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15
Who Knew There Were So Many Drive-In Theaters Around Ohio?
Big-screen TVs, surround sound, and streaming brought movie-watching from theaters into homes. Classic drive-in theaters combine technology and privacy to offer the best of both worlds.
As we transition to the "new normal," drive-in theaters may provide the perfect solution to safely enjoying a night out. Now that drive-ins have received the green light, check out these fun-filled theaters around Northeast Ohio and other parts of the state. Visit the website or Facebook pages for current schedules.
Aut-O-Rama Drive-In
33395 Lorain Rd., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
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The name may have a nostalgic 1950s feel, but don't let that fool you. Thanks to modern theater enhancements, Aut-O-Rama Drive-In has remained up-to-date with the times. As the first Cleveland-area drive-in to offer two screens, Aut-O-Rama was also one of the local theaters to lead the way in transitioning from speakers to in-car audio. Outside food is not allowed, but the extensive concession stand menu includes vegan and gluten-free options for those with special dietary needs.
Midway Twin Drive-In
2736 State Route 59, Ravenna, OH 44266
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Midway Twin Drive-In has the distinction of being designed by Jack Vogel, a renowned architect whose drive-in theater drawing collection is in the Library of Congress. While the theater's original screen tower was destroyed by a storm in 2000, the new tower carries Vogel's trademark diamond-and-flags sign. Head to Midway's FunFlick page on their website to purchase admissions, reserve parking spots, and order swag such as t-shirts and keychains.
Blue Sky Drive-In
959 Broad St., Wadsworth, OH 44281
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When Blue Sky Drive-In opened in 1947, the theater featured a wooden screen with large speakers attached to either side. Legend has it the sound could be heard six miles away in neighboring Doylestown. The street side of the screen was covered with twinkling stars that drew people to drive by just to see them. Unlike Magic City Drive-In, its sister theater, Blue Sky has only one screen, but both drive-ins are run with the same focus on customer service and quality entertainment.
Magic City Drive-In
5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Barberton, OH 44203
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Kids who came to Magic City Drive-In with their families in the 1970s and 1980s are now bringing their own little ones to share one of their favorite experiences. Digital projection and FM stereo sound are modern amenities, but visitors still find the same "magic" they enjoyed when they were young. A $5 permit fee is charged for bringing in outside food, but it can be applied to a minimum $15 purchase of additional snacks and beverages at the concession stand.
Lynn Drive-In
9735 State Route 250 NW, Strasburg, OH 44680
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Lynn Drive-In, opened in 1937, holds the honor of being Ohio's longest-running drive-in theater. As if that weren't enough, the Lynn is also #2 among continuously operating drive-ins around the world. Throughout its history, Lynn Drive-In has been owned by a succession of families. In fact, the drive-in is named after the daughter of Ray McCombs, who partnered with his father-in-law to run the theater in the 1940s. The concession stand accepts credit and debit cards, but admissions are cash only, so don't forget to stop at the ATM on the way.
Skyview Drive-In
2420 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130
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In 1994, after working at the theater for 30 years, current owner Walt purchased Skyview Drive-In from founder Carlos Crum, maintaining a welcome sense of tradition. Walt's wife upgraded the concession stand to include a more extensive selection than usually found at drive-ins. Choose from treats such as pork tenderloin sandwiches, quarter-pound burgers, apple dumplings, and funnel cakes. Please note that you're free to bring in your own food except for pizza, which is available on the theater's menu.
South Drive-In
3050 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43207
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Located, appropriately enough, on the south side of town, South Drive-In is the last remaining drive-in theater in Columbus. Opened in 1950, the South is one of several regional drive-ins built by the Yassenoff family. Over the years, the theater has survived a tornado and incorporated high-tech improvements to continue serving the community. For your convenience, South Drive-In is adding online ordering for concessions, with a text alert when your order is ready for pickup.
Holiday Auto Theater
1816 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
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The website of Holiday Auto Theater proudly proclaims, "60 Years of Drive-In Fun!" In particular, their concession stand is so good that it's remained open on weekends to serve carry-out food. Tops on the list is the Family Combo, which easily feeds up to four people. The combo includes a personal pizza, burger, fries, two hot dogs, popcorn, candy and four drinks for $38.75.
Drive-In Theater Etiquette Tips
- Obey posted speed limits. If there are none, don't go above 10 MPH.
- Use parking lights when driving in the theater lot.
- Always wear shoes when leaving the car.
- An adult should accompany kids to the restroom or concession stand.
- Many drive-ins are pet-friendly as long as dogs are leashed outside the car and owners clean up after them. Call first or visit the website to confirm.
- Outside food is permitted in several drive-ins, while some charge a nominal fee, and others forbid it completely. Again, check first to make sure.
- If you bring lawn chairs or other seating, place them in front of or behind the car, not in an adjacent parking spot.
- Cross-overs in dual-screen theaters are not permitted.
- Shows generally go on, rain or shine. Rain checks are issued for power outages and other technical problems.
- No littering. Take trash with you or dispose of it in the appropriate containers.
- Follow any specific rules regarding parking for trucks, vans, and SUVs.
- While drive-ins provide more freedom than walk-in theaters, there are still other guests around you. Be considerate about noise levels and other potential disruptions.
Baby, You Can Drive My Car
What are your favorite memories of drive-in theaters?
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