Taking the kids to the local drive-in for a double feature -- there aren't many better ways to spend a summer evening!
If you're ever in Central Pennsylvania, a visit to Haar's Drive-In should be in your Top Ten list. Just a few miles south of the PA Turnpike on Route 15, right on the way to Gettysburg, this original '50s-era drive-in runs double-features from April to September. If you're lucky, there's a kids' movie up first, which your children will happily watch...and then fall asleep so you can enjoy the second movie. Last weekend, we watched Underdog (yes, it was painful) to get to Hairspray (fantastic!) It was family night and date night rolled into one!
Other drive-in pleasures:
--the intermission reels, original '50s "get your hot buttered popcorn in our sparkling snack bar" animation;
--a children's play area, with old-style metal slides;
--great people watching if you get there early;
--the snack bar at Haar's actually serves good food, including oyster sandwiches... heaven!
--neon, neon and more neon.
Unfortunately, most of the old-time drive-in theaters have closed; it's just not the highest and best use for the land, I suppose. And Haar's is living on borrowed time, too, I fear. But while we can, we'll be there for as many warm weekend nights as possible, enjoying one of summer's greatest pleasures!
(as always, click on the photos for larger versions)