Drive-In Theaters: Past and Present

 A lot has changed in the way we watch movies. The concept of a Drive-In theater was invented by New Jersey businessman R. M. Hollingshead, whose Hollingshead theater stayed in business for just three years. This was long enough, however, for the concept to catch on and spread throughout the country- especially in rural America.

In the segregated south of 1947 "colored" patrons couldn't park next to the whites.

 The Drive-In phenomena hit its peak in the 1950s and 1960s, with over 4,000 screens across the United States. No doubt, this "date-friendly" venue helped spur America's love for 50s and 60s automobiles, and I'm sure those darkly lit social spaces played a keen role in causing the baby boom as well.
 I can remember seeing but a handful of movies (Annie, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Romancing the Stone, and Gremlins) at Richmond's Bellwood Drive-In, which was converted into a flea market in 1986. This 1,000+ car lot situated on 23 acres was a staple of the Richmond cultural scene since its construction immediately following the end of World War II.

Aerial photo of The Goochland Drive-In, Sandy Hook, VA

 The reason I bring this up, is I'm considering giving a the newly opened Goochland Drive-In a try. Opened in 2009, The Goochland Drive-In is advertised as being a family-run, family friendly Drive-In experience with tickets at $7.00 for adults and concessions for $3.50 and under. Sounds like a great bargain for the family. Who's up for a "night out"?