Try the Sparta Drive-In Movie Theater in Sparta, Tennessee For a Fun Weekend Night

If you are looking for something to do on a weekend night, and you live near Sparta, Tennessee, you might consider checking out the Sparta Drive-In. I am 40 years old and remember the drive-in from my high school days. The Sparta Drive-In closed for a long time, but was purchases and reopened by Bluemoon Theaters. The drive-in experience has changed a little since my youth. No longer do you need to attach a speaker to your car window, as the theater has a short range FM transmitter. You just tune your car stereo, boom box, or Walkman to the appropriate station and listen to the movie.

The Drive-In charges $5.00 per adult for a double feature, and $2.00 per child with children 5 and under admitted free. The prices are slightly more for a triple feature, but still, it is a bargain compared to a more conventional movie viewing experience. Concessions are available and priced a little less than a more conventional theater. They also offer hamburgers and hotdogs, which most theaters don't. You can also bring your own meal, as I saw all sorts of pizza boxes scattered around.

There are picnic tables, outdoor speaker broadcasting the movie and a playground to entertain the children while waiting for the sky to darken enough for the features to begin. If you don't feel like sitting in your car or truck to watch the movie, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a boom box. The drive-in seems to be a social experience with people mingling and watching the kids play until the movie starts. It is kept clean and the workers are friendly. It seems to fill quickly, so get there a little early. The movies I watched were Surfs Up and the Fantastic Four, Rise of the Silver Surfer. I enjoyed both. I also munched on popcorn and Diet Pepsi. My wife accompanied me and we spent around $20 total. The wife declared it a successful night out.

It is good to see the old drive in back in business. I remember watching many movies there with my parents and eventually going with my friends to see movies during my teen-age years. The drive in experience has been a part of the American experience for so long and I am glad the people of my hometown can still enjoy it. Take advantage of the summer evenings and catch a couple of movies in your car.