Nothing says summer quite like loading up the car, grabbing some snacks, and heading to a drive-in movie. It is one of those classic summer traditions that never seems to go out of style.

For me, drive-ins bring back a lot of childhood memories. I can still remember family trips to the Malta Drive-In to watch movies like Ghostbusters, Grease, and the Indiana Jones movies. There was something special about sitting outside under the stars, hearing the movie through that big speaker, and staying out late.

New York State and Capital Region Have The Most Drive-Ins

If you are a fan of drive-ins, New York State is the place to be. Believe it or not, New York has more drive-in movie theater screens than any other state in the country.

The Capital Region is lucky to still have a few of these classic theaters keeping the tradition alive. Whether you are looking for a family night out, a date night, or just a fun way to enjoy a summer evening, a drive-in movie is hard to beat.

When Were Drive-Ins A Big Deal?

Drive-ins were at their peak during the 1960s when more than 4,000 operated across the United States. New York alone had around 150 locations. While the number has dropped over the years, 24 drive-ins are still operating across the state today.

That means there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy a movie the old-fashioned way. Grab the popcorn, pile into the car, and enjoy a summer night at the drive-in.

These Are The 23 Drive-In Theaters Left In NY State

New York State has the highest drive-in movie theater screens in the country. That means there's probably one not too far from wherever you are. There are a handful here in the Capital Region. 
Back in the swinging '60s, drive-in theaters were all the rage, with over 4,000 scattered across the country and a whopping one hundred fifty right here in New York State alone. But times have changed, and now only twenty-three of these nostalgic gems are left in New York State. Check them out.

Gallery Credit: I Love NY

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