Readers Choice: 7 Retro Drive-In Theaters

You spoke, we listened. AOL Travel's post on the nation's coolest retro drive-in theaters got so many comments from readers that we're doing it once more...with your picks. Loyal (and opinionated) readers from across the country wrote in what they think we missed--from spots in places from Massachusetts to California. So here goes: Seven more delightfully old-school drive-in theaters worth a visit, as suggested by you.





Mendon Drive-In, Mendon, Massachusetts
The Mendon Drive-In has been open since 1954, with its current owners running the show since 1987. Originally only a one screen theater, the Mendon gained a second in 1998 and its capacity was increased to 800. Open rain or shine, movies are screened Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
35 Milford St., Mendon, MA; 508-473-4958

Van Buren Drive-In, Riverside, California
Built on the site of a former orange farm, the Van Buren Drive-In opened in 1964. Over the years, it saw a few changes: Three screens added in 1975, remodeling in 2006 and even a new image in 2007 (to reflect the area's history, it adopted an "old California orange ranch" theme). Movies are shown Wednesday through Sunday nights. And, on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, the Van Buren is the site of a swap meet.
3505 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA; 951-688-2360

Dixie Twin Drive-In, Dayton, Ohio
The 1950s are still alive at Ohio's Dixie Twin theater, open seasonally. First-run movies are shown Friday and Saturday nights on two large screens, and the lot can accommodate up to 900 cars. The theater is also open on Sunday mornings when it transforms into a flea market.
6201 N Dixie Dr, Dayton, OH; 937-890-5513

Capri Drive-In, Coldwater, Michigan
The single screen Capri Drive-In, with a 1,000 car capacity, opened in 1964. Its name was chosen through a contest, the winner of which got a brand new sewing machine. (My how incentives have changed.) Now with two screens, the theater shows movies on Friday and Saturday nights. According to the Capri, its concession stand often rates as one of the best in operation. But that's a discussion for the comments section below.
119 W Chicago Rd., Coldwater, MI; 517-278-5628

Starlite Drive-In, Amelia, Ohio
The Starlite Drive-In has been entertaining southwest Ohio moviegoers for more than 60 years. Keeping it really old school, the Starlite features only one screen and shows classic drive-in cartoons during intermission. Movies are shown Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
2255 State Route Ohio-125, Amelia, OH; 513-734-400

Tiger Drive-In, Tiger, Georgia
Originally opened in 1954, the Tiger Drive-In shut down in the mid 1980s due to waning viewership. But, luckily for the Tiger and sentimentalists in Georgia, the original owners' daughter reopened the theater in 2004 – in time for its golden anniversary. Now, movies are shown Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Tiger has also played host to events like flea markets, vegetable markets, antique car shows and art festivals.
2956 Old US Highway 441 South, Tiger, GA; 706-782-1611

Sunset Drive-In, Burlington, Vermont
One of the oldest theaters on the list, the Sunset Drive-In opened in 1948. Movies are shown nightly on four screens. The Sunset also features a playground and mini golf for those who just can't be cooped up in the car. Or, for those who can, Wi-Fi is also available.
Porters Point Road, Colchester, VT; 802-862-1800


Check out our original list: "Bro, Go Retro at These 7 Drive-In Theaters"