Coming March 5 -- Mardi Gras Murder Mystery

You're invited to join us on Saturday March 5 for an evening of mayhem and merriment as we recreate our popular Murder Mystery Night…and mix in some Mardi Gras fun. We'll take care of all the details – refreshments, party decorations and some simple instructions -- all our guests that weekend need to do is come and play along. This photo gives you an idea of what's in store -- here you see innkeepers AnnMarie (center)and Patty (on the right) along with AnnMarie's cousin Deb showing off their Mardi Gras masks a few months ago in Key West. In addition to the Mardi Gras Murder Mystery fun, guests will have plenty of time for quiet walks along the shore and trips downtown to check out the local restaurants, shops and galleries. Call or email to reserve your space today and get a special weekend discount – book two nights and get the second for half price.

More Chili Cookoff Photos: "Tasters" Dig In

Our Blue Shutters Beachside Chili Cookoff featured many different varieties of chili...and even more chili tasters. Here's a shot of some of last night's lucky guests digging into a few samples.

More Chili Cookoff Photos: Our Chili Champions!

Here's another shot from our Chili Cookoff. Judges Jeremy Goldberg of the Cape Ann Brewery (far left) and Doug Silva of the Topside Grill and Pub (far right) share the spotlight with our top three finishers: Sheri Dellagrotta, Joe Paonesa and Mark Sapienza.

Blue Shutters Heats Up Valentine's Weekend with Super Chili Cookoff

It's been just a few hours since the last of the chili leftovers were stowed in the fridge, but folks are already talking about plans for our next Blue Shutters Beachside Chili Cookoff. Last night's event -- our first-ever -- featured nine different chili contestants...and even more very happy unofficial chili tasters. It was up to our judges -- Jeremy Goldberg of the Cape Ann Brewing Company and Doug Silva of the Topside Grill and Pub (that's them in this photo) -- to chose the winner. Taking the trophy was Joe Paonessa of Stoneham, who was awarded a gift card for a free return visit to the Blue Shutters. Jeremey and Doug also chose second- and third-place runner-ups -- Mark Sapienza of Stoneham and Sheri Dellagrotta of Rhode Island -- and rewarded them with gift certificates to the brewery and the Topside (Mark had an a bit of an advantage...he's the executive chef at the Langham Hotel in Boston; he'll be back at the Blue Shutters next month to headline our wine and food tasting). The judges agreed: it was a tough decision, with a varity of chili recipes and every one was a winner. In addition to chili, guests enjoyed a selection of Cape Ann Brewery beers (courtesy of Jeremy), wine and sangria, Valentine's desserts and all of the usual chili accompaniments. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a fun evening. We'll be holding another Blue Shutters Chili Cookoff -- once we finish off the left-overs...which could take quite awhile. But for now, our focus is set on our next event: a Mardi Gras Murder Mystery on March 5. If that's half as much fun as the Chili Cookoff (and our past murder mystery nights) we're all in for great evening.