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!

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.