​Fuel Wheels and Drive-In Theaters

On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in theater in the United States opened. On that day, people of Camden, NJ paid 25 cents per car in addition to 25 cents per person to watch a movie under the night sky.

The concept of watching movies outside wasn't novel, people had been watching silent films on screens set up at beaches and other places for years, the difference was drive-ins were places that welcome automobiles. In fact, it was a genius move giving our car-loving society yet another activity they could do.

By the 1950s, drive-ins really began to take off and by 1958, the number of drive-ins in the United States peaked to just over 4,000. Drive-ins offered entertainment for the entire family, people could bring their babies, they could smoke, drive ins offered much more flexibility than traditional indoor theaters.

But as is true with most great things, they cannot last forever. Since their peak in the 1950s, drive-in theaters have suffered a decline in popularity and physical locations. Today, only about 400 drive-in theaters exist. And that is a shame because they are a really cool place to hang out.

Drive-in theaters offer more than just movies; they are a place to meet up with friends, eat iconic snacks and show off your new Fuel wheels. In fact, there are several reasons you should take the family to a drive-in theater this summer. If you can find one.

A Sense of Nostalgia

Drive-in theaters have been providing entertainment for a long time, long before you were even born. The older generation remembers going out to the drive-in to see a flick or two and hold very fond memories of their time there.

Enjoy the Fresh Air

There is a better alternative to being confined in a traditional movie theater when the weather is splendid. Drive-in theaters give you the chance to sit in the coolness of the summer evening while watching a good movie.

Watching a movie outside gives you the space you need to sprawl out in comfort and not feel so claustrophobic.

Sneaking in Snacks is So Easy

Sneaking snacks into a traditional movie theater is a huge risk, especially in the summer. After all, it does look rather suspicious if you are wearing a parka to the theater when the temperatures are in the 90s. But people will do almost anything to avoid having to pay 25 bucks for a small popcorn, Junior Mints and a drink.

But at a drive-in theater, sneaking snacks in is a piece of cake. Actually, you would have no problem sneaking in an entire wedding cake. If cake isn't your cup of tea, no problem, stock the truck of your car with bagged popcorn, a six-pack of Dr. Pepper and a case of Milk Duds.

Some families go all out and pack entire meals in picnic baskets, ensuring nobody on the family goes hungry. We would bring fried chicken, dinner rolls and potato salad.

Double Features

When you go to a drive-in theater, you get two movies for the price of one. If the first movie isn't as good as expected, take a nap and wake up in time to watch the second.

Privacy

When you go to a traditional indoor movie theater, you are expected to sit there quietly and watch the movie. There will be no fidgeting, no cell phone usage and certainly no talking.

But at the drive-in, you are in your car or truck and free to have a conversation with the person next to you, free to text whenever you want and free to get out of your car and stretch your legs without disapproving looks from others.

Going to the drive-in also means you avoid any, um, embarrassing moments because you’re secluded. You get to enjoy the movie in your own little world.

Sense of Community

When you do to the drive-in, it is a great opportunity to bring along family and friends. Most drive-in theaters have playgrounds that keep children occupied while the adults chat before settling in their vehicles for two entertaining movies.

Make some memories that will last forever by taking the family to a drive-in theater this summer.