One More Moon Shot

Since this is a special occasion -- the Full Sap Moon happens once every 18 years -- and because it was an awesome sight, we thought we'd share one more photo. This was taken down by the tidal river, looking out across the beach, where dozens of folks came to enjoy the experience.

Moonrise Over Good Harbor Beach

Saturday night featured a spectacular moonrise show -- and there was no better vantage point than the Blue Shutters. There were dozens of folks swarming Nautilus Road and the beach in from of the Shutters to see a scene that happens just once every 18 years. This shot doesn't do that scene justice, but it will give you an idea of the beautiful view we witnessed right from the sofa in our Main Room.

Celebrating Wine and Food at the Blue Shutters

It was a bright beautiful day on Good Harbor Beach on Saturday March 19, and in the main room at the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn, a lucky group of guests took in the view while enjoying a tasting menu matched with a selection of red and white wines. Once again, Langham Hotel Executive Chef Mark Sapienza and Traveling Vineyard Wine Consultant Kathy Hill led wine and food tasting -- here's a snapshot of the afternoon's menu:

Lakeville Cellars Sauvignon Blanc paired with Smoked Salmon Crostini

Jean Betreau Cotes Du Rhone Blanc matched with Chicken Rillettes with Apple Ice Wine and Toasted Baguettes

Lacco Dolcetto D'Alba paired with Fennel Salami, Speck and Duck Proscuitto with Fig and Cherry Moustarda Fruits

Bailando Malbec paired with Meatball Parmesan Sliders

Vina Alamosa Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Manjari Soft Chocolate with Burgundy Cherries

If this sounds like something you would have enjoyed, there's still another chance to get in on the fun.

There will be another Blue Shutters Wine and Food Tasting on Saturday May 7 -- and on that afternoon we'll celebrate Cinco de Mayo, with a selection wine and food with a Latin American flair.

Call or email us for more information.

Cape Ann Knitting Mysteries Add Twist to our Knitters Weekend

As we put plans together for our Knitters Weekend, we began thinking about ways to make this a special getaway for our guests -- little did we know that we'd find an author who wrote knitting mysteries....and that these stories were set right here on Cape Ann! That's just what Sally Goldenbaum has done with her Seaside Mystery series. Check out Sally's website to hear more about her work -- and when you come to the Blue Shutters for our Knitters Weekend on April 1-3, you can take home signed copies of her books. A big thank you to Sally for her help in making our knitting getaway a special time for friends of the Blue Shutters.

The Coveted Yarn Chips In For Our Knitters Weekend

We just got back from a visit to the Coveted Yarn, an amazing knitters heaven right here in Gloucester. Even if you're not into knitting, you'd impressed with this yarn shop, located just a few minutes from the Blue Shutters, on the way to Rocky Neck. We chatted with the owner, Rob, who gave us some ideas for our Knitters Weekend on April 1-3. He has agreed to let us organize a "field trip" to the Coveted Yarn on that Saturday April 2, where you can check out their extraordinary selection of yarn and other knitting items. And the Coveted Yarn has graciously offered a discount for any guests who stay with us that weekend. There'll be other treats for those who join us for the Knitters Weekend. Call or email us for more information -- and help spread the word.

Send us Your Photos...Share in the Beauty of Good Harbor Beach

We may be biased, but we don't think you'll find a more picturesque spot than the Blue Shutters. Not a day goes by when we don't see someone with a camera snapping photos of our extraordinary beach. Sunrise or sunset. Summer, winter, spring or fall. Sunny day or storming night. The footbridge, Twin Lights, the house on the hill, the waves washing across the sand, the tidal river winding its way to the ocean...there are endless opportunities to capture stunning photographs. We like to share these photos with you here, on our Facebook page and in our email newsletter. This is one taken by a new fan of the Blue Shutters -- Marie, who comes here from her home just a few miles away to stay for a night or two to take some pictures. You'll find a few more on our Facebook page. If you're a friend of the Blue Shutters, don't forget to bring your camera next time you visit. And if you haven't stayed with us, the beautiful photographic backdrop of the Blue Shutters is just another reason to come visit. Longtime friend or not, please send us your photos and we'll post them here and elsewhere for all to enjoy!

Calling All Knitters -- A Blue Shutters Getaway Just for You on April 1-3

The Blue Shutters Beacshide Inn has some special in store for you if you're a knitter -- or if you'd just like to learn why so many others love to "sit and stich." On April 1-3, our B&B will be the backdrop for a Knitters Weekend. Knitters can come and learn some new patterns and techniques, bring the project you just can’t seem to finish, or visit our local Coveted Yarn shop in East Gloucester for the best in yarns and fibers...or just relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean views from our main room as you knit and stitch! Folks from the Coveted Yarn we’ll be visiting us that weekend – and you’ll have an opportunity to check out a series of seaside knitting mystery novels set right here in Cape Ann, courtesy of author Sally Goldenbaum. All levels of knitters are welcome! Not a knitter? Come anyway and maybe you'll leave with a new hobby - or just enjoy a night or two at the Blue Shutters, settle into one of our comfy sofas and watch these folks do their thing. Of course, there'll be plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of springtime around the Blue Shutters, Good Harbor Beach and all of Cape Ann. Special pricing is available for those staying the weekend – book two nights and get the second at a 50% discount! Additional specials available to those who want to organize a group. Call or email us to make a reservation and get in on the fun!

