Well, the July “dog days of summer” are here and as tempting as it may be to just sit inside in the AC, we like to get outside when the sun isn’t too unbearably hot, or we just wait until after sunset.
One of our favorite summertime outdoor sun-free activities that has quickly become a tradition is going to the Drive-In Theater and watching movies under the stars! We are fortunate enough to live less than an hour away from the Family Drive-In Theater in Stephens City, VA. This theater has been in operation for 61 years and is one of seven left in Virginia.
Only 338 drive-in theaters remain in operation in the US, down from 2,400 in 1980, so it’s definitely a fun experience with an added twist of American nostalgia thrown in.
At the Family Drive-In, admission is only $8 per person and that’s for a double feature (if you feel you can stay up until 2am). For audio, you can use the old-fashion speakers on a pole, or simply tune to a select FM station on your car’s radio. The snack bar serves all of the classic theater fare, plus favorites like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, ice creams and snow cones. Most people bring beach chairs and sit outside their car, or bring plenty of blankets for padding and lay in the back of their trucks or SUV’s with the rear gate opened up.
The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, like a park or outdoor concert event, and very family friendly.
We hope you find an opportunity to experience a Drive-In soon. Have a great summer and enjoy the show!
