Pennsylvania’s Oldest Drive-In Theater Is Hiding In A Small Town And You'll Want To Visit
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 15, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
An evening under the stars really can’t be beat unless that night includes a double feature at the drive-in. While drive-ins used to be seasonal, many today are open all year round, making them the perfect weekend evening hangout. Pennsylvania’s oldest drive-in theater shows double features on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings all year long, and it might become your new favorite hangout spot.
Whether it’s a chilled winter night or a simmering summering evening, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, the oldest drive-in movie theater in America, promises a few hours of old-fashioned fun, a double feature, and delicious goodies.
When it opened in 1934, Shankweiler’s Drive-In was just the second drive-in in America. The first opened in Camden, New Jersey, the previous year. That started what would become a phenomenon, with more than 4,000 drive-in theaters across the country in the 20th century.
Today, approximately 300 drive-in theaters remain in the United States, including Shankweiler’s. It really is one of those unique Pennsylvania destinations that belongs on your bucket list.
Although the first of the two films starts 20 minutes after sunset, the box office opens two hours before that. That gives you plenty of time to find a prime parking spot and to hang out with other movie-goers.
An evening at the drive-in means one thing – a ton of goodies. You might even find yourself making several trips to the snack bar that sells a long list of favorites, including burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn.
Fill up on candy, ice cream, and funnel cake, too.
Before you head over to the drive-in, keep a couple of things in mind. Well-behaved pups are permitted. You must maintain a speed of five miles per hour or less when driving through the theater, and all vehicle lights must be turned off while the movies are playing.
Have you been to Pennsylvania’s oldest drive-in theater? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that America’s oldest bookstore is right here in Pennsylvania? It’s worth a visit, too.
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