Food & Wine Tasting Updates -- March 19 and May 7

Check out the update below for details on our next Food & Wine Tasting, on March 19. If you can't make it this weekend, you'll have another chance later this spring -- and we wanted to let folks know that there's been a date change for this next event. We're moving this second tasting to Saturday May 7 -- it had been scheduled for April 30, but there were too many conflicts. We'll still go with our Cinco de Mayo theme, featuring a selection of red and white wines and food items from Chile, Argentina and other countries south of the border. That's also Mother’s Day weekend, and we thought this be a great way to show Mom how much you care. Think about it -- bring her along so she can wake up Mother’s Day morning to the beauty of Good Harbor Beach, after tasting great food and wine the afternoon/evening before. There will be time to enjoy walks on the beach, and we’ll also have menus and recommendations for those interested in dining at one of Cape Ann’s many restaurants – and a guide to some of our favorite spots for drinks, shopping and entertainment.

For both of these events -- around Saturday March 19 and Saturday May 7 -- you can make it a weekend getaway and get a special Blue Shutters discount: book a room Saturday and get Friday night at half-price.

Call us for more details...and to reserve a room and a spot for one of these food and wine tasting events.

Coming Saturday March 19 -- European Wine & Food Tasting

One of our most popular off-season events is coming up later this week -- and we're making plans to make this one even more special. We're holding another one of our Wine and Food Tastings on Saturday March 19, and this time we're adding a European flavor. We'll be featuring a selection of red and white wines paired with a sampling menu -- and we'll do our best to represent the tastes of Italy, France, Spain and other European countries. It all takes place late Saturday afternoon in the Main Room of the Blue Shutters. We're doing this for the guests of the Blue Shutters who are with us next weekend -- there's no extra charge. All we ask is that you come and spend a night or two that weekend -- and be ready to have some fun. The shot above was taken at one of our past tastings -- you can see some of the great food and wine those guests enjoyed. There's more in store on March 19 -- we hope you can join us! Call or email today to make a reservation.

A Weekend Full of Murder Mystery Fun

There were many happy partyers at our Murder Mystery Night, but no one had more fun than Bernice (second from the right) and her three daughters, seen here in their Mardi Gras attire. These girls showed up a day early, beginning thier celebrations Friday night with dinner downtown, and then got right into the spirit of the Murder Mystery. Check out out Facebook page for even more photos.

Who's Who at the Murder Mystery: The Victim, The Killer and Our Super Sleuths

One final look at the Mardi Gras Murder Mystery night: our murder victim, Dave Sheils, poses with his killer, Joe Paonessa, and super sleuths Karen and Megan, who earned top prizes by solving the mystery.

More Murder Mystery Notes: Getting into the Mardi Gras Spirit

Here's a shot taken early in the evening as guests got to know the characters, trying to figure out who'd be killed...and who'd be doing the killing. All the while, we sampled Mardi Gras themed refreshments and enjoyed Bourbon Street music.

Scenes from the Mardi Gras Mystery Night: Party Planners and Our Murder Victim

Here's a favorite scene from our Mardi Gras Murder Mystery photos: Blue Shutters innkeepers Patty Sapienza (left) and Ann Marie Comer (right), who coordinated the event, with the night's murder victim, Dave Sheils of Stoneham, seen here as the corpse of the Mardi Gras king.

Mardis Gras Mayhem at the Blue Shutters

It was Mardi Gras time at the Blue Shutters Saturday night as guests of the inn too part in a Murder Mystery night with a New Orleans party theme. The scene was set: the masks were on, the decorations were out, the jambalaya was steaming in the pantry, zydeco and dixieland tunes filled the room...and more than 20 partygoers joined in the fun. The Mardi Gras King (Dave Shiels of Stonham) was the victim and there were plenty of suspects, but at the end of the night the killer was uncovered -- shady restaurant owner Sebastienne Thibodeaux (Joe Paonessa, also of Stoneham). Everyone had fun -- the nutty girlfriend, the sneaky lawyer, the Mardi Gras queen, the outspoken sugarcane farmer, the Bourbon Street comedienne and more. The final guests headed to their rooms late that evening (after posing for the group photo here), only to gather the next morning to recall stories and laughs from the night before...and then head to Good Harbor Beach for a walk on a very spring-like day. All in all, it was a great way to shake off the winter chill!