Tag Archives: Newberg

Drive-In Tips

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Earlier, I blogged about going to the drive-in with some of my friends.  I also encouraged those of you who live near a drive-in to attend, so I figured I would also give you some tips for your next trip to the drive-in.

-First things first.  Don’t let the above image happen to you! I have been to the drive-in in the rain, and it wasn’t pleasant.  So be sure to take a look at your weather forecast!

-Visit your drive-in’s website or call ahead with any questions.  Many drive-ins have rules and restrictions.  For example, the 99W does not allow alcohol, BBQs or fireworks, but does allow pets.

-Restrictions regarding outside food varies from drive-in to drive-in.  Check ahead.  But do give the concession food a chance.  The majority of the box office money goes to the studios, so it is the money spent at the concession stand that goes directly to the drive-in.

-Some drive-ins may only take cash. Check ahead and be sure to bring the proper amount.

-Drive-ins no longer use the hanging speakers.  Instead you tune into a radio station.  Bring a battery powered radio so you do not have to use your in car radio.  I have observed many cars in need of a jump at the end of the night.

-If you drive a coupe, I recommend sitting outside of your car.  Bring along folding chairs to set up in front of your car.

-If you drive a hatchback, you can back in to your spot, and lift your hatch up and sit inside the back.  Bring along string or something similar to pull your hatch down to an appropriate level, so those behind you can see the screen.  Common courtesy, folks.  The 99W has what I call the “Twine Police” who go around checking on hatches and give you string to bring your hatch down.

-If you have a pick-up, give consideration to an air mattress.  I’ve seen everything from air mattresses to real mattresses to sofas in the back of pick-ups.

-Regardless of what you drive, remember blankets! And maybe a few pillows too.

-Arrive early to ensure getting a good spot.

-Bring along games or a football or something similar.  You are going to be hanging around awhile while waiting for dusk to arrive.

Have fun and enjoy the show!

Picture Perfect Day at the Drive-In

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In the months following the passing of Patrick’s father, we were very busy dealing the necessary duties, so things such as my birthday understandably fell to the wayside.  But yesterday, Patrick surprised me with a “birthday” trip to the drive-in, complete with ice cream and birthday announcement!  We went with two of my dearest friends, Angelina and Lizzie, and had an absolute swell time.

We picked up bubbles and a paddle ball (which is harder to do than you think!) at the Fred Meyer’s next door and enjoyed the sunshine (Patrick in his new sunglasses) as we waited for dusk to arrive.

The drive-in has an immensely special place in my heart, and sometimes I find it hard to put into words.  I guess one of the reasons I love it so much is that I find it one of the few things from the by-gone 50s that seems utterly unchanged and has not become a caricature like many diners and and even car shows have become.  For those in the Portland area, Newberg’s 99W is the closest to you.  Oregon is also home to three other drive-ins, one in La Grande, another in Milton-Freewater and the Motor-Vu located in Dallas.  For those outside Oregon, I recommend visiting Drive-Ins.com to located a drive-in near you.

Outfit
Gingham Blouse: Buffalo Exchange
Ponderosa Ranch belt: STARS Antique Mall
50s Jeans: Hollywood Babylon
Penny Loafers: Thrifted

Stars and Stripes at the Drive-In

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Last night, Katie, Pat and I went to the 99W drive-in for a second viewing of Captain America.


One of the things I really enjoy about the drive-in is the pride the Francis family takes in their ownership of such a nostalgic novelty.  After opening the gates, third generation owner Brian Francis stood near the ticketbooth, fists on hips, a slight smirk on his face as he watched cars roll in.  You could tell he is really proud of this place.


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A Return to the 99W

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Saturday night, I made a long awaited return to the 99W Drive-In, in Newberg.  The 99W had been a wonderful treat during high school, and was long missed in my four years away at college.  In our first year back in the Portland area, Patrick and I didn’t make it to the 99W due to our lack of automobile (for where we live having a car is rather impractical), and lack of friends with a combination of interest in going and car.  Thankfully, my friend Katie has since been able to fill that void.

The 99W is one of four remaining drive-ins in Oregon (others include Dallas’ Motor-Vu, Milton-Freewater and La Grande – not in Oregon? Locate your local drive-in here).  Located 22 miles outside of Portland, the 99W is a nostalgic refuge for people from all over the Portland-Metro area and even those in Vancouver, Washington.  Owned by the same family for over 50 years, the 99W is proud of its history and its status as an American icon.  Prior to showings, Brian Francis, the owner, offered a hearty welcome, announced birthdays and their wonderful vintage reel of the “Star Spangled Banner” glittered across the massive screen.  What is so wonderful about the 99W is that it is fully aware of its fragility.  Prior to each screening is a reel that shows images of dilapidated and closed drive-ins throughout America, stating that at one point America had over 4,000 drive-ins, and today just over 400 remain.  The reel thanks the patrons for their support and provides concrete evidence of the intense need for people to continue to support their local drive-ins, lest they disappear.

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