Ahhhh Drive-In’s… what says summer better than a night out, under the stars, watching a movie on the big screen? Really? Not much else does. I don’t know why drive-ins are a dying breed because I can’t think of a much better way to watch a movie in the summertime!
I remember my first drive-in movie experience. I don’t remember anything about the movies, except that the double feature was The Neverending Story and The Dark Crystal. I do remember tossing a ball and frisbee around with my sister, eating tons of food my mom had brought from home, and being told to squash down in the back seat when we paid so I looked younger.Fun times, fun times.
Boulevard Drive-In, in Kansas City, KS, is a gem of a place nestled between a rail road track and the interstate highway. It is a clean, well maintained drive-in and as we found out last night, a great place to give the kids a unique, old-fashioned movie experience.
We quickly discovered on our first trip to the drive-in as a family that there is an art to the whole drive-in experience. First of all, at least for Boulevard Drive-In, bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards. (Being debit card carrying people, we had to borrow cash from my friend Candace, whom we were meeting there…and for extra snacks, I dug through every last little crevice in our minivan to find just enough to buy everyone a Blow Pop and another small treat).
Arriving early to the drive-in is a must. Even though the movie started after it turned dark (around 9:20pm), the fun starts way before hand. Tossing a football around, playing on the playground equipment, getting your space situated, people watching, listening to the 50’s tunes and retro jingles about concessions on the speaker… all of that is essential to a fun and entertaining time at the drive-in!
Some people are pretty serious about seating. We decided to go the easiest route and use blankets, the back of our minivan and lawn chairs. Some people like to be high in the sky and sit on top of their vehicles. Others, whom I am guessing are more experienced at the whole drive-in movie thing, convert the backs of their trucks into what has to be the most comfortable movie watching set up ever… a Queen Size bed.
Boulevard lets you bring in your own food, but no grilling. We enjoyed pizza and beverages (while those around us were smart enough to bring a margarita or two… I wasn’t thinking!)
If you get the chance this summer and there is a drive-in near you, I would like to encourage you to take the family out for a unique night of fun. Support the drive-ins around you so that they will be around for many years to come!
This recipe for Kettle Corn is right on… just like what you get at the fair, but without needing a kettle to make it! I made this to take to the Boulevard Drive-In for the movie, but it was devoured by my kids before we could even get out the door!
Sweet and Salty Kettle Corn (adapted from Rachael Ray)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. add the popcorn. When the oils sizzles, sprinkle the sugar over the kernels. Cover and shake the pan until the popping slows down, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and toss with melted butter then the salt.
great post, we were extremly happy to find a local drive in here in Weslaco, Texas. They also allow food so I think the best part is the preparing to fo..blankets, drinks and a picini…we set up in the back of our suv and wow it has been a blast…
sweetlife
My husband and I just went to see How to Train Your Dragon at a Drive in. :0) They are so much fun!
Hey, Sweetlife, is that the Wesmer drive-in you are talking about? I’m Kristen’s Mom in Mission. Kris, thanks for the memories…I used to fix Cheeseburgers and wrap them in foil so they would stay hot. Do you remember that?
Great post! We don’t have a drive-in around here any more, but we had three when I was growing up and we certainly went to all of them and a lot! Fun times for sure.
I wonder … why do they always seem to be located by the railroad tracks? All of ours were.
I’ve only been to one drive in…it was a few years ago when my friend and I went on vacation to Cape Cod right after I took my MCATs. It was SO much fun! Setting up chairs outside the car, eating fun foods, getting ice cream from the little shack they had set up.
I love kettle corn, this would have been the perfect accompaniment!
What a great idea! I haven’t been to a drive in for years and I have never taken my kids. I will check them out, thanks!!
I am so surprised. I have been reading your blog for just short awhile now and did not realize you are from the Kansas City area. We are celebrating out daughter’s 30th birthday today at the Grinter Place in Kansas City , Kansas. They have a lovely shelter there. Thank you for all of your great stories and recipes.
I love this, I wish we had a drive in here, this looks like so much fun, and the popcorn looks divine!
I can’t believe how simple it is!
Carmen
I’m jealous – I’ve never been to a drive-in movie. Worse, I’ve only ever even *seen* a drive-in theater once! As someone who loves movies and Americana, I feel like this is a gaping hole in my repertoire. 🙂 At least I am very well versed in kettle corn!
Those were the days…I remember the drive-in movies and how much fun we had. I cannot think of any where I live now. It’s too bad that there aren’t many of them around anymore.
We haven’t been to the drive-in since our kids were babies and we lived in NC. I’m not sure if there’s one close by, but that sure would be fun!
It’s been years since I’ve been to a drive-in. Thanks for the fun reminder. The popcorn sounds yummy!
I love kettle corn! I would LOVE to try making it on my own!
what a fun post! looks fantastic.
We are totally on the same wavelength! There’s a drive-in between Liberty & Independence we’ve talked about going to (& never have—but it looks nice!) and we discovered a 2nd this weekend that was running Toy Story 3 (thunderstorm rained it out), but definitely on our to-do list!
I know I’m dating myself here, but the first & last drive-in theater I ever went to was in my hometown. I can remember seeing “The Blob.” Ever heard of that? On the big screen, it just scared me to death!
Ha Ha, what a great post. I’m actually old enough to remember drive-ins…. And it reminds me of the joke of the dumb couple who went to the drive-in movie to see…. “Closed For The Season”
I miss going to the drive-in! We don’t have any here in NJ, but I did manage to take my husband to one in the K.C. area before we were married (and moved away). So much fun, there’s just something so cool about sitting outside and watching a movie on the big screen. Such fun memories!
Drive ins … summer … the life!
Summer Solstice is today, but here’s an astronomical factoid if you need another reason to celebrate the warmer weather. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year, and also marks the point where Earth is furthest from the sun. But, because of inertia, July 4-5 are typically the “slowest” days of the year: the days in which Earth’s orbital speed is the slowest. That’s why everyone is so laid back in the summer!
I love all the fun photos! I don’t know if we have a drive thru here. I will have to look into it. My kids would have a blast!
I have such happy memories about going to the drive-in when I was a child – in fact am working on a post for that right now – must be the time of year? Love reading your blog and the trips down memory lane. The recipes are terrific too!
I’ve never been to a drive-in and that makes me so sad! It’s tough to find them here in the Boston-area, but I think I need to make it my goal to find one very soon! AND to bring that kettle corn along because it looks and sounds amazing 🙂
Oh how I miss drive-in movies, your popcorn would seal the deal if I had one nearby. The Never Ending Story was one of my favorite movies 🙂 Atreyu was a cutie.
No drive-ins around here. 🙁
When I lived in Michigan, there were a few. I think you have to live somewhat in the country to find one. But I remember them well. Such a lovely post because it made me think of all the fun we used to have!
I haven’t been to a Drive-In in ages! I’m not sure there are any in this area, and there used to be a lot. It’s too bad they’re disappearing, I used to love going to the Drive-In as a kid. I won’t need to find a Drive-In to make that popcorn though, I’m trying it this week to celebrate the end of the school year!
That is hilarious. A bed in the bed of a pickup. Crack me up!
THis popcorn sounds so good.