Alabama Drive-In Runs Out Of Road

July 10, 2009

By WRBL Staff

Before I even start my rant, I want to say, upfront and honest. I LOVE drive-ins.

They feel like such an adventure, but yet such a tradition. If your feeling like a rebel you can sneak in your dinner in the backseat (as opposed to paying the small charge). I have been known to carry in a gallon of ice cream complete with Hershey’s syrup.

Let’s talk about the mystery of drive-ins….... You can take your shoes off, talk on your cell phone, text without anticipation, cuddle up in a blanket. You don’t have to wear makeup and you can actually wear your pajamas in “public”.

Kevin (our Cheif Photog) and I spent three or so quality hours at the Field of Screens in Crawford, Alabama earlier in the week. It is nestled between the corn fields and quail pens on a 200 acre family farm. The screen looks like a patchwork quilt of plywood. But I have to say it is utterly AWESOME. It’s located on “Hollywood Blvd” off Highway 175 or Bleeker Road. It’s slightly hard to find, but that makes it oh so much more charming.

The coolest thing about the whole venture. It is run by a group of four friends. They’ve been together for decades, high school, college and beyond. They told me there have no regrets about this escapade and they had a great four month run. 

I now know the three biggest enemies of a drive-in: Location, weather and the economy. Unfortunately, you can’t really fight mother nature or Wall Street, and as for location, picking up a 28x44 screen sounds easier than it is.

Bad news for everyone that is now enticed to drive out there…. They are only taking bookings for special events. I asked, out of curiousity, what that would run. They say roughly $250-$300 bucks for one movie (you pick the title).

I am thinking a “Sex and the City” themed birthday party. Look for your invitation soon.