A Perfect Spot for Your Morning Coffee

We may be a bit biased given the view that greets us every morning, but we think this is the perfect spot for your first cup of coffee of the day -- whether you're up to watch the sun rise over Good Harbor Beach or a late riser and prefer to let the sunshine warm your seat.  This setting -- in the chairs on the front lawn under the trees -- is a favorite among many Blue Shutters guests.

Some Scenes from our "Swing into Spring" Food & Wine Tasting

It was a beautiful spring day -- the perfect backdrop to celebrate this season with great food and wine.  We had a great group with us on this Saturday night for our Swing into Spring Food & Wine Tasting.  Here are a few photos from this event that started late in the afternoon and continued long into the evening.  A big thanks to all who joined us -- and a special thank you to our chef, Mark Sapienza from the Langham Hotel, and our wine expert, Kathy Hill from Traveling Vineyard.

An Addition to the Blue Shutters Art Collection

We had the pleasure of having Jack and Carol Cotten with us this week.  They came here from thier home in NY state to do some painting around Cape Ann -- and they were gracious enough to let us have one of Jack's pieces.  That's Jack in the photo here, with his painting of the house on the bluff overlooking the footbridge on Good Harbor Beach.  Jack has an interesting story -- he began painting as a young man, but got involved in other priorities that put his painting on hold.  There was a 50-year gap before he started up again! We're glad he did -- and we're glad he and Carol found the Blue Shutters.  They'll be back -- in fact, we're thinking of doing an "art show" sometime in spring 2013.  For now, next time you're here, look for this painting.  There are a lot of great paintings and photographs around the Blue Shutters -- most of them gifts from family, friends and guests like Jack and Carol -- and we know you'll agree that this is a great addition to our collection.

The View from Beachside

Most of the Blue Shutters photos are taken from our Main Room, but there are spectular views from just about every room.  One of the best is from Beachside, the second-floor apartment with a big picture window overlooking the tidal river, the footbridge, the island off the shore and, of course, the beach.  We recently added a new love seat and day-bed, but our guess is you may not notice this once you lay eyes on this view of the beach.

Signs of Spring

You know it's spring around the Blue Shutters when the lawn furniture re-appears and the flowers begin to pop up in our flower beds.  Why not come settle into the chairs and enjoy the views of Good Harbor Beach?

A Foggy Morning

We've lost track of how many photos we've taken and seen of the beautiful house on the bluff overlooking Good Harbor Beach. Here's another -- but you can barely make it out because of the fog that has settled in along the shore. We think you'll agree -- whether it's a foggy day or a bright sunny morning, there are always great views from the Blue Shutters.    If you haven't been here to see for yourself recently, maybe it's time for a visit.

"I'm OK" at Blue Shutters South (and here at Good Harbor Beach, too)

Awhile back we shared some photos from our "Blue Shutters South" trip to the Florida Keys. Here's one more -- of the entire crew, giving the "I'm OK" sign we learned on a snokerling trip on the Fury out of Key West. We were definitely more than OK on this trip -- but it is good to be back at Good Harbor Beach. By the way, you're likely to see some of the folks in this photo around the Blue Shutters. And when you do, give them the "I'm OK" sign.

Check Out the Menu for Our "Swing into Spring" Food & Wine Tasting

We just got the menu for our April 21 Food & Wine Tasting at the Blue Shutters, and it looks amazing. Here's what our chef, Mark Sapienza from the Langham Hotel, and our wine expert, Kathy Hill from Traveling Vineyard, have come up with for that Saturday night:

- a 2008 Zeffer Hills California Chardonnay paired with an Artisian Cheese and Fruit Display

- a 2010 Bright Eyed Bird California Pinot Grigio paired with Proscuitto di Parma Crostini, Stone Fruit and Lavender Honey

- a 2010 Pedretti Italnian Salento IGT paired with Porcini Mushroom and Parmesan Arancini

- a 2010 Richebois Ventoux from France's Rhône Valley paired with Bavette Steak, Violet Mustard, Shallot Confit and Ciabatta

- a 2010 Tanglerose Sweet American Rosé paired with Strawberry and Lemon Curd Tart with Chantilly Cream

If you've been to past Food & Wine Tastings, you know how extraordinary this will be. If you're new to this, you should treat yourself and reserve a room for that night -- when you do, all this fantastic food and wine is part of your stay.

There are still a few spots left -- call or email us soon.

Swing into Spring Food & Wine Tasting on April 21

We've done a number of Food & Wine Tastings over the years, and while they're all fun, this remains one of our favorite photos. It shows our wine expert Kathy from the Traveling Vineyard and chef Mark from the Langham Hotel doing their thing -- talking about the great food and wine guests are enjoying - before the panoramic view of Good Harbor Beach. That's what's in store later this month, as we use our Food & Wine Tasting to celebrate spring. The theme is "Swing into Spring" -- and you'll get a chance to do this with us on Saturday April 21. This Food & Wine Tasting is free for guests who stay with us this weekend. There'll be time to experience springtime on Cape Ann -- walk the beach, relax on a chair on the lawn, stroll through Gloucester and Rockport shops and gallaries, and grab lunch or dinner downtown (although we warn you, you'll get plenty to eat and drink at our tasting event). Stay tuned for details on the menu -- but you don't need to wait to reserve a room for that weekend. Call or email us today!

Happy Easter!

Among other things, Easter weekend reminds us that spring is here. Actually, it seems like winter left us months ago. We've had warm summer-like days, sunny mornings -- and no serious snow to speak of for awhile now. All of which makes the Blue Shutters and Good Harbor Beach a great place to visit. Come see for yourself. Happy Easter to everyone from your friends at the Blue Shutters.

"Blue Shutters South" -- A Getaway to the Florida Keys

You might think that everyday at the Blue Shutters is like a holiday for us innkeepers -- and you're right.

But for a few days in late March and early April, we took a real vacation, sneaking away to the Florida Keys with some longtime friends of the Blue Shutters -- Deb, Kathy, Joe, Karen, Brenda and Danny. This trip started as a birthday celebration -- a number of folks were celebrating their special days, including Ed and AnnMarie, who have birthdays in April.

The beautiful place where we stayed -- Casa Aqua -- felt so much like our place here in Gloucester that we considered it "Blue Shutters South" for these few days.

Here are some photos -- we'll be happy to show you more when you visit "Blue Shutters North." And while we'd love you to spend all your vacations here, if you're considering Florida, check out Casa Aqua -- or ask us and we'll put you in touch with AnnMarie's cousin Deb, who manages this place.