Whether you're planning your first trip to Boston or you want to see the city in a whole new way, here are my picks for the most unique tours of this diverse and infinitely interesting New England city.

See also: 10 Must-See Sights in Boston

Have you clicked through the pages of my online album of New England photos submitted by travelers? There are now more than 180 images that depict this region's history, diversity and incomparable beauty. Submit your photo, and you just might see it featured here.

Thank you to Nancie for sharing this Merrimack River winter scene. Click the image to see a larger view. With temperatures forecasted to top 70 degrees and set records today in parts of New England, it's tough to believe it's still winter... until the spring equinox tomorrow at 1:32 p.m.

I've been snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice harvesting this winter, but I'm not much of a downhiller. Luckily, my About.com colleague and fellow New Englander Bob Curley is gutsier than me, and he's also such a nice guy that he's shared with us a review of New Hampshire's Gunstock ski area.

Never heard of Gunstock? As Bob tells us: "Skiers and riders cruising up I-93 in New Hampshire often blow right by the Lake Winnipesaukee region, heeding the call of Loon or the steeps of Cannon without a second thought about Gilford's Gunstock Mountain Resort." There's a reason, however, that Gunstock's been around for 75 years, and Bob lets us in on why spring skiers shouldn't overlook this modest hill.

_{Gunstock ski area photo © 2010 Robert Curley.}

Cancer patients, survivors and their families are invited to reserve their free hotel rooms for the tenth annual Weekend of Hope in Stowe, Vermont, April 30-May 2, 2010. Why are Stowe lodging establishments giving away hundreds of free hotel rooms? I'll tell you about this unique free weekend for those affected by cancer.

New additions this week to Kim's New England Deal Sheet:

• Boston hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions offer special deals and perks for prospective college students and their families through April 30;
• Cape Cod Potters' Soup Bowls for Hunger allows diners to fight hunger, enjoy a soup supper and leave with a handcrafted bowl--all for $16; and
• Choice Hotels offers a free night when you complete two stays this spring.

_{Photo of Boston's Faneuil Hall © 2007 Kim Knox Beckius.}

If you can't get to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day, Boston is a pretty good substitute! The 109th St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston is this Sunday, and a little rain won't dampen revelers' spirits! Plus, there are many Irish events going on throughout the city now through St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday and beyond.

_{Leprechaun photo © 2007 Kim Knox Beckius.}

Every time I visit Maine, I return home with a few extra passengers. My "hitchhikers" are, of course, live Maine lobsters.

I'll tell you about my favorite place to buy live Maine lobster. It's also a great source for ordering live lobsters online--cheap! The current price for one-pound lobsters is just $6.95.

More for Lobster Lovers

• Shopping for Lobsters Online: What You Should Know
• How to Grill Lobsters
• More Lobster Recipes
• New England's Best Lobster Roll
• I Scream, You Scream... Why? Lobster Ice Cream!
• A Maine Lobster Boat Adventure

_{Fisherman's Co-op photo © 2004 Kim Knox Beckius.}

New additions this week to Kim's New England Deal Sheet:

• Ski free at New Hampshire's Cranmore Mountain Resort on Saturday, March 20, if you drive a hybrid vehicle;
• Spend time with your family doing something free and very maple-y as dozens of New York State sugarhouses open their doors for Maple Weekend March 20-21 and March 27-28; and
• Save $2 on admission to the Paradise City Arts Festival in Massachusetts March 19-21.

_{Media photo of eco-friendly biodiesel groomer courtesy of Cranmore Mountain Resort.}

According to the calendar, spring is still officially two weeks away. One look at the drab New England landscape, and it's obvious our wait may actually be much longer. Yet, as it has for a century, spring has erupted early in Northampton, Massachusetts, where the Smith College Bulb Show runs through March 21. I was at the show's opening yesterday, and I have to tell you: I don't think you'll find a better way to spend $2 in New England this month. As you'll see from my photos... and learn from the comments I overheard... Smith students and faculty have outdone themselves this year, and while we've had a spell of mild weather, a walk through this display of more than 5,000 blooms will delight your senses and provide you with fragrant memories to call upon when the weather turns brisk again.

While You're in Northampton... Go Shopping!

_{Smith College Bulb Show photo © 2010 Kim Knox Beckius.}

Looking for a home away from home for a week or more at one of New England's scenic destinations? Vacation rentals are a popular alternative to other New England lodging options, particularly for summer vacationers who want to get away from it all. Find the perfect hideaway with my guide to vacation rentals in all six New England states, plus neighboring New York.

_{Lake cottage photo © 1999 Kim Knox Beckius.}