By: Sarah Baase
“…we still have patrons of all ages, including young adults, and I firmly believe that it is atmosphere and nostalgia that bring people back as they get older,” explains Jordan Clement, General Manager of the Transit Road Drive-In.
I was so curious to know what it truly is about the Drive-In that keep people coming back for more. After all, we have the movie theaters right at our fingertips all year round.
The answer, Clement explains, is the atmosphere and the feeling it brings with it. It makes sense, people don’t want to be inside during the warmest season of the year. So instead, they go to the Drive-In, where they get one of the coolest and most classic cinematic experiences of a lifetime.
The Drive-In, Clement explains, “…is like a state or county fair. From the perspective of a child, a wide, open space with fried food and snacks, activities to do, games to play, and more can be almost surreal.”
If you think about it, who wouldn’t want to partake in such an experience like this? With affordable prices for the whole family, classic cinematic snacks ranging from popcorn and soda to Jumbo pretzels and Jalapeño Poppers, to your favorite candy brands, and so much more, this truly is one of the most iconic summer night activities.
Not to mention, they also have a selection of wines and beers, with a limit of 2 per adult, for the purpose of keeping drinking at a healthy and moderate level while families enjoy the movie(s). Any information on drink menus and additional information is found in the link down at the bottom of this article.
“I think everyone appreciates a retro environment with a modern twist- it’s just fun!” explains Clement.
It isn’t just the environment, though, that draws younger generations and families in. “
The Drive-In is purposefully built to be a time capsule from the 1950’s.”
Speaking from personal experience, when I go to the Transit Drive-In, I can draw from such a nostalgic feeling that I honestly didn’t even know could exist. I wasn’t born until the 21st century, therefore I have no recollection of the 1950’s other than what I gather from my family. So, it is quite ironic that even young adults like me can feel that same nostalgia, and I think it’s quite unique.
There truly is nothing better than getting cozy in the trunk of your car with blankets and pillows, snack in hand, drink in the other, and considering that there are less than 300 Drive-Ins left in the Unites States really makes me appreciate the fact that there’s one practically right in my backyard.
I’d like to mention too that due to the shortage in Drive-Ins around the globe there is an active organization devoted to helping Drive-Ins run successfully and efficiently. Visit their website at https://uditoa.wildapricot.org/ for more information.
So, I speak on behalf of all the younger and older generations when I say thank you Transit Drive-In for existing. You have truly brought the cinematic experience to life, and I hope it never dies.
Visit the Transit Drive-In website at https://www.transitdrivein.com/ for more information!
Spring 2026 
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