While the drive-in movie era may have passed in the immediate Philadelphia suburbs, it is alive and well up in the Lehigh Valley.
In fact, it came a long time ago and never left.
The very first outdoor theater in the United States opened in Camden, NJ in 1933. The second, Shankweiler's Drive-In, opened in Orefield, PA, just north and west of Allentown, just a year later.
It is still there, showing a double-feature of first-run movies each night from late spring to early fall.
This family-run gem offers great way to see new movies on a good projection system with good sound (the car speakers are gone, replaced by an FM transmitting system) for not alot of money ($7 for adults, $3 for children 12 and under).
Though you could sneak in outside snacks and drinks, there is really no reason to since the snack bar provides a variety of goodies at very reasonable prices. And small touches like chilled candy bars and fresh popcorn served with two layers of real butter really set the food apart from the cineplex competition.
Families often arrive early and bring footballs, Frisbees and the like to play with in front of the screen before the show starts. There is room in front of each vehicle to set up a mini-camp with sleeping bags, blankets, lawn chairs or even a small play tent.


A good FM radio is needed to hear the audio. A battery-operated or car-powered boombox is ideal if you want to sit outside. A car radio also works, just be sure to set the ignition to "accessory" and not "on" to avoid draining the battery (if you do, however, the drive-in has loaner jumper cables).
Start times for movies vary according to the time of year. For current listings and more information, navigate to www.shankweilers.com.
The easiest way to get to Shankweiler's from Lansdale is to take the PA Turnpike extension north to the Lehigh Valley exit, then go east on Route 22 for about a mile and exit on to Route 309 north. In about five miles you will see a glowing red neon sign over the entrance to Shankweiler's on the left.
Also check out Becky's Drive-in (www.beckysdi.com) a little farther north in Berlin, PA. Becky's features two screens, a childrens playground, and pre-show pony rides on some nights.

- Chris Stanley