The drive-in theater in Carthage, Missouri is pretty awesome as far as Route 66 roadside attractions go. The theater opened in 1949 and was recently restored. I read about this doing research but had completely forgotten about it until we saw a sign just outside of Carthage, Missouri. After a long day of driving through Missouri, Arkansas and then back into Missouri, a relaxing evening at the drive-in theater sounded like a great idea.

I had only been to a drive-in theater once previously, in high school at the drive-in theater in Weirs Beach, New Hampshire. Kate, on the other hand, had never been to a drive-in before! She was very excited to show off her authentic ticket (just one of the many touches that make this theater stand out from your average movie-going experience).

There is a large neon sign out front, so that you can easily find the theater. Oh wait, just kidding. There are no signs for it off of the highway, and unless you know where you’re going or have the best navigator in the world (Kate), your chances of finding this place without asking someone are slim to none.

In addition to the neon sign, there is also a refreshments building with artwork and information about the history of the theater. One of the more amusing parts of the Route 66 Drive-In experience is watching the old intermission film. It appears to have been made in the 1950’s, with old fashioned cartoons of people eating huge pickles out of paper bags (which they still sell, and no, I did not try one). One of the funniest clips was about how going to the drive-in allowed families to spend time together, eating snacks, drinking ice cold sodas and smoking in the car. Clearly this was made before the Surgeon General started putting warnings on cigarettes. 

The two movies that we watched were not exactly the epitome of cinematic excellence, but it was a Route 66 roadside attraction and a night out all in one. I hope that we find another drive-in theater during our road trip.