The Sunset Drive-In

After living here in SLO County for almost 2 years, I finally decided to go to the local Drive-In!! What fun, memories from my past came flooding back. I went the night that Toy Story 3 opened, so I assumed that the line would be long. I arrived at about 7:00 (the movie was set to start at 8:30) and the cars were lined up in two lanes almost back to Elks Lane. I turned off my car and worked on my computer while I waited for the gates to open. I wished that they had wifi for those of us who were waiting in line. People were playing with a ball up at the front of the line, and folks were walking around. I read somewhere that you can get pizza delivered to you in line while you wait (I assume that was from an outside vendor, though).


The gates opened around 7:15 and we moved slowly around the bend up to the gate. I laughed at the sign that read "Sneak-Ins $8.00 No Exceptions". Now that they have raised the price from $6.00 to $7.00 they should also raise the "sneak-in" rate!! I pulled in and saw rolling paved hills flecked with the vintage speaker poles. The white lines are painted and are used by the Swap Meet people on Sundays. I pulled into a spot, but had to move over because they put two cars between the poles. No problem, there was plenty of room for two SUVs between the poles, as long as the kids are careful when opening the doors.

As soon as I parked, I headed over the to the projection building. I liked the window that shows us how the film projector works. This building also houses the restrooms and the snack bar.

Of course I had to try the popcorn, it was great. The only negative was that they only offered the tiny salt that gets into the cracks of my lips and burns. But, the popcorn didn't really need any salt, I got a large with a free refill. The medium and large sodas can be refilled for $1.00. I also tried their hotdogs. Yummy. In fact when I returned to the snack bar between movies for my popcorn refill I got another hotdog!!

Before the movie started they ran some previews and some typical informational screens, including being considerate of others, not smoking, and to tune their radios to the proper radio channel to hear the movie. This sound feature worked great, they played a local radio channel first, and the screen allayed my concerns about running down my battery. I enjoyed watching the kids play around in their PJs, and people watching before the movie started. There were all sorts of people here, kids, adults on a date, teenagers, etc. I was surprised how many fathers were there with their kids, without the mothers!! One thing missing was a kids playground, that is something that I fondly remember from my youth. The kids prevailed, however, by creating their own play zone under the screen!!

I loved that it was a double-feature, and that you could bring in your own food if you wished. I also loved the vintage trailers that showed during intermission, but I couldn't watch them because I was in a crazy long line at the ladies room. After waiting for a LONG time, I decided to check out the outhouses by the gate, but only one of them was open and there were no lights. Luckily I had my lantern in my car and so I was able to use the outhouse!! I missed the beginning of the second movie because in addition to the restroom I had to get more popcorn!! I really enjoyed the rising moon beside the screen as I watched the second movie, too!!

I will definitely come back to the Drive-In again, and will probably go to the Swap Meet one of these Sundays soon. I may even try to sell at the Swap Meet.