shop on Bass Ave (in front of Stop & Shop). The coffee is very good as well. You're so encouraged to check out Kirk's work -- online or at this display, which runs through June. Let us know if you're as impressed as we are.

June -- A Great Time to Enjoy Summer at the Blue Shutters

Summer is officially here! While the calendar says the season doesn't start until sometime in June, it feels like summertime at the Blue Shutters this weekend -- and that's enough for us to make this official. This is just the latest summer-like weekend we've had this May -- and there have been weekdays that have been even nicer. When the real summer months do arrive, availability at the Shutters is tight. But there is plenty of room in June -- at the Shutters, on the beach and around town, where you can eat, enjoy music, watch whales, visit museums and more. What are you waiting for -- come enjoy the summer now!

Brews & Blues May 2010 -- What a Blast!

The May 2010 edition of Brews & Blues was a lot of fun for everyone, with sunny weather, tasty treats, cold beer, cool tunes and a bunch of folks having fun on the lawn overlooking Good Harbor Beach. A big thank you to the Benjamin Road Band, who entertained us all afternoon and into the early evening. The Cape Ann Brewing Co. provided the beer (the double-bock Navigator was a big hit). And thanks to everyone who joined in the fun -- our guests for the evening, friends who stopped by, neighbors who dropped in and others from around Gloucester who heard about this special event. It's safe to say everyone had a great time -- as did the Blue Shutters crew. We're happiest when we can share the Blue Shutters experience with others -- and that experience doesn't get much better than this Brews & Blues. Stay tuned for news on our next events -- coming this fall.

Whale Watching -- A Cape Ann Treat!

Whale watching is one of the most interesting parts of the Cape Ann story -- whenever a guests returns from a day of watching these amazing animals, we hear how awesome an experience it was. There are many great whale watch groups in Gloucester -- you'll find them listed on the links page on our website. One of these groups -- Seven Seas -- sends us regular updates, with photos of sightings. Check the most recent update -- and if you haven't signed up to go watch the whales, it'll no doubt change your mind.

Looking Like Summer!

The sky is blue, the sun is out, the air is getting warmer and folks are already walking the beach -- it's looking a lot like summer this morning. Today would be a great day to visit! What are you waiting for?

A New Look for A Blue Shutters Fave -- Topside Grill & Pub

Our website includes some links to some our favorite spots on Cape Ann, but one that's missing is a place at the top of our list -- the Topside Grill and Pub. Our links list was done before the Topside launched they website -- and there's more new developments at their Rogers Street location. The bar area was completely re-done, opening up space to relax with a drink and a bite with some of the friendliest bartenders and patrons you'll ever meet. Speaking of friendly, the owners -- Dennis and Dawn -- are super nice. And the food -- in the pub or in the downstairs dining area -- is fantastic. If you've stayed at the Shutters, chances are you've checked them out (it's one of the places we recommend). But whether you've been to Topside in the past or not, you owe it to yourself to stop in during your next visit to Cape Ann. And tell them the Blue Shutters sent you!

A Sneak Peek at Shutters' Brews & Blues -- Introducing the Benjamin Road Band

Here's a peek at what's in store for Brews & Blues. There's a new group joining in all the fun this year -- the Benjamin Road Band. One of the band members -- Dave Hayward (that's him wearing the cool shades)-- is an old colleague of Tony's, from their days at Apollo Computer. We're thrilled to have them and look forward to introducing our guests to the band -- and we hope to see some of their group's fans at this Blue Shutters event. And for those of you who know Tony and Dave from the old days, this is a great opportunity to check out some of the fun stuff they're involved with these days (when they're not doing their high tech day jobs).

Brews & Blues Coming on May 22!

It's official -- our spring Brews & Blues is set for May 22. There'll be free tunes (courtesy of the Benjamin Road Band, featuring friend Dave Hayward) and beers for the tasting (courtesy of Cape Ann Brewing). There will be other musicians and lots of fun folks enjoying the celebration of the coming of summer (the photo here is a shot from last spring's bash -- it was a beautiful beach day). This all unfolds on our front lawn beginning at 2pm on that Saturday. Call or email us to make a reservation or for more information.

