Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater In North Carolina Is One Of The Best In The Country And It’s The Perfect Socially-Distant Outing
Step back in time to the golden days of yesteryear with a family outing to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater. This year couldn’t be more fitting of a drive-in experience – especially since indoor theaters will remain closed for at least several more weeks due to the pandemic. Recently, the website MentalFloss took on the challenge of ranking the best drive-in theater in every state in America – and we couldn’t agree more with their assessment of the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater as the best in North Carolina.
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Load up the car and hit the road for a drive-in experience that'll take you back decades to an era when drive-ins were all the rage in North Carolina.
Today, there are fewer than ten drive-ins remaining in the Tar Heel State and this one — the Raleigh Road Drive-In — happens to be the oldest one still in operation. It first opened in 1949.
The drive-in is open Wednesday through Sunday with two shows each night for the price of one admission ticket per person. During the summer, Wednesday nights include a live concert at 7 p.m. and then a movie.
Tickets are $8 for those 12 and over, $5 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids under the age of three. During the pandemic, masks must be worn by all guests when you're outside of your own vehicle. This is a state mandate, of course, but is strictly enforced.
Visitors should also be aware that outside food and drink aren't permitted, so you'll need to leave your cooler at home.
Fortunately, a menu loaded with many affordably-priced food options (burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and more), is available so you can enjoy dinner with the show. Popcorn, of course, is also served up in a variety of portions from small (46 ounces) to the Super Tub (170 ounces).
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater is located three miles south of Henderson, North Carolina. Learn more, purchase tickets online, and see the list of upcoming movies and events by visiting the official website. You can also give it a follow on Facebook!
Congrats to the oldest theater in the state for making the MentalFloss list of Best in America! What’s your favorite drive-in theater in North Carolina – and why? Weigh in with your thoughts in our discussion on Facebook!
Address: 3336 Raleigh Rd, Henderson, NC 27537, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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