by Britny Brooks, Staff Writer

Welcome to the Drive-In!

What could be better than hanging outside with your friends and family on a summer evening? Adding your favorite movie, of course! Nothing pairs better with cool breezes and graceful lightning bugs than the soft glow of a projector and golden popcorn butter on your fingers, and there is one place that specializes in this experience: the drive-in. 

Film lovers have been enjoying cinema in the great outdoors as early as 1910, but the first “official” drive-in was created out of love. Richard Hollingshead built a small outdoor movie theater for his mother and then, seeing how uncomfortable and difficult it was for others to enjoy a movie in the cramped theater and their equally small seats, he decided to create a larger version of his outdoor theater for the community. In 1933, his drive-in opened in Camden and was a place that welcomed everyone–especially families with children–to come see a film. 

Popularity of drive-ins swelled, sinking deep roots into rural areas where there was plenty of open acreage for the lot, and even spreading overseas as a unique film experience. However, it wasn’t until the ‘50s and ‘60s–nearly twenty years after Hollingshead’s drive-in opened–that drive-ins gained their true foothold in movie-going and popular culture. It was affordable and offered more freedom and convenience than a traditional theater, making it a great option for families and also couples on dates. 

Sadly, the drive-in’s greatest strength was also its greatest weakness. Being outdoors in a car meant that movies were hard to see if there was inclement weather and often couldn’t run during the winter months. Then, as the price of gas went up, it became less affordable as a regular movie going option, so drive-ins leaned into enticing an older late-night crowd by showing horror and slasher flicks and more adult content. 

While they might not have returned to the golden glory of their past, drive-ins recently experienced a boom in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where their outdoor setting made it easier for movie lovers to see new and beloved films in a safe way. Even now that COVID restrictions have been lifted and theaters are open, drive-ins are still seeing audiences flock to their screens because of the unique and very special movie experience. Looks like a new generation of movie goers are falling in love with the drive-in once again. 

Shout Out to Local Drive-Ins

In case you are itching to head out and see a movie under the stars, here is a short list of the drive-in theaters located near Philadelphia, PA. We ordered them by distance, starting with the closest and working our way out.

Delsea Drive-In

2203 Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ
Website

The only drive-in theater in New Jersey, the Delsea has two screens–each showing a double-feature–and a fantastic concession stand. The drive-in opened in 1949, then closed in the 80s, before being reopened in 2004. Our trick? Buy yourself dinner for the first movie and then make sure you load up on all your favorite movie snacks for the second! 

Shankweiler’s Drive-In
4540 Shankweiler Rd., Orefield
Website

America’s second oldest drive-in, Shankweiler’s opened in 1934 and hasn’t stopped showing movies on their silver screen since. With a great double-feature tastes and a classic snackbar menu, this is a great option for your next movie night. 

Becky’s Drive-In
4548 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport
Website

Founded in 1946, this award-winning drive-in (it was crowned the 5th best drive-in in America by USA Today) features two screens showing double-features and a great snack bar menu. What makes Becky’s stand out is the “Becky’s Poll” on their site where you can vote for the movies you’d like most to see and you can bring your pets as long as they are leashed. 

The Mahoning Drive-In
635 Seneca Rd., Lehighton
Website

A true jewel in the drive-in theater crown, Mahoning opened in 1949 and has the largest CinemaScope screen in PA (it measures 109 feet) and is known for showcasing classics on 35mm film. If you’re looking for an experience then this is the place for you–buy an overnight pass and stay the night to enjoy their weekend long festivals and marathons. Cosplay encouraged! 

Creating the Perfect Backyard Theater

Want to capture a little of the drive-in magic at home? Here are some easy tricks to help spruce up your backyard or chosen outdoor space for the perfect movie viewing experience: 

• Create cozy seating. You want to be comfortable when you are watching your movie, so blankets and pillows are a must. Get creative! Layer blankets and pillows in an inflatable kiddy pool to make a cool outdoor sofa or deck out your lawn chairs with a comforter and pillows to give some needed plush. 

• Have good lighting. If you want some more snacks or have to run to the bathroom in the middle of the movie, you need to be able to see. That said, you don’t want to have the lights so bright that it hinders your ability to see your movie. (Or attract too many moths!) Try soft twinkle or string lights around a snack area or to light the path to the bathroom or use some citronella candles if you are worried about bugs.

• Don’t forget the snacks. Everyone loves snacks with a movie. For an added touch, rent a small popcorn machine so people can go help themselves to fresh popcorn or create a small snack bar with different candies, chips, or other goodies. If you want to take it to the next level, do a themed potluck with your friends and enjoy dishes and snacks based on the chosen movie(s).

Double Feature Movies

There is a special kind of magic to a double-feature that everyone should experience at least once in their life. There is no wrong way to create a double-feature but if you aren’t sure where to start then think about maybe selecting movies based on a theme or because they have the same actors or because you think they compliment (or foil) each other. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: 

For the Young and Young at Heart

The Lion King (dirs. Roger Allens, Rob MinKoff,1994) / Ferngully: The Last Rainforest (dir. Bill Kroyer, 1992)

For the True Crime Nerd

Memories of Murder (dir. Bong Joon-Ho, 2003) / Zodiac (dir. David Fincher, 2007)

For the Monster Lovers

Wolf of Snow Hallow (dir. Jim Cummings, 2020) / Werewolves Within (dir. Josh Ruben, 2021)

Order in the Court

Legally Blonde (dir. Robert Luketic, 2001) / My Cousin Vinny (Jonathan Lynn, 1992)

Love is in the Air

Love & Basketball (dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood, 2000) / She’s the Man (Andy Flickman, 2006)