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!