This is a surprisingly great time of year to come to Boston and check out all the city has to offer. The holidays are approaching and the craziness of college parents' weekends, Head of the Charles, and leaf peeping is now an (almost) distant memory. Because it is no longer high season, there are some amazing dining, event, and lodging options that can be yours for the taking.

One of our personal faves is Restaurant Week, when you can experience some of the city's hottest restaurants via special 3-course prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner. March 2010 will celebrate the 5th anniversary of Winter Restaurant Week Boston® when restaurants will be serving the prix fixe meals guaranteed to chase away the winter blues from Sunday, March 14 through Friday, March 19 and Sunday, March 21 through Friday, March 26, 2010. Diners will enjoy 2-course lunches for $15.10, 3-course lunches for $20.10 and 3-course dinners for $33.10 throughout Boston, Cambridge, the suburbs and beyond. Prices are per person and exclude beverages, tax and gratuities. Check out the details at http://www.bostonusa.com/visit/restaurantweek.

Another must-do activity is a Duck Tour in December! While you might think the cold weather would drive all the ducks away (hello, Florida!), these marvelous "mallards" aren't going anywhere, so book a tour and grab a Starbucks. It's a fantastic way to see the sites and create some Boston memories. http://www.bostonducktours.com/december.html

Finally, for the sports lover...Fenway Park, home of the beloved Red Sox, will be converted to a hockey venue during the beginning of January 2010. Don't miss this opportunity to get up close and personal with the Green Monster via either Hockey East or Bruins v. Philadelphia Flyers. Similar to last year's Hockey Classic at Chicago's Wrigley Field, it's generating quite the buzz in Boston! Check out http://www.stubhub.com/hockey-east-at-fenway-park-tickets/ or http://www.ticketluck.com/categories/Boston-Bruins/Boston-Bruins-Fenway-Park/index.php to score tickets!

And, of course, if you're looking for a great deal on a place to stay, we're always happy to help. With the busy tourist season behind us, we are here and ready to assist savvy travelers get the best bang for their buck when staying with us over the next five months. Those who are hardy enough to brave the cooler weather (and navigate the snow banks?!) to experience Boston's sights, shopping, restaurants, and rich history certainly deserve to save money while doing so. So, bring it on...ask us for a deal and we'll do our best to give you one.

Visit our Winter Specials page at http://bnbboston.com/top_level/lodging_deals.php and be sure to check out:

Longwood Studio Suite at Fenway (M248) is an adorable furnished studio that typically goes for $145 per night with a three-night minimum stay. In November, you can stay there for just $89 per night for a three-night stay, or $99 per night for a two-night stay. Imagine having an entire Boston apartment to yourself for that kind of money!

Veronas B&B (M314) to uncover some oustanding off-season deals. While rooms there go for $150 per night during the high season, you can snag one for just $115 per night this month. This lovely bed and breakfast is tucked into the South End, just minutes from restaurant row with high-end bistros, and blocks from Copley Square's shopping galore. Rooms here are equipped with kitchenettes, so guests can save even more by enjoying a wonderful complimentary breakfast in the morning and perhaps preparing a light lunch or dinner in their room. Talk about Boston on a budget!