One casualty of the COVID-19 virus, has been the pleasure of going to the movies. Yes, I have watched many movies over these past few months on Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Prime, but the experience is not the same as going to the movie theater. I love buying a bucket of popcorn and sitting in a cold theater during hot summer months to watch the latest movie release.
One way to still go to the movies is to visit a Drive-In Movie Theater. This "old-fashioned" idea is perfect in our new age of social distancing. While no new movies are currently being released, it is also fun to watch a classic film on the big screen or catch up on a movie released a few months ago.
Here are a couple of ideas of places to try. Make sure and check their websites in advance for rules/restrictions. Some require advance registration.
Overlook Drive-In Theatre - 125 Degarmo Road, Poughkeepsie, NY. About an hour from our area, the Overlook Drive-in has the largest screen in the tri-state area. This weekend, they are showing The Goonies and National Lampoon's Vacation. In July look for classics like ET and Jurassic Park. Snacks are available for purchase. Masks must be worn when outside of your car. The owners of this theater also own the Hyde Park Drive-In Theatre which is further up north in Hyde Park (90 minute drive approximately).
Warwick Drive-In - 5 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick, NY. This family owned drive-in is featuring more recent film hits such as Jumanji: Next Level and Bad Boys for Life. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website. Capacity has been reduced but if online tickets sell out, there may be tickets at their box office on arrival. Masks must be worn when outside of your vehicle. Snacks are available for purchase on-site (it is asked that one person per family goes to the concession stand).
Fair Oaks Drive-In - 365 Bloomingburg Road, Middletown, NY -- a $40 Carload Family pack gets you the movie plus popcorn & drinks and candy (enough for 4 people). They are featuring some classic movies such as The Wizard of Oz and Airplane. Tickets are available online. Additional information is available on their Facebook page.
Four Brothers Drive-in Theatre -- 4957 Route 22, Amenia, NY. About a 70 minute drive from our area, Four Brothers Drive-In Theatre has two movies a night and is open seven days a week. This weekend you can catch Spies in Disguise or Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Prices are per person ($11 general admission; $6 kids) and they do have "carload" specials on select Thursdays. Tickets can be purchased online at their website (playeatdrink.com). They have a terrific menu of food that you can order online or via their app FB Drive-In. A full schedule of movies for June is on their website and Facebook page.
One other local option for later this summer -- the Town of New Castle Recreation Department has announced they will set up a Drive-In movie night at the Chappaqua train station. They will be able to host 100 cars. Dates include June 13th (Playing with Fire), July 10 (The Sandlot) and August 8th (E.T.) Check the New Castle Recreation Facebook page for more information.
