I love watching and going to the movies as many of you know. I go nearly every weekend and have been to the fancy theaters and run down ones. This weekend, at age 36, I finally got to experience the drive-in.
Basically, it is everything it is cracked up to be and more. Hard to beat $10-15/carload, seeing at least two movies, being able to bring your own food and all. I felt like a kid that night.
The drive-in was once the ultimate way to see a movie once silent movies fell by the wayside. They originated in 1933 in New Jersey and became a national phenomenon. Everyone loved meeting under the big screen and stars on the weekend.
Present day, the drive-in has taken a hit. Although ticket sales are still high and the parking lots are typically full, there are only 357 drive-ins nationwide still open. They mostly depend on concessions and tickets to make ends meet. Between showing the movies, electricity and the staff, it can be a challenge for this type of venue to stay open.
There are currently only nine in the Carolinas. Three notable ones are: The Bessemer City Drive In (where I went), Sunset Drive In in Shelby, NC, and the Big Mo in Monetta, SC. Many of these places are in secluded areas, but are fun for the entire family. The theater may be losing money, but the savings are passed on to the consumer.
That being said, I would hate to see the drive in completely fade away. It gives one a sense of nostalgia and showing you don't need frills and 3-D effects to enjoy a movie on the big screen.
Do you go to the drive-in some? What do you enjoy most about going?
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