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Winter 2009 , Featured Articles, Columns
Tri-State Drive Ins
A summary of that rare automotive find: the drive-in!
Drive- In movie theaters were a magical experience for me growing up in New Jersey. One of the coolest things about Jersey that nobody ever remembers is that the drive- in movie theater was born in the Garden State on June 6, 1933 in then lovely Camden. Over the next few decades NJ hosted dozens of Drive In movie theaters, and the concept swept the nation. Sadly, today, there is only one drive- in movie theater left in all of New Jersey and precious few in the tri state area itself.
On another somber note, Camden, NJ has gone on to be commonly known as the murder capital of the country, but that's neither here nor there. For those of you have a hankerin' to watch movies under the stars in your car with your loved ones, rejoice, for there is still hope. Here is a listing and brief low down on drive in movies in the tri state area.
New Jersey
Delsea Drive- In Theater
2203 South Delsea Drive
Vineland, NJ
856-696-0011
This is New Jersey's last surviving drive- in. Luckily, it's located in Vineland, conveniently snuggled smack dab between Atlantic City and Wilmington, Delaware. They've got two really well kept screens and at $8 for an adult double feature it's the best value in all of south Jersey. On a side note: the last time I was there, I ordered the pierogies and they were surprisingly awesome.
Connecticut
Mansfield Drive- In Theater
Junction of Rtes 31 & 32
Mansfield, CT
860-423-4441
Not only is this the largest indoor/ outdoor flea market in all of Eastern Connecticut, it also boasts three separate screens showing double features. $9 for adults, $5 for kids and tots under three get in for free. Wednesdays are carload night. Jam as many people into your clown car as possible and pay just $18 for the whole load of you. They've also got a pretty cool playground for the wee ones.
Pleasant Valley Drive In
County Route 181, off State Rte 44
Pleasant Valley, NJ
860-379-6102
It only boasts one screen showing a double feature, but this lil' beauty of a drive in captures perfectly the old-timey fun of the whole movies under the stars experience. $8 for adults, $5 for kids, those under 5 years old watch for free. To give you an idea of its quaintness, this field will hold about 250 cars. Compare that with the Mansfield Drive- In which can accommodate up to 1000 vehicles.
New York
Overlook Drive- In
Degarmo & Overlook Road
Poughkeepsie, NY
845-452-3445
At about an hour and a half ride, this is the closest drive in to New York City. It's only got one screen but it is a ginormous at one hundred feet wide. A double feature will set you back only $7 for an adult and $5 for a child. Mondays are Bargain Night where everybody gets $2 taken off their admission. Not a bad way to while away a late summer evening.
Malta Drive- In
2785 Rt 9
Malta, NY 12020
518-587-6077
Located just north of Albany, this is one of the only drive- ins I've ever been to that is not directly in the middle of nowhere. Also, unlike most drive- ins, this one allows you to bring pets (as long as you keep them out of the snack bar). My favorite part about this two screen theater is that they don't show double features. They show TRIPLE FEATURES!!! That's six hours of cinematastic awesomeness at $8 for adults and $3 for kids. Last summer my girlfriend and I spent the weekend in Malta just to enjoy the show two nights in a row.
Hollywood Drive- In
9270 Averill Park Rd.
Averill Park, NY 12018
518-283-4425
Twenty minutes east of Albany this little one screener hasn't changed much since it opened over 55 years ago. Like the Malta, these guys rock out with triple features. They only charge $8 for adults and $4 for the kids. One cool thing is that the snack bar randomly puts free passes and free food vouchers in the popcorn, just for giggles. This is a great, really friendly theater and like almost all drive- ins it's a family business and a labor of love.
The Ozoner 29 Twin Drive- In Movie Theater
837 State Highway 29
Broadalbin, NY
This two screen behemoth opened up in 2003 outside of Schenectady, NY. It was built and is run by the Wemple family, who started out with nothing but an empty field and a dream. They serve up triple features, sport a two story snack bar, and have built a pavilion where they host sock hops and Elvis nights. It's $7 for the big people, $3 for the knee biters. Definitely a must see.
West Rome Drive- In
Rome Tagerg Road
Rome, NY
315-336-9440
If you ever find yourself anywhere near Utica, NY you will be in for a treat. This is one of two drive- ins in the area. I saw Batman: The Dark Knight and Step Brothers in a double feature there this summer and was blown away by the sound and picture quality. At $7 a head you can't beat it.
Elmira Drive- In
State Route 352
Elmira, NY
607-734-8599
One of two sweet double screen theaters within pretty close proximity, the Elmira and West Rome Drive-Ins are both owned and operated by the Zurich family. They've been in the drive in business since the 60's. They own 9 different drive- ins and are constantly adding improvements and upgrades to their locations. This place is clean, friendly and a simple joy to experience.
Silver Lake Drive- In Theater
7037 Chapman Avenue
Perry, NY
585-237-3040
This two screen wonder, about an hour south of Rochester, is no mere drive- in. It is an entertainment wonderland built on a cow pasture. Run by the Stefanon family, this funtastic complex has grown to include the Charcoal Corral Restaurant, a pizza place, an ice cream parlor, an arcade and a truly breath taking mini golf course. To me, this is the KingDaddy of all drive- ins. I look forward to having my 35th birthday party there. The only problem is it's a seven hour drive from where I live.
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