- Abingdon (Washington County) Virginia
Moonlite Drive-in: 276-628-7881
located at 17555 Lee Highway (Route 11)
The oldest continuously-operated Drive-in theatre
in the state of Virginia (open since 1948) is also
one of the classics that preserve the presence of
The Past .. from its retro neon signage, to being
one of the last Dr'ins to provide audio exclusively
with traditional pole speakers. The Moonlite shines
April thru October for up to 450 cars; screens current
double features. Admission: $5 (free under 11 years).
- Christiansburg (Montgomery County) Virginia
Starlite Drive-in: 540-382-2202
located on Roanoke Road (Route 11)
Solo screen which has remained lit since 1952 -
open seasonally, April thru September; screening
single features; audio remains traditional speakers.
Admission: $3 adults; $1.50 for children of ages 5-11.
ITEM:
among other traditions here-- like the continued
use of classic Dr'in car window speakers, the music for
Stardust is played at Sundown before the show begins.
- Fork Union (Fluvanna County) Virginia
Fork Union Drive-in: 434-842-3624
located on VA Rte.612 (off US15) 1mi s. of Route 15
Virginia's smallest Drive-in is a well maintained
rural classic which has a grass field that is still
sectored by traditional pole speakers for up to
180 cars. They are open seasonally, as they have
been since 1953; currently, 3 nites of the week, on
weekends only (Fri/Sat/Sun) April thru October. Audio
provided by both traditional car window speakers and
local AM radio broadcasting. Double-feature each nite.
Admission: $7 adults; $3 age 6-10; 5 & under free.
- Keysville (Charlotte County) Virginia
Keysville Drive-in:
CLOSED
located on Hwy 360 (2mi east of Hwy.15)
Lit-up since 1952, Keysville was open seasonally, until
this year, and in recent years on weekends only, April
thru Sept; screening single features (Fri/Sat/Sun). Audio
for movies' soundtrack being provided via FM radio, and
Admission being $8 per car - covering all the passengers.
The Drive-in has been sold to new owners, who opened
the Dr'in briefly at the beginning of season 2001, but
have since closed the Drive-in "for renovations .."
and we do not anticiptate a re-opening in 2002.
- Lexington (Rockbridge County) Virginia
Hull's Drive-in: 540-463-2621
located on Route 11, four miles north of town
(use exit 55 from I-64; use exit 195 from I-81)
The HULL story in a nutshell: after the death of it's
owner, Sebert Hull - after the Drive-in's 48th season,
it's continued existence was questionable. Meanwhile,
any & all doubts were put to rest by the singular efforts of
community members and preservationists - organizing as
The Hulls Angels to save the Drive-in. Having succeeded
in keeping the old screen lit, it now stands as a dramatic
inspiration to other communities and is America's first
"resurrected" not-for-profit community-owned Drive-in.
They screen double features on wknds only, April-Oct.
Admission: $4 per person (free Adm under age 12).
* BTW: the wonderful response from the community
in the resurrection of Sebert's picture show is very
reminiscent of an incident that occured in Texas.
- Marion (Smyth County) Virginia
Park Place Drive-in Theatre: 276-781-2222
located at 301 Park Boulevard
Although not technically the 'resurrection' of a Drive-in
which had previously gone dark, this was the location of
the Park Drive-in, which had faded to black almost three
decades ago, and is now the site of a brand new Drive-in
and a Restaurant which had opened here in May of 2000.
The outdoor picture show is a solo screen with a capacity
for up to 240 cars, open seasonally, May thru October; and
their "Big Screen Eatery" on premises is open year-round
(7 days 10am-10pm). It is also one of a handful of Drive-ins
where you will also find a mini-Golf course, which had been
quite typical among American Drive-ins during their heyday.
Admission: $4.50 (for ages 12&up); $2 (children, age 5-11).
Tuesday nites there is a bargain admission: $7 per carload.
ITEM:
Far too frequently it has been our regretful task to
have to report the destruction of another Drive-in, for the
sake of yet another WAL• MART .. whereas construction
of the new Park Place Drive-in, which has risen-up almost
in the shadow of an adjacent WAL• MART, is something of
a first, poetically justifiable trivia, and a rather good omen.
- Norton (Wise County) Virginia
Central Drive-in: 276-679-3761
located on Route 23 south
Pleasantly situated within the boundaries of the
Jefferson National Forest, this rural solo screen
has been lit since the 50's heyday of the Drive-in.
They're open seasonally, April - October, screening
double features. Audio provided by AM and FM radio.
Admission: $6.00 per person (kids free under age 11).
- Richmond (Richmond County) Virginia
Plaza Drive-in: DARK
located on Route 360 (Hull Street Road)
- Rural Retreat (White County) Virginia
Hiland Drive-in: 276-686-5661
located on Route 11 (½mile I-81 exit 60)
Development of the property and construction of the
Hiland was begun in 1950, with the Drive-in opening
officially in 1952, and the old screen has remained lit
every season since. The original screen was 50' wide
but has been widened over the years to the point that
it is now the largest outdoor movie screen in Virginia.
Their season runs from May 1st thru mid-September;
re-opening each year for Thanksgiving holiday wknd;
screening single features. Audio: traditional speakers.
Admission: $4 adults; $2 children 4-12; under age 4 free.
- Stephens City (Frederick County) Virginia
Family Drive-in: 540-665-6982
located on Route 11, one mile south of town
(convenient to Stephens City exit off I-81)
It's more than just a name at this old fashioned family-oriented
traditional drive-in which still maintains a playground up front
for the wee folk. Open since 1957, The Family is Virginia's only
'twin' Drive-in; it's two screens are lit-up April thru September:
Wknds only during spring and fall; 7 nites MemDay - LaborDay.
Admission: $6 per person; $2 for children aged 12 and under.
ITEM:
The Family Drive-in is the nearest operating Drive-in movie
theatre for the nation's Capitol district & Washington D.C. vicinity.
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