Scenes from the Blue Shutters

Check out the latest Blue Shutters Beachside feature -- an online photo album. We've gathered up some of the photos from the past year and and created a set on the Flickr. We'll be adding more photos -- and we're asking friends and guests of the Blue Shutters to add to this.

Lights, camera and lots of action....

It was a busy evening this past Friday -- some fun for the Blue Shutters bunch and a difficult night for the city of Gloucester. The fun stuff surrounded the crew that is filming a movie in Gloucester. Members of the cast are staying at the inn -- and Friday evening, we were called into "action" to serve as extras. Gathering on Main Street in freezing temperatures, we made our movie debut with the help of director Oliver Horovitz and producer Tiana Matthews. Gloucester has been the backdrop for many movies (including one -- "Author! Author!" -- based on a play by Oliver's famed father, Israel, who is artistic director of the Gloucester Stage Company)and those of us at the Blue Shutters are very pleased that we're able to step up and support this effort. The night took a tragic turn as filming wrapped up around midnight on Friday as fire broke out just blocks from our location. According to initial reports, one life was lost and several buildings, including a historic synagogue was destroyed.

Tree Trimming, Snowball Fights and other Holiday Fun

The holidays are in full swing here at the Blue Shutters. Last Saturday we kicked it all off with a Christmas tree trimming. There were guests, old friends, neighbors and family on hand as we decorated the tree and celebrated the "lighting of the Inn". If you haven't been by for a visit, you need to come check it out -- the Christmas tree and holiday lights against the backdrop of Good Harbor Beach will certainly get you into the holiday spirit. And if that's not enough, there are lots of activities planned all around Cape Ann. One more example of the fun here at the Inn...check out our Blue Shutters snowball fight.

Stop the Presses...The Blue Shutters Featured in the Gloucester Times

The Blue Shutters Beachside Inn was featured in the November 16 edition of the Gloucester Times in a story focused on the "hot times" for the Cape Ann tourism industry. Our own Ed Comer was quoted, talking about "extraordinary summer" we enjoyed in 2007. We expect an even better season in 2008, with returning guests and with new visitors to the Blue Shutters who are learning about us from stories like this, from our e-newsletter and from friends who are spreading the word.

Start Spreading the News -- The Blue Shutters Bulletin

This week we sent out the second Blue Shutters Beachside Bulletin, an e-newsletter that helps us make all our friends -- past, present and future -- aware of the happenings in and around this little bit of heaven on Good Harbor Beach. In this edition, you'll read about the holiday activities planned by the Cape Ann communities -- it's shaping up to be a fun season with something every week from late November through New Year's Day. If you haven't experienced Christmas on Cape Ann, you owe yourself a visit. While our newsletter provides a detailed calendar of events, the Cape Ann Chamber website offers even more information.

The other big story in this newsletter -- the special deals we're making to long-term guests. For those who want to stay a month or more at the Blue Shutters during the off-season, we're making our one- and two-bedroom apartments available at special rates. As many of you know, our beachside location is beautiful in the fall, winter and spring -- if you know someone who might be interest staying with us for an extended period, please spread the word and have them contact us for the details.

Of course, the Blue Shutters will remain open for shorter stays throughout the off-season -- and as we say in our newsletter, this fall is a a great time to book a stay.

If you haven't received the newsletter and would like to, please call or email us (978-283-1198; info@blueshuttersbeachside.com).

"Homes for the Holidays" Kicks off the Season

The communities here on Cape Ann have planned a fun and friendly schedule of activities this coming holiday season -- a good recap can be found on the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce website. Here at the Blue Shutteres we too are making plans for the holidays -- we'll be dressing the inn for Christmas and helping our guests take advantage of all of the shopping, dining and celebrating that Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester and Essex have to offer this season. One great way to kick it all off will be a special event in just a few weeks -- Home for the Holidays. On Saturday, November 17, you'll be able to join in a tour of some of Gloucester's most unique homes that have been decorated for the holidays. The tours will take place between 11am and 4pm. And there's no better to begin and end your day of touring than the Blue Shutters Beachside Inn. Just imagine enjoying a glass of wine or a hot chocolate in one of our rooms overlooking Good Harbor Beach. If you have questions about the Homes for Holiday tour or any of the season's special events, call or email us.

Restaurant Week on Cape Ann -- Oct. 14-19

In earlier blogs, we talked about the thriving restaurant scene on Cape Ann. Almost every guest at the Blue Shutters Beachside visits the area's restaurants -- and we have a great time pointing folks toward our favorite places. Some come for a romantic dinner, some for traditional fare like lobster and steamers, some for cocktails or entertainment along with a bite to eat. It's all here for the "tasting" -- and this month is the perfect time to try out our local eateries. For "six delicious days" from October 14 through October 19, we'll be celebrating Cape Ann Restaurant Week. This first-ever event will make available three-course dinners at participating restaurants for the low price of $24.07. You can work up your appetite (and sleep off that big dinner) at the Blue Shutters Beachside -- all of the restaurants are a short distance from Good Harbor Beach. Check out the Cape Ann Restaurant Week website for more info and a list of participating restaurants.