There is no experience that says summer quite like going to a drive-in. If you have never been to one, it is akin to a RV park or a KOA. The people are friendly, dogs are welcome, and everyone is just relaxing as time rolls by. But first, the journey. When you pull up Monetta, SC on your GPS you will probably wonder what else is in the city. Basically, not much. Come with a plenty of gas and whatever supplies you need. Now the drive there isn't bad at all. It is less than a hour and the countryside is refreshing. The website will tell you that if you're coming for a blockbuster (I came for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) that you should arrive 1-2 hours before showtime [9 pm for the first movie]. I concur. You will find a line of vehicles have formed on the shoulder of the road leading up to the entrance. Though gates up at 7 pm, they tend to open early when the line gets long. So yes, arrive early.
There are three fields, each showing two movies. It typically pans out to be Action, Comedy, and Kids. But it varies, at the Drive-In doesn't get to decide on the movie pairings (fun fact). With the prices being $9 for an adult, for two movies, you can't get a better deal. And once you park, the fun begins. If kids are in your group, there is a playground at the main screen. You can park at another screen and walk over to it. The concessions stand and restrooms are located at that field as well. The food offerings are typical; burgers, nachos and cheese, candy. The line is always long so I recommend just bringing your own stuff. And the restrooms are tight on space so long-legged people, beware. Even if you're driving a car, I recommend finding a folding table that fits in your trunk to bring. That allows you to setup a place to eat, play cards, and setup a portable radio (more on that later).
Smoking is allowed, but everyone tends to be courtesy and do it away from the crowd. No alcohol on the premises so keep the cooler kid friendly. And walk around. I have found fellow patrons to be super friendly as well as the Drive-In staff, who can be found walking through the parking areas. They are always willing to answer any questions and carry twine (in case you need to tie your hatch below roof level-as a courtesy to the people behind you). If you have a special announcement for your group (i.e. a birthday), tell them at the Concessions stand and they will announce it before the first movie begins. There is a 15 minutes intermission between the movies, but you are free to move around at any time. If you do have to leave during a movie, be sure to leave your main headlights off as a courtesy.
*Insider's Tip
-This is a big one. They only accept CASH for admission. So plan ahead and know how much that is going to be. And there is no refund. A movie can play in the rain so plan for that if the weather is sketchy.
-I recommend finding a cheap rechargeable battery powered radio online. You can set this up on your table/tailgate and get a clear signal without having to leave a key in the ignition. If you plan to sit outside your vehicle, as I do, this keeps the sound near you and your group.
-And if you do happen to drain the battery on your vehicle, you can go to the Concessions stand and give them a $1 for a battery jump. read more