Crime & Safety
Hidden Gems of North-Central Connecticut
The latest 'hidden gems' feature goes back to the days when theaters accommodated carloads.
SOUTHINGTON, CT — The latest installment of a periodic series on Patch sites in north-central Connecticut highlighting "hidden gems" throughout the region takes us to a throw-back cinematic experience in Southington.
Welcome to the Southington Drive-In, the only community-owned and volunteer-operated venue of its kind in the state. The drive-in is a non-profit operation and all proceeds are distributed to host civic and non-profit organizations.
In addition to weekly Saturday night movies in the warmer months, the drive-in hosts an annual Halloween Festival.
Find out what's happening in Southingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Southington Drive-In is one of three remaining outdoor venues in the state. The facility opened in 1955 as a for-profit business and featured first-run movies before closing in 2002. Two years later, Southington residents voted to purchase the property as an expansion to nearby Recreation Park as a "nostalgic site."
In early 2010, a group of local volunteers gathered under the auspices of the "Southington Drive-In Committee" to begin the process of reopening the actual drive-in. The committee coordinates all components of the drive-in and operates it separately from the town. The snack bar is run by the Southington High School DECA Club, with all proceeds benefiting the organization and its various activities. It is also supported by local advertisers.
Find out what's happening in Southingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Southington Drive-In is located at 995 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike.
To see the schedule for 2019, as well as ticket information, directions and general rules, click here.
____
This series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.
Other recent columns in this series:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
