Road Trip! This Way To The Drive-In!

Psssssssssst.

You. Yeah...you. I know when summer comes, people are always trying to think of something new to do with the family.

I have an old idea. But it is a treat. Remember drive-in movies? Even if you've never been to one, you've heard about them. Well guess what? They still exist. And two are in driving distance to our area. You don't have to drive all that way to sit in the car.  The true drive in fan brings blankets, or lawn chairs, a cooler with dinner in it, and a portable radio...the perfect set up for a blockbuster under the stars.  The kids usually chase fireflies while waiting for the first feautre to begin.

Yes, I said first. They do double features.

http://www.delseadrive-in.com/nowplaying.php

The Delsea Drive In is in Vineland.  Unlike Shankweilers, they have four multi-screens. Each screen offers two different movies at one price. They have a concession stand, and if you want to bring your own food, they charge a small fee. Did I mention the price? It's $8 dollars for adults, $3 dollars for kids ages three to 11, and free for small tots.

And yes, I did say a double feature. (The price at most matinees and more than that for a single film!) With so many great movies coming up, this seems like a great way to calm the movie monsters---without draining your wallet! And The Delsea Drive-In is also not far from Cape May and Wildwood---so if you are heading that way, consider a stop over!

My personal fave is Shankweillers, though. They have only one screen, and a concession stand that will blow your mind. They feature old fashioned movie food at old fashinoed movie prices. Each week they show two movies, with the first one being kid oriented. The second is usually an action flick.  

If you go to Shanwkweilers, my advice would be to go early. The best spots (though I am not sure there are bad ones) are taken by 7:30. Most movies start at sunset...so bring a backgammon board, and something to keep the kids busy. You can check them out at www.shankweilers.com/schedule.php. 

They also charge $8 for adults, $4 for kids up to 12, and free for children age two and under. Shankweilers is not far from Dorney Park, so if you were planning an trip there with an overnight, it could be worth it to add a night.

Shankweilers has no added fee if you bring your own food, and we've made a point of going there at least once each summer for the last few years. It's the oldest drive in still running, and is family run.

For those concerned about bugs, I've yet to get a single bite. Even the hottest day cools nicely over in Oreville, and we've never needed any bug spray for comfort.  I would suggest bringing light blankets, because by the end of the second feature, it can get cool. Very young kids will never make it through both movies, so make sure you bring along sleep stuff. Some kids watch the first feature in their pj's!

On the negative side, the restroom lines can get long between features...but otherwise, it's a great, old -fashioned-slice-of -Americana-experience. And you might note, I said bring a radio. Bring fresh batteries too. Not an Ipod, or a cell phone. You will need to dial to a pre-set radio station to get the sound track, as Shankweilers kicks it old school. If you use a car radio, you risk a dead battery...not the way to end a fun night!

So pack up the family, and grab two great movies, (who doesn't love a two-fer?) catch some star light, and maybe watch the moon rise while you breath in real night air -- not the canned kind. 

If anyone hits the Delsea Drive in, I'd love to hear about your experience!