By Jalyn Bolyard, Distribution Manager
Most people think about buttered popcorn, big chairs, and options when it comes to going to a movie theater. However, there’s also the crazily expensive ticket and concession stand prices.
My favorite movie theatre isn’t one with chairs or multiple screens – it’s a drive-in theatre with gravel parking and one big screen that shows two movies in one night.
Movie ticket prices can range from seven to ten dollars for a single showing at a theater. However, at my favorite drive-in, it’s only eight dollars for admission, which covers two movies.
Once the sun sets and you’re eating concession stand food and laughing with friends, it’s almost like a step back in time – minus the modern cars and movie playing. Whether taking a truck and piling it with blankets, relaxing in a car, or taking foldable chairs, there’s numerous ways to enjoy the drive-in and each has its own experience. It’s a perfect trip for friends and family.
Sadly, drive-in theaters are starting to really become “a thing of the past.”
According to Nerve, there were 338 drive-in theaters left in the United States as of June 2014. However, several of those listed are now closed, including three of the six listed for West Virginia.
Take a step back in time this summer at any one of these places – I promise it’ll be worth it.
West Virginia
Meadow Bridge Drive-In – Located in Meadow Bridge, this one-screen drive-in is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For directions and to see what movies is showing, check out their website in the link.
Sunset Ellis Drive-In Theater – Located at 2643 Horners Run Road in Shinnston, this one-screen drive-in shows two movies on the weekends, and it has a concession stand. Their Facebook page is updated with what’s currently showing.
Pipestem Drive-In Theatre – Located at 4572 Hinton Rd in Athens, this drive-in is open on weekends only. Their unofficial Facebook page is full of reviews and people posting of fun times!
Ohio
Lynn Auto Drive-In Theatre – Located at 9735 State Route 250 NW in Strasburg, this two-screen drive-in is only two-and-a-half miles northwest of I-77. This drive-in is the oldest in Ohio and second-oldest in the world. This summer marks the drive-in’s 80th season of operation! To keep updated on what’s showing, check out their Facebook page.
Skyview Drive-In – Located at 2420 E. Main St. in Lancaster, this drive-in has one screen that started showing two HD movies every night of the week beginning in June, instead of just on the weekends. Along with an awesome concession stand, this place is the place to be. Keep up to date on what movies are showing on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
Winter Drive-In – Located at 400 Luray Drive in Wintersville, this drive-in has four screens and char-grilled food to offer! They are open every night in the summer. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
Pennsylvania
Dependable Drive-In – Located at 500 Moon Clinton Rd in Coraopolis, this drive-in also has four screens along with a snack bar! Check what is showing on their Facebook page.
