A slice of Gloucester....great Portuguese cuisine and old-time fish stories

Spent the evening with some old friends last night, enjoying a great meal at the Azorean and taking in some local color at the Crow's Nest. Sam Whitmore (a native of the area)and his wife Christy (who hails from the west coast, where they now live) were here at the Shutters for the evening, part of their east to see family and do a bit of business (in my other business role -- as co-founder of the PR firm Topaz Partners -- I've been working with Sam and Christy for years). Our plans for dinner were influenced by Christy's Portugeuse heritage -- and our interest in introducing the bar "Perfect Storm" fame. The dinner was great -- I highly recommend the marinated haddock and the almond liquor as a capper. The conversation at the Crow's Nest was as entertaining as always, with locals sharing their memories of Perfect Storm movie stars and the real-life fishermen. It reminded up just how unique Gloucester is.

Spotlighting A Full Weekend of Activities on Cape Ann

This past Independence Day weekend was a great example of all that Cape Ann, Gloucester and the Blue Shutters has to offer. We had a pretty full house for most of the weekend -- and the range of activites our guests were involved with is worth noting. This included: kayaking on Gloucester Harbor, biking and jogging all over Cape Ann, surfing the waves on Good Harbor Beach, art gallery hopping, tennis at the Gloucester High School courts, enjoying the bonfire in Rockport and the parades there and in downtown Gloucester, exploring Halibut Point State Park, catching a movie at a nearby theater and bowling a few frames at our local alley (two good rainy day activities), sailing on the Thomas Lannon schooner, whale watching, enjoying dinner and/or drinks at any of our local restaurants and taverns, grilling and picnicing on our lawn, and sunbathing, body-surfing or strolling on Good Harbor Beach, or just sitting on our sofas enjoying the view. I'm sure we left something out -- we could probably fill another diary note with a list of these other activities.

Blue Shutters in the Boston Business Journal

The Blue Shutters was included in a Boston Business Journal story on tourism in NE. The point we make in this story is that the Shutters is a great destination even if you're on a tight budget or if you need to mix in a bit of work with your vacation. We go on to talk about our efforts to let folks know about the Shutters -- and that's where you come in. Please help us spread the word, whether you know of someone planning a vacation or business getaway.

It's Fiesta Time!

One of the biggest events of the year here in Gloucester is about to kick off -- the St. Peter's Feast, otherwise known in these parts as "The Fiesta". It all begins tonight and runs through this weekend, with music, parades, religious celebrations, fireworks...and plenty of food and fun. One of the highlights is the famed "greasy pole" -- which you need to see to believe. If you've enjoyed the feast in the past, you're welcome to join us again; if this is new to you, it's something you definitely should experience. You'll find all the details about this year's feast online -- and posted at the Blue Shutters, which is a great stopping off point for your Fiesta fun.

Blue Shutters on Twitter!

If you use Twitter, you'll be happy to know the Blue Shutters is now using this to let our friends know about happenings here. Please become a follwer(our Twitter name is blue_shutters). If you don't know Twitter, check it out and you can see what everyone is talking about.

Summer's Here -- Come Join Us

A few weeks ago we celebrated the coming of summer with our beach bash -- if you get our e-newsletter, you heard about this and got a look at some of the fun (if you don't get our newsletter, call or email us and we'll get you on the list). We've had some nice days since then -- but the best is yet to come. There are still some spots available this summer season, but rooms are going fast. Contact us soon if you're thinking of staying with us. The newsletter also looks ahead to some of the summer events planned here on Cape Ann. Don't miss out!

Brews & Blues on May 30 -- Back to the Beach

Last fall, dozens of friends were on hand for our first Brews & Blues and enjoyed an outdoor concert, free beer tastings and some refreshments on the lawn overlooking Good Harbor Beach. On May 30, we’ll do it all again – this time to celebrate the return of the beach season. Once again, we're teaming up with the Cape Ann Brewing Co. -– makers of the highly-acclaimed Fisherman’s Brew – and some talented musicians who’ll entertain us with a jam session on that Saturday afternoon. The Cape Ann Brewers folks will be on hand into the evening for beer tastings. You can enjoy your brew (or other beverages of your liking) in your room, in our main guest area or out by the fire pit. And all weekend you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy other activities across Cape Ann – including a personal tour of the brewery on the Gloucester waterfront. Reserve your spot soon for Brews & Blues – for Friday May 29, Saturday May 30 or both nights. We expect this will be a popular weekend here at the Blue Shutters.