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Better Than Netflix: 5 Drive-In Movie Theaters Near NYC
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Gothamist Getaways
Published Jun 17, 2014
Modified Jun 17, 2014
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Gothamist Getaways
Published Jun 17, 2014
Modified Jun 17, 2014
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It's our second edition of Gothamist's travel content, Gothamist Getaways. Four times a year, we'll have a week of posts featuring looks at travel, food, products and tips—near and far—for making your trips more enjoyable. So sit back, dream of your next journey and let us know if you have any hints for us—email [email protected].
You can shell out twenty bucks buying movie tickets through Fandango to sit in the ubiquitous air-conditioned multiplex. Or maybe you want a more unique old school NYC movie-going experience and head to The Paris or Ziegfeld. However if you want a seriously retro night at the movies, find a friend with car, and take a road trip to one of these drive-in movie theaters that are less than a two hours drive from NYC.
Warwick Drive-in (Meghan L/Foursquare)
Yes, you have to pay for gas & tolls, but all of these theaters offer double features for $10 or less. If you run the numbers, it might be cheaper than seeing a film in the city. Even if it isn’t, the experience is priceless. A friendly warning- pack some bug spray, mosquitos feast on moviegoers.
WARWICK DRIVE-IN
From Midtown: An hour and ten minutes
With three screens, you have a few features to choose from at this Orange County drive-in. For ten bucks, you can see a double feature, and head back to the city after the flicks. Don’t forget to save room for food at the snack bar, where you can fill up on hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn. Before the film, spend the day strolling through the charming village of Warwick or visit the Warwick Winery.
Overlook Drive-In (Brian F/Foursquare)
From Midtown: Ninety Minutes
Head to Poughkeepsie to the Overlook Drive in. This single screen theater charges nine dollars for a double feature. Before the film, take a walk over the scenic Walkway Over the Hudson, which is a ten-minute drive from the theater.
From Midtown: One hour and forty minutes
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine, stop by the neighboring Hyde Park Roller Magic before taking in a nine dollar double feature at this single screen drive-in. Located on a stretch of road that houses the Culinary Institute of America, the FDR Mansion and other historic spots (not to mention a ten minute drive to Rhinebeck), you can certainly fill a weekend with a visit to this drive-in.
Shankweiler's (Julie/Foursquare)
From Midtown: One hour and forty minutes
It’s nine bucks for a double feature at America’s oldest drive in. Located in Lehigh Valley, just ten minutes from Dorney Park. Spend the day riding the roller coasters and the evening watching a summer blockbuster at this historic theater.
From Midtown: One hour and forty-five minutes
Located in Lehigh Valley, you have two flicks to choose from for the nine-dollar double feature at Becky’s Drive-In. Indulge on funnel cakes and caramel corn from the theater’s food trailer or head for more standard drive-in fare at the snack bar. If you are low on cash, try your luck at the Sands Casino just a half hour from the drive-in.
Alison Lowenstein, Gothamist Getaways editor, is the author of NYC guidebooks, and travel articles for National Geographic Traveler, Newsday, NY Daily News, Travelandleisure.com, etc. When she isn’t planning trips, she enjoys jogging around the streets of NYC. Despite her athletic pursuits, her favorite food is the donut. You can find her on Twitter at @cityweekendsnyc.
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