Carside Cinemagic: Drive-in Movie Theaters in New England

If you think the days of the drive-in movie have come and gone, we’d tend to disagree. For many of us, no indoor movie can match the nostalgia, coziness, and romantic charm of a movie under the stars. Couples come from miles around to park their rides at big screens from Connecticut to Maine — grab your blankets and butter up your popcorn for these New England drive-in theaters.

The Drive-in Date Night in New England

Connecticut: Three Theaters in the Nutmeg State

Connecticut’s three remaining drive-ins offer an all-American experience. The largest venue is the Mansfield Drive-in with three screens, an outdoor flea market, and a capacity for nearly 1,000 cars. Pleasant Valley Drive-in over in Barkhamsted sees vintage car and motorcycle shows to complement its feature films. If you’re a fan of the classics, pull in to the Southington Drive-in Theater for revival screenings of timeless hits.

Massachusetts: Drive-ins Around Every Corner

The Bay State was an early leader in the drive-in theater craze, opening one of the first drive-in theaters in the U.S. (the Weymouth Drive-in, which closed in 1936). At one time, Massachusetts hosted 90 outdoor theaters, but only several remain. The biggest one is the Leicester Triple Drive-in, about 40 miles outside Boston. For a full-fledged night of throwbacks, catch a flick at the Mendon Twin Drive-in and stop by the highly-acclaimed Willow Brook Restaurant, which features its own ice cream parlor. There’s even a theater for you Cape Cod lovers: the Wellfleet Drive-in, which boasts a massive 100’ screen.

Rhode Island: Cinema by the Sea

After peaking at 15 venues back in the 1950’s, Rhode Island currently has only one outdoor theater remaining. Don’t let that fool you, though. The Rustic Tri Vue Drive-In offers plenty of car-side cinemagic, with three screens of blockbusters and a sizable snack bar. It also runs a number of special events throughout the year — everything from classic car rallies in the summer to a “Trunk or Treat” event for Halloween, where kids can come in costume and trick-or-treat from car to car.

Vermont: Mountainside Movie Magic

Depending on which section of the Green Mountain State you’re in, you should be able to reach a theatre (complete with fresh Vermont air). Just north of Burlington, the family-owned Sunset Drive-in boasts a whopping four screens and has never missed a season since it opened in 1948. If you’re looking for something in the more remote areas of central Vermont, take in a flick among the mountains at the Bethel Drive-in before sitting down for some craft beer and turducky at South Royalton's Worthy Burger.

New Hampshire: Family Movie Night in the Granite State

Looking for a drive-in to unwind after your adventure in the White Mountains? The four-screen Weirs Drive-in is the only remaining venue in New Hampshire’s lakes region, situated opposite Lake Winnipesaukee making it fit nicely into a lakes region vacation itinerary. Down in southeastern New Hampshire, the Milford Twin Drive-in is perfect for families — it has a playground for kids while they wait for the movie to play, and it’s one of the few venues in the country to allow pets.

Maine: Motion Pictures in Vacationland

If you’re on the hunt for a venue in the Portland area, take a cruise over to the Saco Drive-in. It’s the oldest outdoor big screen in Maine, having first opened its doors 1939. You can also park your ride at the Bridgton Drive-in up by the pristine Sebago Lake, and grab a bite at the Campfire Grille just down the road.

Whether you’re headed to the drive-in for date night or for some old-fashioned family fun, your outdoor movie night in New England is sure to delight and excite. As you begin to daydream about a movie under the stars, plan a stay at a New England inn or resort and keep close to your all-American drive-in venue.

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