Mansfield Drive-in Movie Theater

If you've never been to a Drive-in Movie Theater in your life, please do yourself a favor and go before it's too late!  There are just under 350 drive-in theaters left in the entire US, and that number seemingly decreases every year.   Growing up as a kid, there were several drive-ins near our house, and half of those are now gone.  I believe there are only three left in CT, and my personal favorite is the Mansfield Drive-in.  Yes, depending on where you live, it is a fairly far trip (especially if you are located in the southern part of CT) but it is totally worth it.  Mansfield has three screens and show pairings of movies each night.  Admission is a super value deal; $11 per person for ages 12+ and $8 per person for ages 11 and under.  That price is for 2 movies!!  Generally the timing works that you can move in between movie pairings without too much hassle if you want to split the showings.

They have a large concession stand in between the screens serving all of your classic cinema favorites at reasonable prices.  There is a liquor store right outside of the entrance in case you wanted to stock up on anything, and I highly recommend stopping at the Bidwell Tavern Cafe.  You can either bring take out with you or dine there if you go early enough.  We split a burger and wings (both were fantastic) before gorging ourselves on popcorn and candy from the concession stand.

Pro Tips:

1) Check the weather for the night you are going; stay away from rain, and make sure to pack blankets as it will get chilly

2) We take a pickup and sit in the bed, but lots of people bring camping chairs if you don't want to stay in your car (also bring a battery operated radio if you are outside your car)

3) Bring Bug Spray

4) It will be late by the time show #2 ends; bring your own coffee (it's literally the only negative I have, but I have high standards)

5) The gates do not open until 7pm; you will sit there waiting to get in if you earlier