Everyone’s trying to conserve gas these days and we’ve got some suggestions that save gas and will give you a whole new appreciation for what Vermont has to offer.

Though you really should take at least a little time to experience our quiet back roads and discover the unforgettable and amazing beauty of Vermont, a leisurely “Sunday drive” is not your only choice.

Below are three simple steps (and ten great alternatives) to enjoying yourself in Vermont without worrying about filling up the gas tank.

Our Park & Enjoy, three-step plan is simple and fun.

Step 1> Park your car

Step 2> Here you have choices:

1. Bike or walk one of our local bike/walking paths or rail trails. You'll find great walking/biking paths in Stowe, Burlington and the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail between St. Albans and Richford. And some cities, like Montpelier, have published self-guided walking tours.

2. Hike the 400 miles of the Long Trail.
Now, you don't have to do this at one time. There are many access points along the trail to make a go of it segment by segment. Or, go ahead and take the time to experience it all in one shot!

3. Take a day hike.
If the Long Trail sounds too daunting do a day hike on one of the many trails throughout the state. We've got five to get you started.

3a. Not a hiker, you could stroll the Robert Frost interpretive Trail in Ripton.

4. Spend a day canoeing or kayaking on one of our lakes or ponds. Vermont has many "stillwater" areas that don't allow motorized craft so you can spend a lazy day exploring shorelines or moving from shady spot to shady spot.

5. Go Fishing.
Pack a lunch and spend the day fishing along one of our rivers or streams. You don't even have to eat fish - many people catch and release.

6. Go to Camp.
Camping isn't just for kids anymore it's for the whole family. You can spend a week or two swimming, playing sports, learning new skills and making new friends. The Ohana Family Camp is just one camp offering a family program.

6a. Want to camp without all the bells and whistles of an official camp program? Try the lean-tos and tent sites at any of our fantastic 52 State Parks. Imagine the memories you will create making ‘smores by the fire and teaching yourself how to whittle or just doing nothing. Many State Parks have beaches too! (see #7 below).

6b. Not a camper? Take the family to one of our great family resorts like the Tyler Place on Lake Champlain or Smuggler's Notch Resort.

7. Go to the beach.
Vermont's State Parks and local lakes and ponds have some of the best fresh water swimming in the northeast. They are a great way to beat the heat. Most of them have shaded picnic areas to relax in so you can make a comfortable day of it .

8. Stroll around downtown.
Vermont's downtowns are special places and there really is nowhere else like them. So it makes perfect sense that they've even been getting recognized internationally. Stroll our villages, talk to the shop-owners about their one-of-a-kind Vermont products, and be sure to look up to appreciate the unique architecture surrounding you.

9. Spend a day at a museum.
The Shelburne Museum is an outdoor museum with 18th and 19th century buildings full of historic items. There's more than a days worth of things to see and do here. Hildene, home of Robert Todd Lincoln, can easily provide a day's worth of entertainment visiting the building, gardens and grounds.

10. Visit an historic site.
Historic Mount Independence in Orwell and the Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth Notch are great day-long destinations. Vermont is a state full of an amazing history. We have historic sites all over the state and you can easily spend many hours exploring around all of them.

Step 3> Enjoy!