Two local drive-in theaters are in the running for best drive-in theaters in the country in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards poll.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania, and Delsea Drive-In Theatre in Vineland, New Jersey, are among those in the running for the recognition.
An expert panel selected the top 20 spots for drive-in movies, with readers and members of the public determining the winners.
“Shankweilers Drive-In Theatre is the oldest operating drive-in theater in the country. The business originally opened in 1934 and operates all year round. In addition to movies, there’s a snack bar on site with options like veggie dogs, popcorn, cheeseburgers, funnel cakes, and ice cream.”
“Originally built in 1949, Delsea Drive-In Theatre is the only remaining drive-in movie theater in the state of New Jersey. The theater operates seasonally (typically from mid-March through November) and showcases double and triple features. In addition to foods like pizza, ice cream, and hamburgers, the concession stand offers a gluten-free menu with options like chicken and wild rice soup, carrots with hummus, and gluten-free cookies.”
The concept of the drive-in theater has local roots in the Philadelphia area. USA TODAY noted that the first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, on June 6, 1933.