Mother's Day and Father's Day Specials

Mother's Day and Father's Day are coming up, and there is no better gift for Mom or Dad than a visit to the Blue Shutters. We're offering weekend specials for Mother’s Day (May 9) and Father’s Day (June 20). Book one night on one of those weekends and get the second night at half price. In addition, the Blue Shutters will treat Mom to fresh flowers and Dad to some of the Cape Ann Brewery's Fisherman's Brew. If they can't come one of those weekends, don't worry -- we can send Mom or Dad a Blue Shutters gift card good anytime. Call or email us and treat your Mom or Dad (or yourself!) to a weekend at the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn.

Comments from our Guest Book -- Spring/Summer 2009

Here's the latest installment of notes from the guest book in our main room. These comments -- from spring and summer of 2009 -- give you idea of what's in store at the Blue Shutters as the warmer weather returns to Good Harbor beach:

"What a great time we had, due in no small part to your hospitality"
Shawn & Michael

"I felt the calling to be here again...I have recharged my battery!
Abby

"Thank you for welcoming my family into your arms."
Heather (The June Bride -- that's her the photo)

"What a gem we found! Our kids loved it!
Patti, Shelly, Carson & Cameron

"Thanks for accommodating the whole clan for the July weekend and for making sure we had great beach weather."
Evelyn & Stan

"I don't want to go home! Again, a beautiful visit with lots of fun and laughs."
Suzi

"What a piece of heaven you have."
Jill & Rich

"This has been an amazing time! Thanks you so much for being so nice to me and my kids. The experience was so much more than just 'staying somewhere'."
Scott

Warm Weather Weekend Ahead!

The weather experts are predicting 70, even 80 degree temperatures this weekend, and we think it's a perfect time to dust off those beach chairs. If you decide to hit the beach, you can't do better than Good Harbor -- where you can use the Blue Shutters as your jumping off point. We'd love to see you here this weekend -- don't forget the sunblock!

A Look Ahead to Those Days at the Beach

Thinking of summer and figured I'd try something new with this blog (for us anyway)...adding a photo. Does this get you in the mood for summer -- or a springtime getaway? If you haven't done so already, give us a call or drop us an email and make your plans now that the beach weather is arriving

Celebrate Cinqo de Mayo at the Blue Shutters!

Last week's Margarita-land got us thinking -- with May 5 just around the corner, the Blue Shutters would be a great backdrop for a Cinqo de Mayo celebration. Settle in on the lawn overlooking Good Harbor Beach, mix up some tequila drinks or crack open some Cornonas and start celebrating. There's a great Mexican restaurant in downtown Gloucester -- Jalapeno's and you know the local bars will be gearing up for Cinqo de Mayo. So you're encouraged to slip away this coming weekend -- or on May 5 itself -- and get into the party mood.

Coming Up in May: Brews & Blues

We may be still cleaning up from last night's Murder Mystery, but that hasn't stopped us from planning our next Blue Shutters event -- our "Blue & Brews" weekend. We've done a few of these -- the most recent last fall -- and our May event not only provides guests to get a free taste of the local Cape Ann Brewing Co. beers and enjoy our musician friends who'll entertain us on the lawn; its also a chance to join us in welcoming summer. When we did this last May, it was a summer-like weekend -- many guests split time between our party and the beach. We're hoping for another great weekend in spring 2010. We're planning to do all this on the weekend around Saturday May 22. Stay tuned for more info -- or call us to hear more about these plans and to make your reservation.

Murder Mystery Night Recap: Murder, Margaritas and Many Laughs!

