TGIF, whatchyou doing this weekend? Maybe Mod Betty of Retro Roadmap‘s new video about Shankweiler’s Drive In Theater — the oldest in the nation, now celebrating its 81st year — will entice you to consider tracking down an old skool drive-in in your neck of the woods. Need a map to find one? Check out Betty’s Retro Roadmap — here’s the link to drive-in theaters on her growing list — just add your state — find one nearby — raid the coffee can for money for Milk Duds — and head on over.
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Thank you Mod Betty! I love your dress by the way 🙂 Our little town used to have 2 drive in theaters 🙁 One was still open when I was in high school and was a big hang out for teens and families alike.
Hey, Bungalow Bill! (sorry, couldn’t resist :-))
Thanks for the tip about the motel and diner, those are all on Mod Betty’s fave things list!
Glad to help get the word out about these cool vintage places! It’s my hope that by spreading the word, people will know where they are, go to them, and then they’ll be around a lot longer!
There are 5 still operating in Michigan (very seasonal) I’m sure Betty has all the links already.
Now if we could just get them to show retro films.
Actually, it looks like there might be 8 in MI.
http://www.michigandriveins.com/open.asp
Chris – “My sources tell me” that there are actually 10 in Michigan! They’re all listed here – hope you’re able to visit one during the narrow window of summer in MI!
http://retroroadmap.com/spot-type/michigan-retro-vintage/
This is one of those subjects that makes me want to cry. So many wonderful things we grew up with are fast disappearing. I too love diners and drive-ins and we try to shop at the mom and pop stores and independent supermarkets if we can, but they are becoming few and far between. I am also thrilled when I see an old movie theater, with the big marquee over the door, still operating, but you usually only see them in small towns that still have a busy main street not abandoned due to malls. I am deeply saddened that so many big box stores have moved in and taken over, but we have found alot of small businesses still survive up in Maine. This is a wonderful article and website and thanks so much for posting it!
What a great website! I love to go to drive-ins and usually visit:
http://www.drive-ins.com
to find out what drive-ins are still open. They also have info and pictures on drive-ins that have closed. If you are in Wisconsin you can also check out:
http://www.drive-inthruwisconsin.com
When I was very little, my mom and dad took us 4 kids along with them to see Gone With the Wind at the drive-in in Seneca, SC. All I remember about the film was a pretty girl in a white dress walking across the yard and a big fire.
Earlier this year, my daughter and I took my 5 year-old granddaughter to see Maleficent at the Sunset Drive-in in Shelby, NC. It was so much fun! The management reminded their customers to help out their neighbors that might have a dead battery when they started their cars after the first feature. The snacks are inexpensive, too. As we were leaving, we saw one young couple out on a date complete with a bistro table, chairs and candelabra set up on the back of a pickup. How romantic!
IF you do go, make it a real road trip!
We live not far from the theater too.
A real road trip MUST include Roadside America! http://roadsideamericainc.com
LUNCH at a Yaccos! There are several ONLY near Allentown, PA- GO just to get a great take out bag but stay for the hotdog! It’s an area RETRO treat! That HotDog King is on the “doggy box” too!
http://www.yoccos.com
….but before it get’s dark – head on up to Pen Argyl PA to pay your respects to the marble heart-shaped tombstone of Jane Mansfield, leaving Pen Argyl make a dinner stop at Daisy Dairy Bar (as the locals know it) – http://www.daisyfamilyrestaurant.com straight from the 1970 but with tasty food too!
PA still has some great places – really want to go all out plan and spend some time (you will NEED it) in Adamstown, PA – if you are into a drive-in these other places make it complete!
OMG!!!! I used to go there a few times every Summer! Lived just up the road in Neffs PA.
Oh my goodness…the wonderful memories!! :0)
You’ve definitely hit a number of Retro Roadmap highlights of PA! And in Pen Argyl there’s also an awesome vintage carousel – and pasties from Mr. Pastie!
http://retroroadmap.com/spot/vintage-carousel-movie-stars-grave-pen-argyl-pa/
I’m from Pen Argyl!
I didn’t know how many would be interested.
If you go to the park, it’s only open on the weekends thru the fall.
Pasties are great! If you only have two meals I would do Daisy but Mr. Pastie does have them frozen – so bring the cooler-those vintage old one stay a lot cooler too! Check with the hours, not sue if they are open Sat anymore.
Route 9W, Albany, NY. & Route 9W, Ravena, N.Y. also have drive ins. Just a few miles apart.
We have 1 here in ATLANTA — Starlight Drive in. They play double features…New Releases. http://starlightdrivein.com/