2 Pennsylvania Drive-Ins Named the Best by USA Today
It’s wild to think how long drive-in movie theaters have been around. The drive-in actually dates back to the 1930s, so it’s been a beloved summertime activity for more than a century. Now, two Pennsylvania drive-ins have been named the best by the experts at USA Today.
Pennsylvania Drive-Ins Named the Best
USA Today recently published a feature on the best drive-ins in America. What’s cool is that they had their panel of travel experts put together a master list of some of the best drive-ins in the country, and then, they had real travelers around the U.S. vote for their favorites. In the article, they point out how rare drive-ins are today. “The rise of home entertainment led to the decline of the classic American drive-in, and there are currently fewer than 400 in operation,” they write. “Still, this great American pastime is undergoing a revival, with many drive-ins converting to digital projection and offering innovative concessions.”
Before we get to our state, let’s look at the No. 1 drive-in movie theater in the country. It’s Skyview Drive-In in Belleville, Illinois. In the article, they mention that Skyview Drive-In has been in operation since 1949. That’s some rich history. “The venue frequently hosts special events like film festivals, live music, and movie nights with Santa,” they add. “They also have a concession stand on site with hot food like cheeseburgers, fries, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn.” Sounds like a win-win to me.
So, which two Pennsylvania drive-ins were named the best by the experts at USA Today? Coming in at No. 6 on the tally is Evergreen Drive-In Theatre in Mount Pleasant, which opened back in 1947. “Their Snackbar is a crowd favorite with menu items like fresh-baked doughnuts, steak hoagies, and foot-long hot dogs.” Also, No. 5 on the roster is Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield. According to the researchers, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre is the oldest operating drive-in theater in the U.S. “The business originally opened in 1934 and operates all year round,” they write. “In addition to movies, there’s a snack bar on site with options like veggie dogs, popcorn, cheeseburgers, funnel cakes, and ice cream.” So, those are the Pennsylvania drive-ins getting honored. I think a drive-in theater is so much fun to visit in the summer, especially on a date, so I can’t wait to try some of the drive-ins named in this article. If you’re vacationing outside of your city, it can be fun to find a drive-in to check out, too.
Fun and Affordable Staycation Ideas
Netflix and Chill
Have a vacation in your living room or bedroom. Make it a movie-watching marathon. Watch a string of your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or binge-watch a brand new series. Either way, it’ll be cozy and comfy.
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Visit a Local or National Park
If you have a state or national park nearby, use your vacation time to go adventuring. Being at a local park can offer some breathtaking scenery, especially in the summer. Have a picnic out there, too. If you don’t have a state or national park close by, try a local park.
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Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Nearly every town has a local museum or art gallery. Perhaps you’ve never really had the time to visit your local museum or art spot. Use your vacation time to explore those local spots, and you might find a new favorite place.
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Stay at a Local Hotel, Airbnb or Bed-and-Breakfast
If you’ve driven by that new hotel for a while and wondered what it’s like inside, why not book it for a night? You don’t have to be traveling to say at a hotel, Airbnb or local bed-and-breakfast. It can make for an exciting adventure right in your backyard.
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Have a Party
Using vacation time to plan a big party for friends is a good use of that time. Instead of traveling around the world, bring to world to you. Invite lots of your good friends, and spend some of the cash you would have on a vacation for your party. It’ll be the party of the year. Make that decade.
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Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself. Maybe you think having a spa day is too much of a luxury, but if you’re saving money by not taking a big trip, why not use that money for a spa day? It’s not just for ladies, either. Guys can book a spa day for a variety of services. It’ll make for a day of bliss.
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