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Drive-ins are worth the Drive
Two drive-ins are within a short drive of Trenton
To
most people the demise of the drive-in movie theater has slipped up on them.
People of a certain age have fond memories of family excursions or of teenage
romps in the backseat. It's unfortunate that New Jersey doesn't have any drive-ins
left but Pennsylvania has two that are close for Central New Jersey residents.
Both are just north of Allentown and a bit of a hike, but worth the trip.
Shankweilers and Becky's are wonderful family places where folks take a picnic
and watch the movie from lawn chairs in front of the car. Shankweilers still
has the window speakers but for both theaters you'll use car's FM radio. Take
the extra radio and don't sit in the car. Both theaters have concessions with
burgers, fries, popcorn etc. Most people bring picnics and coolers but don't
bring a grill or alcohol. Labor Day is the last weekend both Shankweiler's and
Becky's are open so plan accordingly.
Shankweilers
(http://www.shankweilers.com - Appears
not to be working) is in Orefield, PA. Shankweilers sports a bit of
history by being the oldest drive-in in America. Admission is $5.50. From Trenton
you should allow 1 1/2 hours to get there. Go to the web site for directions
but you'll be taking US 1 S, to I76 to I476 N to US 22 East and Rt. 309 North
to Shankweiler Rd. Phone: (610) 481-0800.
Becky's
Drive-in ( http://www.beckysdi.com) is
in Walnutport, PA. Becky's has a big open field and playground for kids. Admission
is $6. From Trenton allow about 2 hours as the trek is a bit further. Take US
1 S to I76 W to I476 N to US 22 East to Rt. 145 N (about 8.5 mi.) to right on
Blue Mountain Dr. to left on Leheigh Dr. (about 1.5 mi) and Becky's is on the
right. The web site has directions from Yahoo! but you'll want to use mine instead
as Yahoo! adds a couple of extra streets. Phone: (610) 767-2249.
There are some great Drive-in websites that seek to preserve the industry's history and sustain the drive-in way of life, mostly a small town America phenomena now. The best is http://www.drive-ins.com which has a locator that lets you find the nearest drive-in, which is how we found Becky's. Michelle joined Drive-ins.com and got a membership card which got us a 1/2 price admission at Becky's.
Copyright 2002, Dan Dodson
