They say that the best things in life are free, and this weekend may prove that point.

People with loon conservation license plates on their vehicles can get free admission on Saturday and Sunday to the state's parks and historic sites. It's all because of "Conservation Plate Holder Appreciation Days," an annual event put on by the state departments of Conservation and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Want a fabulous view from on high of the Maine coast? Head to the Camden Hills State Park (plus, you get to read a cool poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay placed on a memorial right at the top of the park).

A place to hike, rock climb, fish and let the little kids scamper through waterfalls? Try Grafton Notch State Park in western Maine's Mahoosuc Range. A glorious spot to birdwatch, swim and picnic? Try Reid State Park in Georgetown.

Of course, it takes gas to get to these places, which could make you little -- well, a lot -- grumpy. But if you've got one of the loon conservation plates, then cram all the family members in the van, which will lower the per-person cost of the trip, and make good on the words inscribed on a different Maine license plate: Vacationland. Have fun!