Today we're recovering from last night's Margarita-land Murder Mystery at the Blue Shutters. There will be photos up shortly of the entire crew -- Margarita-land resort owners Coconut Joe and Coconut Jane (Tony and Lara), Bar Manager Bindy Barkeep (Mary), Bartender Jack Daniels (Ed), Kylie Cocktail (Judy), Lifeguard Lifesavin' Sam (Joel), Pool Boy Cabana Bob (Bob), Tattoo Artist Tatum Tatt (Melissa), Island Millionare Thurston Howard (Robert), Thurston's Girlfriend Candy Cotton (Michelle), Lottery Winner Lucky Numbers (Ed again), Actress Starr Bright (Andi), Surfer Sandy Beachbum (Art), Island Native Izzie Islander (Paula) and Police Officer Sgt. Lord (Patty). AnnMarie was on hand to keep the party going -- which included tropical drinks, refreshments and tunes. Hawaiin shirts, parrots, palm trees and flamingos provided the backdrop as the Blue Shutters was transformed into a Caribbean resort for the evening. Thanks to all our guests for helping to make this a fun evening. Check out the photos -- and start making plans to join us in the fall for our next Murder Mystery Night! In case you're wondering, the murder victim was Jack Daniels and the murderer was Lifesavin' Sam. Izzie collected the most money from other guests, best costume honors went to Melissa's Tatum Tatt, and Michelle as Candy Cotton was voted best performance...but in the end, we all ended up winners.

Saturday's Murder Mystery Night Will Have a Margarita-land Feel

Our Murder Mystery Night is just a few days away, and there are still spots open....and if you need some convincing, maybe the theme we've chosen will help. Saturday's event will be a Margarita-land Murder Mystery Night. It's a nod to the Blue Shutters' beachside backdrop -- and we expect that the Jimmy Buffett tropical feel will give our guests an early taste of summer. The Blue Shutters will provide everything our guests need to get into the Margarita-land mood -- all they have to do play along. Our fall Murder Mystery Night was a lot of fun, but this Saturday's Margarita-land event promises to be even more special. Call or email us for more details.

Murder Mystery Night on April 17 -- "Merriment and Mayhem" at the Blue Shutters

Folks are beginning to line up for the next special event here at the Blue Shutters -- a Murder Mystery Night on April 17. We did this last fall, and our guests had a lot of fun. Once again, we'll have our murder mystery expert on hand to organize the evening -- all you have to do is play along. There'll be refreshments for everyone -- along with many laughs. And to extend your fun throughout the weekend, we're offering a special discount – book one night and get the second for half price. There are still spots available -- call or email us if you have questions...or if you want to go ahead and sign on for the "merriment and mayhem" that's sure to happen that night.

Check Out Blue Shutters Photos on our Facebook Page

We just added a bunch of photos to the Blue Facebook page -- mostly around special events this fall, winter...and now spring. We celebrated the first day of spring with our Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting...while overlooking a summer-like day on Good Harbor Beach. Check them out -- just search for Blue Shutters on Facebook.

Sun and Fun, Chocolate and Wine This Saturday

The weather channel tells us it's going to be a spectacular weekend -- a preview of a summer at the beach. And if that's not enough to convince you to come visit, there's our Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting. Our wine tasting events are always great, but we're making this one very special -- a bit of chocolate, a sip of wine, a walk along the beach in the sun. It doesn't get ny better. Call or email us and we'll fill you in on all the details.

Delicious Details for our March 20 Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting

Plans are starting to come together for our March 20 Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting, and we thought folks would be interested in some of these details -- and hopefully this will convince you to join us. Chef Mark Sapienza tells us he's pretty certain he'll be accompanied by the Langham's pastry chef, Jed Hackney, who's responsible for the hotel's chocolate bar buffet -- which features over 125 chocolate desserts every Saturday through June. We won't have 125 items, but Mark and Jed have already mentioned a few that they're planning:

Pistachio Dacquoise with Salted Caramel Mousse

Blood Orange Pate de Fruit

They've also been working with Kathy on the wines:

Argentina 2007 Cielo Torrentes to start
Argentina 2008 Bailando Malbec from the Mendoza region
California 2007 Tria Syrah
California 2005 Glassmoon Rising Cabernet Sauvignon
Italy Moscato d'Asti

We'll try to share more details with you as we get closer -- if you have any questions or if you want to sign up for this, just call or email us.

