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I’ve never met a person who doesn’t like movies, and frankly, I don’t think I’d like to. Movies are a great way to escape from your normal life, not to mention the blistering heat during the summertime, or the cold in other seasons.
Get ready for a knowledge bomb to drop, faithful “In the D” readers, because if you’re a fellow movie fan, you’re going to want to celebrate accordingly this weekend! Tomorrow is National Drive-In Movie Day, and celebrates the first ever drive-in movie theater that opened in Camden, New Jersey on the same date in 1933.
That means we are approaching 82 years of drive-in movie awesomeness! Whether you love going to the drive-in every season or have never been, there’s no time like the present. Grab your sweetheart, a group of girlfriends or your family and head to the drive-in this weekend. While you’re at it, turn the evening into a full affair with dinner beforehand. Let the following be your handy guide:
Drive-In
Summer Drive-In, 14900 Beck Rd., Plymouth, opens for the season today, so why not be there for the first weekend of the action? This particular drive-in features three different screens with double features seven nights a week.
Keep up to date with the latest showings on the website, but from Friday, June 5 through Thursday, June 11, catch “San Andreas” and “Hot Pursuit” on screen one, “Tomorrowland” and “Pitch Perfect 2” on screen two or “Spy” and “Poltergeist” on screen three.
Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for children ages 4 to 12 and is free for children ages 3 and under. If you’re a student and attend during the week, tickets cost just $8.
Nearby Food Options
If you’re hungry, look no further than the drive-in itself! No, I’m not talking popcorn. Enjoy CJ’s Dinner and Movie package for just $18 per person, which includes a double feature movie ticket, your choice of entree, burger, wrap or salad, and a soft drink. If this is date night, you can also choose from a menu of “Dinner for Two” options, including a large pizza for two or pasta entrees for two.
Nassau Grill & Bar, 15095 Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, is approximately six minutes away from the drive-in by car, and offers some of the city’s best burgers. Try the Rancho Deluxe Burger (with American cheese, bacon and ranch dressing), Bleu Martini Burger (topped with green olives and bleu cheese) or The Jersey Burger (piled with pastrami, sauerkraut, Pepper Jack cheese and Island sauce).
Other items on the menu worth checking out include Fish & Chips, Southern Style Chicken Tenders, California Chicken Sandwich, French Dip and The Philly. Nassau is both a great casual date spot and a chill place to hang out with friends.
Fiamma Grille, 380 S. Main St., Plymouth, is no more than 10 minutes away from the drive-in, unless you’re riding a bicycle. If you’ve got something special to celebrate, or are simply looking to treat the loved one in your life to a nice meal, this is the place to go.
Start with a sharable Fiamma Cheese Tasting plate, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake (served with smoked paprika corn and pickled watermelon) or Eggplant Napolean. For your entrée, choose from items like Peppercorn Encrusted New York Strip Oscar (served with Boursin herb whipped potatoes), Woodland Ricotta Gnocchi and Jumbo Seared Sea Scallops (accompanied with Meyer lemon risotto).
Drive-In
Ford Drive-In, 10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn, is also open seven days a week, and always offers double features. Current showtimes are available online for each of the theater’s five screens. This weekend, catch a double feature of “Insidious: Chapter 3” with “Mad Max: Fury Road” or “Tomorrowland” with “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
The Ford Drive-In is embracing the times, and since we’re a few years ahead of the 1950s at this point, you can make your purchases with major credit and debit cards. No need to fret if you spent all of your cash at dinner before the movie. Speaking of which…
Nearby Food Options
Las Cazuelas, 4000 Livernois Ave., Detroit, may technically be located in a different city, but this Mexican grill is just five minutes away from the drive-in, if you’re looking for something close. It also happens to be located inside of a gas station in southwest Detroit.
I know what you must be thinking, “I’m done listening to you, crazy lady. No way am I taking my classy date to a GAS STATION before attending the drive-in.” However, don’t knock it until you try it! If you first saw the menu containing Chimichangas, Tostadas and Chicken Milanesa, you’d be none the wiser. Tacos, burritos and more are also on the menu. After you fill up on dinner, you can fill up your gas tank and be on your way to a double feature!
Andiamo Dearborn, 21400 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, is modeled after a contemporary bistro, where you’ll find plenty of classic Italian cuisine. Best of all, the restaurant is only 10 minutes away from the Ford Drive-In, so you won’t miss the beginning of the first flick.
Share some antipasti Shrimp Andiamo or Sausage and Peppers amongst the table, then choose from a selection of delicious main courses. Lasagna Bolognese, Sweet-Corn Polenta Ravioli (with rock shrimp, wild mushrooms, leeks, asparagus and spring peas tossed in a white wine sauce) and Great Lakes Whitefish Siciliana (breaded and served with Italian potatoes and seasonal veggies) are a few excellent choices.
No matter which drive-in theater you choose this weekend, make sure to celebrate National Drive-In Movie Day in style!
