5 Places To Catch A Movie While On Vacation
You’ll give these cool movie theaters two thumbs-up
Relive your elementary school days by catching at flick at the Kennedy School in Portland
Yes, vacations are for relaxing. But do you really want to spend your time in a new city sitting inside a movie theater, watching the same movie you could be watching at home? The answer may actually be yes—especially if you’re visiting these five special destinations, which offer some of the best cinemas and moviegoing experiences around. Rain or shine, you’ll want to check out these cool movie theaters that give you a taste of the town.
Go back to school in Portland, Oregon
Remember those rare occasions in elementary school when you got to see a film during class? You can relive that experience at the Kennedy School in Portland. This one time elementary school, built in 1915, was repurposed into a restaurant and a 300-seat movie theater housed in the former school’s auditorium. Catch second-run films, or grab a spot for you and your little one (even babies are welcome) at a Mommy Matinee showing.
Go for the dinner (and enjoy a show) in Maitland, Florida
It’s all about the food at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, less than 10 miles from Orlando. This nonprofit, single-screen art-house movie theater is home to the adjacent, al fresco Eden Bar where you can eat beforehand—or just order from once you’re inside the theater. Waiters and waitresses quietly deliver your food to your table (yes, table; there are no theater seats). You can enjoy healthy options—the cilantro lime chickpea salad is a best-seller—before treating yourself to movie staples like buttered popcorn and nachos. Adults can even enjoy a beer or glass of wine. (Cocktails and other liquor drinks are available only at the Eden Bar.)
Watch among legends in Los Angeles, California
Don’t forget your blanket when you head to a showing at Cinespia in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Cinespia
For a ghoulish good time, check out the Cinespia in Los Angeles. Located inside the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the final resting place of many Hollywood legends, the theater shows films outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn. Spread your blanket on the open grassy (and grave-free) field, and focus your gaze on the large mausoleum, where movies are projected. Bring your picnic basket—outside food and drink is permitted including beer and wine. Cinespia features a preshow DJ and movie-themed photo booths. Don’t be surprised to see a movie star or filmmaker show up!
Catch a movie under the stars in Atlanta, Georgia
Today, fewer than 400 drive-in movie theaters are scattered across the country—a far cry from the days when drive-ins were a small-town mainstay. But one attraction, the Starlight Drive-in in Atlanta, has been an entertainment draw since it opened in 1949. While the theater has updated the moviegoing experience over time, it’s retained its yesteryear decor. As a bonus, you can browse and shop at the huge, open-air flea market it hosts every weekend.
Attend a movie party in Austin, Texas
Seeking delicious food? Looking for a good film? Find both at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
The famous and quirky Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is frequently named as one of the best cinemas in the U.S., and not only because it serves delicious food (we recommend the multicourse, made-from-scratch menu), handcrafted cocktails and gourmet beer. Check out their online events calendar. Depending on when you’re in town, you may be able to join a movie party or theme night, such as Afternoon Tea for period films, Terror Tuesdays for horror flicks and Weird Wednesdays for obscure films. From the time you take your seat, Alamo aims to make your movie experience enjoyable. Instead of showing ads and PSAs, they create their own preshows. Once you’re settled in, turn off your phone. There’s a zero tolerance policy for texting or talking during the movie. To the delight of other moviegoers, ushers are not afraid to kick anyone out. Not in Austin? You can get the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema experience in other places, too. Find other locations across the country, including Chandler, Arizona; Raleigh, North Carolina; Los Angeles; and Kansas City, Missouri.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Portland, Orlando, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin.
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