WARWICK, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Movie theaters and nature typically don’t go hand-in-hand. But in the Orange County community of Warwick, they’re a perfect match.
The town is home to one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the country.
Take a step back in time with a trip to the Warwick Drive-In Theater.
“We show movies every day from St. Patrick’s Day to Halloween you come in and you find your parking spot and you park there. It’s always a double feature so you get two movies for the price of one,” said Owner Beth Wilson.
On a picturesque Friday night, the lines are long, and the lots are full. Hundreds of people are sprawled out by one of three outdoor screens with their trunks down, blankets out.
Tune your car radio to the appropriate FM station or rent a radio for $5 and you’re set to go.
“I used to come here when I was little actually and it’s the first time they’re coming. This is their first drive in experience actually. A lot of people do the bed and breakfasts up here. They spend the night here at the drive in, then go to the bed and breakfast and leave in the morning. or they go apple picking or to the wineries we have around here,” said Amy Agelis, moviegoer.
The Warwick drive-in attracts people from truly everywhere. It is even a popular detour for hikers along the Appalachian trail.
“A lot of people will tell you, you gotta stay at the Warwick drive-in, you gotta do that,” said an Appalachian Trail Hiker. “I really wanted to come here tonight and see a movie and try something different”
The theater strives to keep things nostalgic and simple. Their most high-tech feature is purchasing tickets online. Even the snack bars are simple: cash only with a small menu including popcorn, soda, and candy.
Roughly 60 to 70% of ticket sales go back to the film companies so the drive-in relies on food sales to stay afloat.
“We just say ‘please just visit our snack bar for a popcorn or a soda.’ At least it’s something. And that’s what keeps us in business,” said Wilson.
And while the feel of the experience may be nostalgic, the films themselves are not.
“Just like AMC theaters or the movie companies, we get them when they’re released” said drive-in employee Samantha Cottrell.
The theater’s owners plan to keep the business in the family. They can’t picture doing anything else.
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