Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

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Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

How many of you remember going to a Drive-In Theater when you were a kid?

Wikipedia describes a drive-in theater as follows:
"A drive-in theater is a form of cinema structure consisting of a large screen, a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. The screen can be as simple as a wall that is painted white, or it can be a complex steel truss structure with a complex finish. Within this enclosed area, customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars. Some drive-in theater managers added children's playgrounds between the screen and the first row of cars. Concrete patios for lawn chairs were available at some drive-in theaters. Originally, audio was provided by speakers on the screen and later by an individual speaker hung from the window of each car, which would be attached by a wire. This system was superseded by the more economical and less damage-prone method of broadcasting the soundtrack at a low output power on AM or FM Radio to be picked up by a car radio. This method also allows the soundtrack to be picked up in stereo by the audience on an often high fidelity stereo installed in the car instead of monaural through a simple speaker." Source: Wikipedia

I remember wearing my "jommies" to the drive-in because my brothers and I would undoubtedly fall asleep before the first movie was over. I remember the popcorn (maybe too salty but oh so good and the butter, yum!) hotdogs and cotton candy, oh my! If I close my eyes, I can even smell the fresh popcorn popping and see the attendant stuffing the red striped boxes until they buldged. It was such fun.

Once upon a time in the 1950s, Georgia had 130 drive-in theaters. Today, Georgia currently has 4 in operation. Step back in time with me as we visit the one still operating in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains: The Swan Drive-In Theater located in Blue Ridge. Get directions.

The Swan Drive-In has been operating since 1955 and was built by Jack Jones Sr. and W. H. Tilley Jr. Mr. Tilley was stationed in England during World War II just before being sent to Omaha Beach in the Normandy invasion. While he was in England, he enjoyed watching the peaceful and beautiful swans swimming in the local ponds. He decided his drive-in would be named "Swan". Mr. Jones liked the name too because it was short and would fit well on neon signs so the name: The Swan Drive-In Theater was born. Read more about it's history.

The Swan Drive-In is equipped with FM stereo sound where patrons use their car radio or even a portable radio to tune in. It is family oriented and bad behavior is not tolerated. The Swan Drive-In operates year round with current first run movies. Motor homes and RVs are welcome; however, there are no hook-ups.

Showtimes: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Currently showing: "Bee Movie" at 7:15 Rated PG and "The Seeker" at 8:45 Rated PG Click on the movie title to see the trailer.

Enjoy great treats at the concession stand:

funnel cakes
cotton candy
popcorn
hotdogs, corn dogs
nachos
pizza
onion rings
tater wedges
candy
hamburgers
Pepsi products

Drive-In Theaters offer an opportunity to experience a bit of nostalgia and maybe a little more romance under the stars. Audiences are choosing drive-ins over indoor theaters because it's affordable in comparison and can usually see two to three movies on a supersized screen for the price of admission. It's also a great way to support an old American tradition and help preserve and for some of us, relive the past.

Be sure to put The Swan Drive-In on your list when you visit North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Find out about drive-ins in your state --------- Get Your TICKET Here ----------- and drive right on in!

Donna Yates, Realtor
Georgia Real Estate
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
706-633-0644 cell
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com

"It's all about Lifestyle!"

Posted by Donna Yates, Associate Broker North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains on 11/06/2007 05:55 PM

Comments (17)

north georgia mountains, blue ridge, drivein theater, swan drivein, localsim, real estate, lifestyle, donna yates, localism

Originally posted at: Donna Yates, Move 2 North Georgia.net: Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

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This post has been included in Georgia Real Estate News Fannin County, GA Real Estate News Blue Ridge, GA Real Estate News

17 Comments on Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

NOV

2007

I would love to try a drive-in theater sometime. There were a couple open when I was a kid in Dallas, but they didn't show movies that would be appropriate for kids. I don't think there are any within hours of us now. This is a phenomenal idea for a post, Donna.

Hi Jason: Thank you for your comment. Ycur comment almost beat my post. LOL If you click on the link above that says get your ticket here, you can research your state. Here's what I found out about Texas but nothing specific to Dallas:

"there are only 16 Drive-ins operating in the Lone Star state.
On an UP note: 5 of these were built or revived in the past four years, and
the next .. a new twin-screen Drive-in (Lubbock) will be lit in July of 2003."

Thank you for your comment.

I think there is one between Austin and Houston, but I would need to look it up to see. Thanks for pointing out the link.

We love the Blue Ridge Drive It Theatre! We try to get the kids up there atleast once a year! Its loads of fun!

Donna, How much fun is that? I used to go when we were little too and had SO much fun and here they are all gone. You're lucky you have some left....

Memories! We used to go as kids (HERBIE!) and as teenagers. My girls have never been, but I appreciate you adding the link. There are several within an hour or two. Very good post!

Wow Donna,

I thought Drive-Ins were gone for good. So glad you were able to preserve this tradition of yester year.

Hey I remember those! My parents took us to one called Queens Chapel Drive in Hyattsville, Maryland. It is now a METRO station. I also vaguely remember one in Rockville, Maryland but that's gone too. Ahhh . . . the good old days.

Debbie

Im probably a little older than you. I dont remember my parents taking be to the Queens Chaple Drive In, but once I got my drivers license I took my girlfriend there. I dont remember the movies though. It was tough to see the movie through steamed up windows

NOV

2007

Mary and Michelle: That is so cool that ya'll try to go once a year. I'm so glad Blue Ridge has been able to keep the drive-in going all these years. I think that's quite an accomplishment. Thank you for your comment.

Carole: That's sad that there are none left where you are. I was surprised to learn that there are a lot more of them across the country than I realized. But not very many compared to what it used to be.

Tracy: Herbie! My son loved every one of those movies and I guess we've watched them at least 20 or more times. Those kind of memories are priceless!

Debbie: I'm glad you got to go because i's nice to remember a bit of nostalgia. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Ron: Well, there's that bit of romance I was talking about! LOL Thank you for your comment.

Hi Donna - oh how I loved going to the drive-in movies years ago..... It's been so long since I've seen one of those anyway, I just assumed they were all gone except in our memories.

Ron's steamed up windows are part of what I remember, too. I also remember the food at the concession stand - loved that drive-in junk food!!

Fun post and thanks for the memories!
Ann

NOV

2007

Hi Ann: I'm glad you enjoyed my post. I wrote this in hopes that it would stir some fond memories for some of us. I'm happy to know that there are still some around the country and especially glad to have the one right here near my house.

NOV

2007

Donna, Enjoyable post. I have fond memories of the drive -in movies. First as a kid with my family, then with friends in HS when we got cars. We went to the Elmsford Drive In in Elmsford NY. I also have memories from my grandmothers apartment she had a great view of The Whitestone Drive In. She lived pretty far across the river in The Bronx but the screen was so big I would watch movies from her window with out sound. lol

Mitchell: Now that's a great memory. Did you get good at reading lips? Do you know if the drive-in is still there? Thanks for sharing your memories.

Donna, yes reading lips lol. The drive-in was torn down in the 80's and became a multiplex

JAN

2008

Nice post. Brings back great memories.

JAN

2008

Enjoyed the post.

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Donna Yates, Associate Broker North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

Blue Ridge, GA

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Coldwell Banker High Country Realty

Address: 274 W. Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513

Office Phone: (706) 632-7311

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