Everyone has that image in their head of the classic drive-in movie theater. The picture of the giant empty field or lot crammed with hundreds of cars has been a classic fixture of American entertainment for decades. Sadly, recent years have seen the collapse of the drive-in phenomenon and the subsequent closing of most of the drive-in theaters in the U.S. Even though many of these iconic theaters have gone the way of the dinosaur, it's fun to take a few minutes to pay homage to these classic avatars of Americana, and maybe even learn something about their history.<\/p>\n
Did You Know?<\/strong> Equally impressive was the All-Weather Drive-In located in Copiague, N.Y. This 28-acre behemoth boasted full-service eateries, a playground for children, and parking spaces for up to 2,500 cars.<\/p>\n Join The Fun!<\/strong> The Warwick Drive-In is located in Warwick, N.Y., six miles east of Vernon, N.J. Like most drive-ins, it offers double feature movies. Unlike most drive-ins, it's pet-friendly, so you're encouraged to bring along your four-legged friend. If you're looking for a bit of history, you'll want to check out Shankweiler's Drive-In in Orefield, Pa. Operating consistently since 1934, it is the oldest drive-in theater in the country that is still running.<\/p>\n If you're willing to take a bit of a road trip, you can head on down to Baltimore to the Bengies Drive-In. With a screen that is 6,240 square feet, it's the largest screen in the U.S., drive-in or not. Opened in 1956, it may not be the most historic of drive-in destinations, but it offers cheap double features and an assortment of both modern and classic drive-in food.<\/p>\n
\nDid you know that New Jersey was the home of the very first drive-in theater? Developed by auto sales manager Richard Hollingshead, opened his first theater on June 6, 1933 in Camden, N.J. Originally billed as a "park-in" theater (which, when you think about it, makes much more sense), admission was sold at the rate of 25 cents per car and 25 cents per person. <\/p>\n
\nAlthough the number of drive-ins still operating in the U.S. today is rapidly diminishing, Salon reported that there are still a few hidden gems out there just waiting for savvy and nostalgic car-bound movie-goers to pull up in a parking spot – man of them close by in New York or New Jersey. <\/p>\n