 by guest blogger, Elise Hanks
Once or twice a summer we would all load into the car and head out. Clad in our pajamas and clutching our choice of either candy or popcorn, we were nestled next to our friends and were wound up with excitement. After nearly forty minutes of anticipation and determination not to eat our snacks on the trip there, we spilled out of the car eager to claim our place. As my parents backed either the truck or the van into the parking space someone always raced to the speaker while another one of us clamoured for a trip to the snack bar or playground or bathroom. We had reached the Drive In. It was thrilling to have driven so far to this mysterious lot occupied by scores of cars and three enormous movie screens. We snuggled into our seats and dug into our popcorn, fingers greasy before the film even started. The Mansfield drive-in is perfect for a summer evening of relaxation tinged with adventure. The drive-in always shows double features and always shows six movies a night. The first set of movies begins at dark; for bigger families the set up is perfect. Older kids can venture to another screen (which is still within eyesight) and set up camp in folding beach chairs. Small children might even fall asleep during or after the first movie, leaving mom and dad with some time to themselves and a peaceful drive home. Taking the family out to the movies can be dismaying for those with bigger families and for those movie-goers who enjoy a snack or a soda. At the Mansfield Drive-In, admission is $9.00 per adult (12+), $5.00 for children (4-11), and free for those three and under. Don't forget that you are getting two movies for the price of one (come to think of it, less than the price of one!) and the comfort of your own vehicle packed with blankets, a cooler, snacks, pillows, and whatever else you might want with you. If you love perusing the snack bar as much as my dad, the one in Mansfield will not disappoint. With burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, candy, soda, and ice cream, the snack bar is loaded with choices. However, there is one night a week that is better than all the rest at the drive-inn...Wednesday night. On Wednesdays every carload can get in for $18.00, whether it is a van or a suburban. If you have a free night this summer, take a drive to Mansfield and take in a double feature. I promise the vintage atmosphere of a drive-in paired with the excitement of doing something out of the ordinary will make a lasting impression on you and your family. Elise Hanks, 2007 graduate of Ledyard High School, is a summer employee at RE/MAX Realty Group and weekly contributor to the Eastern CT Real Estate Blog. |
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