PHOTOS: 10 of America’s best drive-in theaters

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Features
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August 1, 2019
Starlight Six Drive-In, Atlanta: With six big digital screens, you’re almost guaranteed to find a movie you like. The drive-in opened in 1949 and has continuously evolved and improved to its digital-projection glory today. Every Labor Day weekend, the Starlight Six features classic B-movies and a hot rod show.
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Craig Fitzgerald
BestRide.com

There isn’t anything that says “summer” more than loading the old Vista Cruiser up with 10 of your sweaty pals and heading out to the drive-in. Drive-ins were in decline, but thanks to a dose of nostalgia, the ones that are left are running a healthy business.

This is nowhere near a comprehensive list of drive-ins. Check out DriveInMovie.com for a list of drive-ins near you.

We’ve got 10 to check out this summer:

66 Drive-In, Carthage, Missouri: A classic open-air theater that’s been in operation since September 1949, showing movies on the weekends.

Bengie’s Drive-In, Baltimore: The Googie-era ultramodern sign out in front of Bengie’s should be enough to lure in even the most recalcitrant patron. Bengie’s is celebrating its 61st year in business and features the largest movie screen in the U.S. at 6,240 square feet. And you don’t get a double feature at Bengie’s, you get a TRIPLE feature for your hard-earned entertainment dollar.

Ford Drive-In, Dearborn, Michigan: Claims to be the biggest in America, with a 3,000 car capacity, and considering your proximity to Ford history, you’re bound to see tons of vintage Ford products any time you visit. Not only do you get in-car audio, the drive-in also offers in-car heaters for those chilly Michigan evenings.

Mendon Twin Drive-In, Mendon, Massachusetts: There’s a beer garden with local beers where you can see movies on both screens, along with all the burgers, dogs, fries and onion rings you can handle.

Saco Drive-In, Saco, Maine: This takes old-school to the nth degree established in 1939, it’s one of the oldest continuously operating drive-ins in America yet it’s all digital.

Shankweiler’s Drive-In, Orefield, Pennsylvania: Open since 1934, it’s the oldest operating drive-in theater in America.

Vali-Hi Drive-In, Lake Elmo, Minnesota: The Vali-Hi’s got a couple of unique features: First, you can get a hot dog for a buck, and second, you get three movies for the price of one.

Wheel-In Motor Movie, Port Townsend, Washington: The Wheel-In is not only one of the few drive-ins left in Washington, it has by far the coolest entryway of any drive-in in America: A western-themed admission booth with a friendly “Howdy Pardner” sign on the archway. 

Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater, Trenton, Georgia: Runs four movies a weekend when the weather cooperates.
Author
Albany Herald News
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