Drive-In Movie Nostalgia: Our Personal Tips If You Plan To Visit A Drive-In Movie Theater

If your idea of a drive-in is SONIC, then you need to read this.

It’s time to take a step back in time. My first drive-in movie was with my MOM (circa 1976) and we went to see the double-feature: “Ode To Billy Joe” and “Return To Macon County“. I was about 10. But I remember it like it was yesterday… (From that day forward, Robby Benson posters from Tiger Beat magazine lined the walls of my room!)

The only other time I went to a drive-in was in college when I saw the double-feature: “Soapdish” and “Beetlejuice“. That one was with a date… not a great date… not great movies.

Fast-forward to present day…

Jim and I went to a drive-in movie the other night. We had a blast, and we learned a few things about drive-in movie theaters at the same time!

Drive-In Movie Theaters: Making A Comeback

First, to give you an idea of the rise and fall of drive-in theaters through the years, consider the fact that Tennessee alone has gone from a high of 112 drive-ins (1958) to an all-time low of only 14 (1999).

Fortunately today, drive-ins are starting to make a comeback. There are approximately 17 drive-ins currently open in Tennessee, and every so often you hear of another one that someone decided to fix up and open back up again. (…we love ya man!)

I guess everything old IS new again… if you wait long enough!

As a tribute to what was good and now is gone… check out the MANY Tennessee Drive-Ins that are no longer with us! (…or search “open” or “closed” drive-ins in any state)

Here’s an entire list of Tennessee Drive-Ins.

Why Go To A Drive-In?

Truth is, drive-ins are known for being:

A low-cost form of entertainment for the whole family.
A nostalgic activity — like a blast from the past.

A great and unique idea for dates.
A way to enjoy the great outdoors.
The closest thing to being at home watching a movie.

Yet another fun thing to do in a convertible.
One of life’s simple pleasures you can still enjoy.

I think there are 2 main factors at play here, which will serve to increase the number of drive-in theaters across the country:

1. Everyone’s enjoying this whole “retro” style right now… from the clothes we’re wearing to the games we’re playing and the way we’re decorating our homes. Today, it’s “cool” to take a step back in time!

2. A less expensive option to the outrageously priced movie theaters… aside from the fact that movies in theaters are getting so darned EXPENSIVE, people are seeking enhanced movie-going experiences these days. Who can afford to take the entire family to a movie these days? Depending on where you live, movie theater ticket prices range from $8.00-$11.00 (per person), while drive-in theater ticket prices are only $5.00-$6.50… and that’s usually for a double-feature!

Drive-ins are America’s answer to “family entertainment on a budget”.

Great Things About Drive-Ins

In case you’re thinking that today’s drive-ins are only showing “old” or “out-dated” movies… consider the fact that MOST drive-ins are showing current releases; the two of us saw two movies (“The Wedding Crashers” and “Red Eye”) for only $12 total.

We also took in a Big & Nasty burger and fries (I mean Big & Tasty!) for our pre-show entertainment, some M&M’s for dessert (which also provided another source of entertainment), and we purchased some classic movie-theater buttered popcorn and soda at the concession stand. Mmmmmm… What a great date!

Here are some other great things about drive in movies:

Double Features: You (almost always) get a double-feature… that’s two movies for LESS than the price of one in a “regular” theater.
Bring Your Own Food: You get to bring in your own pre-popped popcorn, candies and drinks — or even a Big Mac if you like!

Kids Get In FREE: Kids (usually) get in FREE (check the drive in theater before arriving).
No Noise To Distract You: You don’t have to worry about crying babies or ringing cell phones (yours or someone else’s) because everyone’s in their own car and the speakers drone out any “extraneous sounds”.
No Drive In Speakers: You don’t have to put those awkward, clunky speakers on your window anymore… these days you simply tune your radio to a set station.

You Can Smoke: While I’m not in favor of smoking, those who smoke will appreciate the fact that you can puff till your heart’s content at the drive in theater.
You Have Your Own Space: You’re not squeezed into one room with a few hundred of your closest friends (as in a “regular” theater) with people talking through the whole movie.

A Review Of Our Experience At The Pink Cadillac Drive-In

Jim’s take: “You go to a drive-in for the atmosphere and the novelty of it. It’s a great date, but probably not the best way to see a movie you’ve had your heart set on seeing.”

… the small drive-in screens that have weathered years of abuse in the great outdoors don’t even come close to matching the quality of today’s multi-story projection screens found at “regular” movie theaters.

… for most of us, there’s no comparison between the standard car speakers found inside our vehicles and the dolby digital surround-sound found at traditional movie theaters.

My take: Drive-ins are a great piece of history that I, for one, would like to preserve. There’s nothing like a movie under the stars… especially in a convertible (like a Jeep). Truth is, the movie itself doesn’t even have to be that good. It’s the whole package that makes a drive-in worth going to.

One thing’s for sure, we’ll be visiting the drive-ins around here a couple times each summer. There’s just nothing like it…

Things To Take If You Go To A Drive-In…

Window cleaner — those disposable window cleaner wipes are great in times like these; whether you do it before you go or while you’re waiting for the movie to start, make sure you windows are clean!
Something to block the dashboard lights in your car — we found the bright lights which display the digital radio station to be annoying (until we covered it up with an old map). Others might find a red ignition light or some other dashboard light glowing all night.
Pillows — for added comfort, even blankets if it’s going to be chilly or you plan on sitting outside the car (many do).

Bug spray — mosquitoes can be a pain at certain times of the year.
Penlight or handheld flashlight — great for making your way to & from the bathroom or concession stand.
Wet Ones — I add this one for those who take kids, and for those who don’t enjoy “the great outdoors”. A drive-in is not the cleanest of environments… kinda like a bowling alley!

More About Enjoying The Nostalgia Of A Drive-In Movie

Lynnette Walczak( Publisher )

As a lifelong traveler, I like to help people find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Travel Hacks that most wouldn’t think of.

I’m SUPER organized and I love to pack! I’ve lived in 6 different states (Florida, Indiana, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas) and have visited every other state in the U.S. — except Hawaii. (Can you say bucket list?) I’ve been on several different cruises, airplanes, and boats in my life and I currently enjoy the outdoors by bicycling, motorcycling, Jeeping, RVing, camping, or just walking my dogs.

My favorite “hobby” is riding on the back of our Harley-Davidson Road Glide traveling cross country — which we usually do at least once each year. We even rode from Tennessee to Alaska once!

When I’m not on the road, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).