Another Way to Make Your Blue Shutters Visit Special: North Shore Music Theatre

We have the best beach right across the street and great restaurants, shops and galleries just minutes away in downtown Gloucester, but if you travel just a few miles down Route 128, you'll find another way to make your visit to the Blue Shutters special -- the North Shore Music Theatre.  Over the years, we've enjoyed a number of shows at the the theater, located in 15 minutes south of Gloucester, in Beverly. This summer, there will be performances of "Annie" (7/17-29), "All Shook Up" (8/14-26), "9 to 5 The Musical" (9/25-10/7) and still more shows later in the fall.  There will also be concerts by performers like Orleans (one of our favorites) on August 31.  Check the North Shore Music Theatre website for more information.

The Sign Over the Door Says It All....

Plenty of folks were heading to the beach today -- clearly the busiest beach day of the year.  Just about everyone staying at the Blue Shutters followed the instructions on the sign over the door.

It looks like there is more of the same coming in the week ahead.  Hope to see you here!

Pirates at the Blue Shutters?

It seems there have been some pirates sneaking around the Blue Shutters.  At least that what little Logan here believes after finding this treasure map in her room (rumors are it was actually left there by her grandfather Mike -- that's him in the doorway...and that's Logan's little brother Garrett, who also seems to be excited about the treasure hunt).

Early Morning at the Blue Shutters

Here are some photos from this last day in June to give you an idea of early morning at the Blue Shutters.  Lots of sunshine, and a quiet spot overlooking the beach for that first cup of coffee.

Cape Ann Farmers' Market -- Every Thursday All Summer Long

There are all sorts of ways to pass the time while visiting Gloucester -- and a favorite of many guests of the Blue Shutters takes place every Thursday.  The Cape Ann Farmers' Market takes over Stage Fort Park each Thursday afternoon in the summer -- from June 21 right through October 11.  You'll find a variety of local produce, fish, crafts and baked goods -- along with music and children's activities.  Stage Fort Park is a great place to visit any time -- but there's even more to enjoy around the Farmers Market.   Plan to check it out if you're here on a Thursday.  Visit the Farmers' Market website for more information.

Freshening Up for Summer

For those of you who haven't been here since last summer, you'll be pleasantly surprised  by some changes around the Blue Shutters.  We updated some bathrooms, brought in some new furniture, and replaced some bedding.  Here are a few shots -- of our new Deckside bathroom, sofa and twin bedroom furniture and the new day-bed and love seat in the Beachside living/dining area.

Early Morning Activity on Good Harbor Beach

While some of our guests will be out bouncing balls on the beach later today, there is already some activity out on Good Harbor at 9am this morning.  Not sure what's happening but here you see a bunch of folks gathering under tents on the beach.  There will be plenty of time for this later today -- we prefer to settle into these lawn chairs for a warm cup of coffee before heading to the beach.

Some Signs of Summer

A gathering by the firepit, dinner on the lawn, a stroll to the third floor for a stunning view of the beach and the annual Benjamin bocce tournament.  These are just some of the signs of summer -- and the photos here were all taken today.  So there's no need to wait for summer to arrive -- it's here.  Come on up and join us.

Celebrating Good Harbor Beach's Island Playground

One of the most unique parts of Good Harbor is Salt Island, the island which sits just off the beach.  At low tide, a sandbar appears and folks can wade through ankle-deep water out to the island.  On this beautiful early June Sunday, you can see some beachgoers walking out to the island, others sunbathing on the sand, and still more hanging out in the tidal river.  And in the distance you'll spot a sailboat and one of the Thatcher Island's twin lighthouses.

All this at one great beach -- located just a few steps from our front door.  You'll be hard-pressed to find another beach with so much to enjoy.

New Look On Our Lawn....But Still the Same Great View

Those of you who haven't visited in awhile will notice a lot of little improvements around the Blue Shutters (don't worry -- the views of Good Harbor Beach and the fun and friendly atmosphere hasn't changed).  There's some new furniture, new bedding, new cable TV boxes -- and new chairs on our lawn.  Here's an early morning look at the beach from our new lawn chairs -- now picture yourself sitting here enjoying a cup of coffee, planning your day across the way at the beach!

After the Storm -- Walking, Surfing, Watching

Those of you who live in the Boston area know that yesterday was a very storming day -- lots of rain and wind.  Not the best day to sit on the beach, but a great day to sit and watch the waves.  The day after a storm like this is even better -- the waves seem even bigger and you're able to walk the beach without a soaking.  Here are a few shots -- one shows the sun breaking on the horizon, the other shows surfers heading out to the beach, and the last folks returning after a walk on the sand.  The waves are even more impressive than what you see in the photos.  There's still time to come check it out for yourself.  

Brews & More Brews: The Answer to a Rainy Day

The rain might have put a damper on our Brews & Blues event, but that won't stop us from enjoying some awesome Cape Ann Brewing beer.  The folks at the brewery gave us a case of their Sunrise Saison and two "growlers" -- Great Wit Whale and Dead-Eye Double IPA.  If you'd like to sample these, come on by -- grab a glass and sit with us to watch the waves crash on Good Harbor Beach.

Wet & Wild....Instead of Brews & Blues

It was supposed to be a Brews & Blues day today -- instead, it's Wet & Wild.  The rain has put plans on hold for our annual celebration of summer's return, but there's still lots to enjoy here.  Enjoying the view of storms on Good Harbor Beach is a favorite pastime of guests here -- as you can see from these photos, a few early-risers are already settling in to do just this.

This is also a good day to visit the museums, shops, galleries and nightspots in Gloucester and other parts of Cape Ann.  Or enjoy a quiet lunch or dinner downtown.  Or you can just grab a cocktail and a seat by the big windows overlooking the beach (that's what we plan to do).

If you're interested in Brews & Blues, call or email us for udpates on those plans.