I don’t really remember going to the drive-in as a kid. It wasn’t until a few years ago that my friends got me to finally go to one and boy how fun! My friends Paul and Ryan brought me to the Mansfield Drive-In located at 228 Stafford Rd in Mansfield Center, CT one of the two left in Connecticut that still plays new releases.
The Mansfield Drive-In features three screens each play a double feature so six movies total a night. You can hop from watching the first movie on one screen to going to watch the second movie on a different screen. They are open from April to October on Saturdays and Sundays however in mid-June, July, and August they are open daily. Wednesday nights can get packed as that is their “family” night where it is $22 dollars a carload. For regular nights it is $11 an adult $8 for children 4-11 and kids 3 and under are free. They offer discounts for $1 dollar if tickets are purchased online. At $11 a person to see TWO movies, I find the price very reasonable. The movies are broadcasted through their own FM frequencies and the quality of sound is wonderful.
Their snack bar seems like quite the throwback to years past. They offer all the drive-in classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, clam fritters, french fries, chicken tenders, nachos, popcorn, fried dough, candy, ice cream etc. A big plus is that they have BIRCH BEER. I love birch beer and very few places carry it as a soda fountain option. The snack bar is a great option but you can bring your own food and drinks along if you must, but I encourage buying here to help keep the drive-in operating since most of their revenue is generated through food and beverage sales.
I’ve been quite a few times over the past few years an a few pointers would be to plan early. The theater posts the movies playing for the upcoming weekend on Monday so plan ahead and look to see whats playing on what screen and pay attention to the weather too; drive-ins are not so much fun in the rain. I have learned to bring along some window wipes for all the windows because driving to Mansfield you WILL have bug smears all over your car by the time you get there. Also, play with your cars light settings. I say this because I didn’t know how to turn my running lights off on my car and it made for an unpleasant experience. Thankfully a worker approached me and showed me how to turn them off. He said it’s something that happens all the time. Bring bug repellent because the mosquitos can be very annoying around the 9o’clock hour and most likely you will want to leave your windows open. And lastly, bring whatever you think will make your drive-in movie experience top notch. I’ve seen blow up mattress on the back of pickup trucks, pillows, and blankets with the back hitch of the car open, chairs and hammocks the options are endless.
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