Drive-in Movie Magic

The drive-in movie theater is one of most widely recognized symbols of American culture. It’s right up there with hamburgers, baseball and cowboys. From the very first show on June 6, 1933 in Camden, New Jersey, Americans were captivated by the idea of a cinematic experience under the stars in the comfort of their own car.

Throughout the hay day of the 1950’s through the 1970’s, people of all ages would go to be seen, to take the family for a night out or to kiss in the back seat. And although the introductions of VCRs and cable television in the1980’s and 90’s almost saw the complete obliteration of the drive-in, there’s resurgence in our new century that speaks to the nostalgia for more innocent times.

In the age of the Internet, the drive-in movie has a brand-new meaning that ties us to more innocent times, and it’s gaining in popularity. I can think of one reason for this: It still makes for an awesome date!

Snuggled up close in the comfort of your own car you can talk all you want and unwrap loud candy bar paper without recrimination, yet you still get the thrill of seeing a movie with an audience. The excitement of taking a ‘road trip’ out to the country or across town to the nearest outdoor screen makes the night special from the start, and the nostalgic Americana experience will take your ‘date night’ out of the ordinary and into the realm of the memorable.

Check out www.driveintheater.com to find an outdoor screen in your town and then plan your trip. You might want to think about borrowing a car that has bench seating in the front if yours has bucket seats, for better snuggling (or potential snuggling). Or, you can get into the back seat and slide down low to watch. It makes for a cozy environment either way where you have the best of both worlds – a night under the stars, yet privacy to smooch and talk.

The drive-in movie date is one of those special nights out that neither of you will forget quickly. The romantic nostalgia makes it feel like a brand new adventure.