Another Blue Shutters Sunrise Shot

In another post here we mentioned that we've seen tons of great sunrise shots taken from the Blue Shutters. Well, here's another -- snapped just this week. Goes to show you -- it doesn't matter what time of year you visit, you'll find beautiful views here. Come see for yourself -- the next few days promise to be awesome.

Moon Over The Shutters

We've seen hundreds of awesome photos of the sunrise over Good Harbor Beach taken from the Blue Shutters, but try turning around to face the Shutters. We did just that this morning and saw this -- look closely and you'll see the moon sitting just over Wheelhouse. A reminder -- if you have photos, we'd love to see them and share them with others. No matter what direction you're facing.

Come Celebrate Thanksgiving on Cape Ann

The pilgrims may have passed on Cape Ann before finding their way to Plymouth, but that shouldn't stop you from chosing the Blue Shutters for your Thanksgiving holiday weekend destination. We just got a update from our friends at the Topside Grille reminding us that they're serving Thanksgiving dinner, and we think this -- combined with some pre-dinner and after-dinner fun at the Blue Shutters and Good Harbor Beach -- is a great reason to come up for this holiday. Stay the entire weekend and work off some of that turkey with walks on the beach, or just sit by the fireplace and relax. This is also a great time to get a jump on holiday shopping at some of the unique spots in Gloucester and Rockport. On that note, the season kicks off on Cape Ann with a holiday pops concert that weekend and a Santa Parade and Tree Lighting on November 27.

Anniversaries -- Another Reason to Come Visit the Blue Shutters

Over the years, the Blue Shutters has attracted all kinds of guests -- single travelers, couples, families, groups -- who are here for any number of reasons -- some vacation days, a business trip, visiting family or celebrating a special occassion. In recent weeks, we've seen a number of couples here to mark an anniversary -- in October, Denise and Jim from western Massachusetts came back for a return anniversary visit and spent time in Gloucester, Rockport and nearby Salem. This past Friday and Saturday, another special couple chose the Blue Shutters for a anniversay getaway -- Joe and Connie. That's them in the photo here, taken at one of our wine and food tastings (Joe's the one looking sophisticated as he prepares to sip some chardonnay; Connie is sitting alongside innkeeper AnnMarie, listening intently to our visiting chef, Mark Sapienza). Joe is here pretty often, as he's considered our official "back-up innkeeper" -- in fact, last October he watched over the Shutters while the real innkeepers vacationed in Florida. This weekend, Joe and Connie enjoyed walks in downtown Rockport, a bite in Gloucester, games and conversation by the fireplace, and brunch on Sunday morning at the Topside Grill (anniversary or not, you should check this out!). Their experience these past few days provides a great example of the reasons why folks like Denise and Jim and many others come here for an anniversary celebration. If you've got the special date coming up, give us a call and plan your own anniversary getaway.

Cooking Up a Menu of South American Delicacies For Our November 20 Open House

We just got details on the menu for our "Taste of Latin America" Open House on November 20 -- an event to benefit Por Cristo. Once again Langham Hotel chef Mark Sapienza is cooking up from delicacies just for us. The stories of Por Cristo's work are compelling, the South American jewelry, scarves and blankets are amazing (and an amazing deal) and then there's this menu:
- hand-made tortilla chips and guacamole
- shrimp seviche with cumin popcorn
- chorizo quesadilla – salsa aji
- vegetable and cheese empanadas
- dulce de leche cheesecake
(the photo here is Mark and his Blue Shutters helpers are a past event here)

We hope you can join us -- from 2pm-5pm that Sunday. We promise it'll be a fun afternoon. And all the money we collect from sale of the items from South America goes to support the work of Por Cristo.

It's free to attend -- but if you want to spend a night that weekend, we're offering a special discount.

Call or email us for more info.

Happy Birthday to a Familiar Face Around the Blue Shutters

We've featured many photos of the "Roy Girls" here and in our newsletter over the past few years -- everything from a shot of Annie on a chopper to the Roy kids buried in the sand on the beach (one of our favorite shots is a sunsrise photo on our website homepage). Here's another shot, taken just a few weeks ago. Now, in the summer there are a dozen or more of the clan here, but last month it was a smaller, more intimate visit by Annie and Rosie, who were here to help "Mama Janet" celebrate her birthday. That's Janet in this photo, with innkeepers Tony and Ed. Can you think of a better spot to celebrate a birthday with a loved one? Come give it a try -- and maybe you too will make a splash here on our website. Please join us in wishing Janet a happy birthday -- or better yet, tell her yourself when you're here; she's at the Blue Shutters so often, chances are you'll bump into her!

Join Us Nov 20 for a Taste of Latin America -- Shop, Eat and Support a Worthy Cause!

We wanted to remind folks about a special event happening later this month -- our "Taste of Latin America Open House". On the afternoon of Sunday November 20 - from 2pm - 5pm -- you're invited to stop by the Blue Shutters to shop for unqiue holiday gifts and enjoy some food and wine with a South American theme. It's all to benefit Por Cristo, a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that has been providing healthcare to the poor in Ecuador for the past 30 years (Por Cristo is headed by a longtime friend of the Blue Shutters innkeepers, Joe Reardon).

The items for sale that day are truly unique (and a great deal) -- a collection of artisan-crafted sterling silver jewelry and items made from sustainable resources of the Amazonian rainforest and elsewhere in Ecuador.

Those who join us will also be able to enjoy a menu of Latin American delicacies courtesy of our guest chef, Mark Sapienza of the Langham Hotel, and a selection of wines from South America.

It all takes place with beautiful Good Harbor Beach as a backdrop, so you'll have an opportunity to come walk the beach -- or take a ride into town to check out the shops and galleries.

You don't have to stay with us in order to enjoy the open house, but if you'd like to spend a night or two, we're offering a special discount -- Friday and Saturday and get one night at half-price.

We hope you can be our guest for this special Blue Shutters event -- please call us at 978-283-1198 for more information.