Blue Shutters in the Off-Season -- See What Our Guests Have to Say

The warm weather has folks thinking about summer, but there are still some fun off-season months ahead. Wondering about Blue Shutters in the off-season? See what our guests have to say -- awhile back, we started using this blog to share some notes from the guest book in our main room, and here are some snapshots from late 2008 and early 2009:

"After five days and six nights at the Blue Shutters we really felt at home. I will never forget this beautiful little piece of earth and the natural and friendly people."
Susanne

"We were treated better than family! We will be back!"
The Vassars

"What a wonderful place to watch the beautiful sunrise."
The Trelors

"A wonderful weekend -- warm and cozy"

"Thanks for letting us check in early and enjoy the 6-hour nap!"
Ambra and Frankie

"Thank you for the most relaxing two days."
Rhonda

"Thanks for two great, cozy nights. We had a Happy Easter."
Jim, Diane and Molly

Have some of your own thougths to add? Just click on "comments" at the bottom of this post and let us know.

Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting, Murder Mystery Night and more!

Just a few weeks to go before our Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting, and we can't wait to see what our chefs from the Langham Hotel and our wine consultant have in story. If you're interested in this March 20 event, call or email us -- there's still plenty of room. If this date doesn't work for you, consider our April 17 event -- we're recreating our Murder Mystery Night. When we did this in the fall, our guests had a blast (the four innkeepers had a great time too). If you're interested in hearing more, call or email -- or better yet, come by for a visit. Today is a particularly beautiful day here at Good Harbor Beach. Spring-like weather makes the beach even more appealing -- tons of beachwalkers out this weekend. Come and see for yourself!

Coming in March -- Chocolate Lovers Wine Tasting!

With Valentine's Day behind us, we're focusing on our next Blue Shutters event -- our first-ever Chocolate Lover's Wine Tasting, scheduled for March 20. This will be a Blue Shutters version of the world-famous Langham Hotel chocolate bar buffet -- and we'll be doing this with the help of the hotel's chef Mark Sapienza, who has prepared the food for our past wine tastings. And as in the past, Mark will partner with Traveling Vineyard Wine Expert Kathy Hill, who'll lead us through a tasting of specially selected wines. Call or email to reserve your room for this very special Blue Shutters event -- and keep in mind that we're offering a weekend discount – book one night and get the second for half price.

If this date doesn't work for you, you may want to check the calendar for Saturday April 17 -- that's the date for our Murder Mystery Night.

Whether it's chocolate and wine, murder mystery of just a quiet getaway, we hope to see you here at the Blue Shutters this winter.

Blue Shutters -- The Perfect Valentine Getaway

Looking for a different spot to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special someone -- how about a special place...The Blue Shutters. You'll find everything you'll need for that romantic Valentine getaway right here -- quiet walks on the beach followed by hot chocolate or a cocktail by the fireplace; dinner at one of our many great restaurants and drink and live entertainment downtown; and finally a glass of bubbly and some sweets in a cozy room with a spectacular view of Good Harbor. Guests who join us anytime during this special Valentine’s weekend – beginning Friday, February 12 -- will be treated to complimentary champagne and chocolates, in addition to a guide to some of our favorite spots for drinks, dining and entertainment (check out our local chamber website or our links page for a sneak peek). A free continental breakfast is also part of this package . Guests can make it a weekend getaway and get a special Blue Shutters discount – book one room that weekend and get the second night at half-price. Call or email us soon to reserve your spot – for that Friday, Saturday or Sunday or any combination of those nights.

Remembering Summer 2008...Planning for Summer 2010

We've taken a lot of reservations in recent weeks as folks begin thinking about summer at the Blue Shutters. There's still time to reserve dates, but you don't want to wait too long -- as this weekend's phone calls show, this cold weather has everyone dreaming about the sun, sand and surf at Good Harbor Beach.

