Virginia summer nights are idyllic, offering a canvas of clear skies and gentle breezes that are hard to resist. And what better way to celebrate the season than by reliving a classic pastime under the stars?
While the era of drive-ins may seem like a bygone memory, six iconic venues across the state are keeping the tradition alive.
Hull Drive-In Cinema
Location: 2367 North Lee Hwy. Lexington, VA 24450
Although the Hull drive-in is going strong today, it almost faced the same fate as many drive-ins across the country in the late 1990s. Fortunately, a group of Rockbridge-area citizens banded together to save the surrounding theater 1950. As a result, it has continued to offer moviegoers a good, old-fashioned drive-in experience.
The drive-in offers double features on Fridays and single features Sundays. Its season begins in April and ends in October. Movies begin approximately 20 to 30 minutes after sunset, and tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children for a double feature. The theater is pet-friendly, but dogs must be on a leash.
family drive-in
Location: 5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City, VA 22655
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Photo courtesy of Family Drive-In via Facebook.
The Family Drive-In Theater has been showing Stephens City residents the biggest box office hits of the last 65 years. Today, it is advertised as the only drive-in theater operating in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Be sure to check the website on Monday afternoons after the schedule for the upcoming weekend has been updated. Tickets are $7 for children and $12 for adults.
Conventional concessions such as popcorn, candy, soft drinks and ice cream are served, along with a hot menu including burgers, fries and pizza.
The theater doesn’t even care if you bring your pet, as long as it is well behaved and on a leash.
Goochland Drive-In
Location: 4344 Old Fredericksburg Rd. Hadensville, VA 23067
Photo courtesy of Goochland Drive-In.
Compared to most drive-ins in Virginia, the Goochland Drive-In Theater is fairly new, opening in 2009 with the goal of offering an affordable good time in a healthy environment. Although the theater has a retro feel, its projection systems are modern, allowing for sharp images on the large screens and clear sounds.
Showcasing a unique mix of the latest blockbusters, including double features on Fridays and Saturdays, along with “Retro Nights” showcasing beloved classics. Each week’s schedule is announced four to seven days in advance. Show time is 8:10 a.m. Admission is $26 per vehicle.
Be sure to visit the concessions area, which serves drive-in classics, including gluten-free and meat-free options. The ice cream stand serves soft serve ice cream and sundaes.
Starlite Drive-In
Location: 275 Starlite Dr. Christiansburg, VA 24073
Photo courtesy of Starlite Drive-in Virginia via Facebook.
The Starlite Drive-In celebrated its 70th season last year. It started its new season in mid-April. Double tickets are $6 for children ages 6 to 12 and $10 for adults. Screenings begin shortly after sunset.
Concessions served at the drive-in include hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, chips, candy, sodas and popcorn.
Feel free to bring your pet to this drive-in if it is on a leash.
Park Place Drive-In
Location: 301 park boulevard. Marion, VA 24354
Photo courtesy of Park Place Drive In Theater via Facebook.
The Park Place Drive-In Theater is currently in its second incarnation, having been resurrected in 2000. Its original run lasted from 1954 to 1983. Today, the theater season runs from April to October. Tickets are $3 for children ages 5-11 and $7 for adults.
Arrive a couple hours early for the movie to enjoy the fun activities the theater also offers, including an 18-hole mini golf course, a batting cage, and a game room with pool and air hockey tables. Those with a sweet tooth should also stop by the game room for ice cream, including more than 40 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream, banana splits, extreme sundaes and milkshakes.
central drive-in
Location: 5113 Kent Junction Rd. Norton, VA 24273
Since opening in 1952, the Central Drive-In has been where Norton residents have come to catch the latest summer movies. In fact, reports call it the oldest operating drive-in theater in Virginia.
Tickets are $4 for children ages 5-11 and $8 for adults. The price includes a double function.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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