Most Guest Book Comments -- Notes from Early 2008

We're continuing to share notes from the guest book in our main room. Having already covered comments from 2007 (our first years as innkeepers) in early diary posts, here are some guest notes from the first half of 2008 -- a busy and fun time at the Blue Shutters:

"Thanks for the terrific beachside hospitality...loved being with you from Colorado, California, Virginia, Australia and Pennsylvania."

"Great time! Great company! Great conversation!"

"Blue Shutters is the best!"

"A very beautiful and peaceful place to stay."

"Thanks for a hospitable and lovely stay."

"We loved everything -- perfect!"

"Gotta love this place! Can't wait to come back with friends and family. Warm and welcoming."

"Great time -- went by too fast!"

Remember...you can leave us comments in our guest book, or right here on our website "BeachBlog" diary.

Halloween Fun at the Blue Shutters

Halloween is a favorite time of year around the Blue Shutters. Last week we dressed up for a Murder Mystery night (thanks to friends near and far for joining in the fun -- and especially to Michelle for organizing this). And this Saturday (10/24) we're celebrating Halloween by offering a 25% discount to guests who get into the spirit of the holiday (anything from a full costume to a funny hat will do). Other parts of Cape Ann and nearby Salem (the Halloween capital of the world) are on board as well. For example, if you have't checked out "Castle of the Damned" you should try to do so this week (and what better place to rest up after all that excitement than the Blue Shutters). Nearby Hammond Castle will host this most unique Halloween attraction on October 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and November 1 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays). Admission is $15 and parking is available at Stage Fort Park with a free "Shudder Shuttle" to carry visitors to the castle. You'll find details on this and oter Halloween events on the Cape Ann Vacations website and on Salem's Halloween Happenings site. Hope you can join us for some happy hauntings!

More Comments From Our Guest Book

Two of the Blue Shutters crew just returned from California, where we stayed in a B&B in Mendocino (like the Shutters in Gloucester, this B&B is located on a beautiful stretch of ocean). We spent time with the innkeepers at the Sea Gull Inn, who urged us to add a note or two to their guest book -- and that got us thinking...it's been awhile since we last passing along comments from the guest book in the main room. We began posting these notes on our website in an earlier diary entry (which you'll find below) with comments from the sumer of 2007.

We're continuing this here, with some guest notes from the later half of 2007:

"It was fun being introduced to the area and sharing the comfort of the inn -- it was very cozy."
"This is incredibly quaint and the owners made us feel like old friends."
"The view was awesome and we felt like we were home in our place."
"Beautiful location! Wonderful anniversary weekend."
"Fantastic views, great conversation, beautiful beach."
"Everything was perfect."


Remember...you can leave us comments anytime on our website -- right here in the diary. Just click on "comments" at the borrom of any diary posting to add your thoughts.

New Facebook Photos

Check out the Shutters Facebook page for some new photos -- by friends Mary, Sue and Suzi. Please share any photos you have here -- maybe they'll make it on to our website photo album.

Had a Blast with Blues & Brews

We pulled off another Blues & Brews, and while the "brews" were the same (thanks to TJ and the Cape Ann Brewing Co.) the "blues" took on a new form. Eddie joined Annmarie's brother Arthur for an acoustic set by the firepit. Their tunes were great -- as the many friends who joined us can attest. Thanks to all those who stopped by. We look forward to seeing you at our next shindig.

Celebrity Weekend at the Blue Shutters

We had celebrities of all kinds this weekend -- a former TV news personality, the brother of a professional baseball player and a group of early Peace Corps volunteers, who were here to participate in the 48th anniversary of their participation in the program. These Peace Corps alum -- who were part of the first group of volunteers back in 1961 -- shared many stories of their work and insights into the history of the Peace Corps. One member of the group reached yet another kind of celebrity status -- you might recall the scene from the movie Forrest Gump, when the title character meets President Kennedy. The director was praised for his ability to insert Forrest into old film -- and that was the case in this scene as the President greets a long line of White House visitors. Gump's image was superimposed over one of the real-life visitors -- who just happened to be one of our Peace Corps guests. It the first time we know of that the Shutters has welcomed a movie star -- even if you never saw her on screen.

Join Us for Some Great Fall Events

If you believe the fun around Good Harbor Beach is over now that Labor Day has come, think again -- September (and October) can bring some great beach days. And that's not all...we've put plans in place for some special fall weekend packages that will take us right up to Christmas. Here's what's in store:

BLUES & BREWS SUMMER ENCORE on SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26
Enjoy final days of summer along with free beer tastings and live music on our front lawn. Make it a weekend getaway -- book a room Saturday and get Friday night at half-price.

MURDER MYSTERY NIGHT on SATURDAY OCTOBER 17
Join us for our first-ever Murder Mystery Night and play detective with other guests and enjoy some special refreshments. Make it a weekend getaway -- book a room Saturday and get Friday night at half-price.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN on SATURDAY OCTOBER 24
Get into the Halloween spirit with a costume contest, trips to Gloucester’s haunted castle and a visit to nearby Salem, where you’ll find of a full schedule of spooky events. Get dressed for the holiday and get 25 percent off your bill for the weekend – and you’ll be in the running for free night at the Shutters, awarded to the guest with the best costume.

AUTUMN WINE AND FOOD TASTING on SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21
The Blue Shutters’ popular wine and food tasting events are back, and for the first time we’re celebrating autumn. Our chef and wine expert will be back with a new selection of wines and a specially-designed food tasting menu. Make it a weekend getaway -- book a room Saturday and get Friday night at half-price.

HOLIDAY TREE TRIMMING NIGHT on SATURDAY DECEMBER 5
Celebrate the holidays Shutters-style as we kick off the season with a tree-trimming party complete with holiday treats. Bring an ornament for our tree and get a 25% discount on your bill for the weekend.

We hope you can come visit -- for one of these weekend specials, or another stay at the Blue Shutters and Good Harbor Beach.