Speaking of summer, here's what our the guests had to say about the final month of summer 2008 -- the latest installment in our effort to catch you up on comments from our guest book:

"We love the relaxing, home-like environment and the minute-walk to the beach!"
The Kornblums

"Merci beaucoup. Muchas gracias. In any language we all owe you a debt of appreciation for your gracious hospitality."
The Mercers

"What a fabulous place. The view is wonderful."
Becky

"We enjoyed being able to walk to the beach and watch the tide come in and out. And your hospitality couldn't have been nicer."
Sharon & Don, Linda & Charles

"Thank you for a relaxing, calming, homey and welcoming stay."
Yvonne

"You saved our dinner and sight-seeing plans with your good ideas and tips. And your breakfast was great...I've never had muffins like this before -- they're delicious."
Alessia from Switzerland

Remember...you can leave us comments anytime right here. Just click on "comments" at the bottom of this posting to add your thoughts.

Check Out the Menu for Our Wine & Food Tasting

Almost forgot to share the menu for today's wine and food tasting. Check this out:

Cheese Platter

Sicilian White Inzolia
Shrimp with Fennel Pollen and Garlic Aioli

California Sauvignon Blanc
Smoke Salmon with Creme Fraiche

California Merlot
Tapenade and White Dip
Baguette Crostini

California Syrah
Beef Satay with Moutarde di Brive
Potato Chips with Smoked Sea Salt


Italian Dessert wine Moscato D'Asti
Cannoli and Biscotti

Kicking off 2010 Events with Wine & Food Tasting

If the beautiful snow-covered scenery, wispy waves, warming fires and uncrowded restaurants aren't enough to bring you back to the Blue Shutters, how about some great wine and food. As in past years, we're organizing food and wine tastings with the help of Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Traveling Vineyard wine consultant Kathy Hill. This Saturday, January 30, marks the first wine and food tasting of 2010 -- and if you miss this, don't worry...there will be other chances. Call or email us and we'll let you know about upcoming wine and food tastings and other events (in fact, we're holding another event in just a few weeks...a special Valentine's weekend, with discounts and special amenities. Whether it's wine, champagne and chocolates, beer tastings or just a quiet getaway, we hope to see you at the Blue Shutters this off-season.

Remembering Gizmo

Everyone who has visited the Blue Shutters has met Annmarie, Patty, Ed or Tony -- some of you really lucky ones have gotten to know all of us. There has been another familiar face around the Shutters since we took it over in 2007 -- a particularly furry face. That would be Gizmo, our Shitzu-Poodle who would often be seen roaming the lawn, padding around the main room or (more and more these past few months) curled up in a ball by the fireplace. It has been clear for awhile that Giz was slowing down -- while she looked like a pup, she actually celebrated her 18th birthday in 2009. We're sad to report that in early January, she passed on -- quietly and painlessly, after spending the holidays with many of her family and friends. All of us will miss Gizmo -- especially Patty -- but we'll always have those memories of her, at home and at the Shutters. While Gizmo never lived at the Blue Shutters (we're pet-friendly, but not all of our guests are) she spent a lot of time there -- and she seemed to get the same joy and emotional lift all of us do. In Gizmo's case, she gave just as much -- or more -- joy in return.

Ringing in the New Year with some early 2010 plans

The holidays are officially behind us -- and they were great this year at the Blue Shutters -- and as we look ahead to 2010, we want to wish all of our friends a very happy new year. 2009 brought many great memories, and we're looking forward to helping folks enjoy more great times at the Blue Shutters in the year ahead. And there's no reason to wait until summer! The winter months are wonderful at the Blue Shutters -- relaxing by our fireplace, strolling along a snow-covered Good Harbor Beach, enjoying quiet times at a local restaurant, visiting a Cape Ann museum, taking in musicians in downtown Gloucester...and so much more. We're hoping you'll come and see for yourself, and to encourage you, we made some special plans. There will be a food and wine tasting night on January 30 and a Valentine's weekend in February. In addition, we're gearing up to host your wintertime girls getaways -- and guys getways as well. Call or email us to hear more about these plans -- and to arrange your next visit to the Blue Shutters. Happy New Year!