Remember Going to a Drive-In Theater When You Were a Kid? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains

 Wikipedia describes a drive-in theater as follows:
"A drive-in theater is a form of cinema structure consisting of a large screen, a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. The screen can be as simple as a wall that is painted white, or it can be a complex steel truss structure with a complex finish. Within this enclosed area, customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars. Some drive-in theater managers added children's playgrounds between the screen and the first row of cars. Concrete patios for lawn chairs were available at some drive-in theaters. Originally, audio was provided by speakers on the screen and later by an individual speaker hung from the window of each car, which would be attached by a wire. This system was superseded by the more economical and less damage-prone method of broadcasting the soundtrack at a low output power on AM or FM Radio to be picked up by a car radio. This method also allows the soundtrack to be picked up in stereo by the audience on an often high fidelity stereo installed in the car instead of monaural through a simple speaker."  Source:  Wikipedia 

I remember wearing my "jommies" to the drive-in because my brothers and I would undoubtedly fall asleep before the first movie was over.  I remember the popcorn (maybe too salty but oh so good and the butter, yum!) hotdogs and cotton candy, oh my!  If I close my eyes, I can even smell the fresh popcorn popping and see the attendant stuffing the red striped boxes until they buldged.  It was such fun.

Once upon a time in the 1950s, Georgia had 130 drive-in theaters.  Today, Georgia currently has 4 in operation.  Step back in time with me as we visit the one still operating in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains: The Swan Drive-In Theater located in Blue Ridge.  Get directions. 

The Swan Drive-In has been operating since 1955 and was built by Jack Jones Sr. and W. H. Tilley Jr.  Mr. Tilley was stationed in England during World War II just before being sent to Omaha Beach in the Normandy invasion.  While he was in England, he enjoyed watching the peaceful and beautiful swans swimming in the local ponds.  He decided his drive-in would be named "Swan".  Mr. Jones liked the name too because it was short and would fit well on neon signs so the name:  The Swan Drive-In Theater was born.  Read more about it's history.

The Swan Drive-In is equipped with FM stereo sound where patrons use their car radio or even a portable radio to tune in.  It is family oriented and bad behavior is not tolerated.  The Swan Drive-In operates year round with current first run movies.  Motor homes and RVs are welcome; however, there are no hook-ups.

Showtimes:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Currently showing:  "Bee Movie" at 7:15 Rated PG   and "The Seeker" at 8:45 Rated PG  Click on the movie title to see the trailer.

Enjoy great treats at the    concession stand:  

• funnel cakes                            
• cotton candy
• popcorn
• hotdogs, corn dogs
• nachos
• pizza
• onion rings
• tater wedges
• candy
• hamburgers
• Pepsi products

Drive-In Theaters offer an opportunity to experience a bit of nostalgia and maybe a little more romance under the stars.  Audiences are choosing drive-ins over indoor theaters because it's affordable in comparison and can usually see two to three movies on a supersized screen for the price of admission. It's also a great way to support an old American tradition and help preserve and for some of us, relive the past.

Be sure to put The Swan Drive-In on your list when you visit North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Find out about drive-ins in your state ---------  Get Your TICKET Here   -----------  and drive right on in!

Donna Yates, Realtor
Georgia Real Estate
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
706-633-0644 cell
www.move2northgeorgia.net
donna@ellijay.com

"It's all about Lifestyle!"