Ventures with the Valenti: Date Night at Winchester Drive-in

A great write-up in the Oklahoma Gazette, for this great OKC landmark!

A couple of weeks ago, Chris and I got away for a much overdue date night, and our very first one all alone to the Winchester Drive-in. Many residents of OKC don't realize this gem open since 1968 still exists, but it sure does, in all it's nostalgic glory.

We have gone several times with friends and family though, and have enjoyed each time for different reasons. So here's there breakdown of what we've learned and loved about this place where it feels you step back in time...

Who: They try to accommodate audiences of all ages and interests, and when we went they featured Inside Out first at 9:10 pm, and then Jurassic World at 11:25 pm. This week they're doing a similar time frame for Minions and Ant Man this weekend!

What: Double feature movies, just $7 for adults and $3 for kids age 3-10! Concessions and bathrooms available too.

Where: 6930 S. Western Ave, OKC (Take I-240 to Western, and it's on the left side of the road)

When: Open 7 days a week through the summer, and many weekends throughout the spring and fall! Gates open at 7:00, and the first movie starts about 8:30-9:00, but I would recommend getting there at 8:00 for a decent spot and time to enjoy the Winchester!

Our favorite part: There's so much to love about this place...I really mean it! But if you know me, you know I love the history of places, so I'll say my favorite part is the concession stand, seemingly all original, or at least close to it. They offer the basics: popcorn, candy, and soda, but also have ice cream, burgers, hotdogs, nachos, and more! They even have some arcade games available to play. How fun!

And the people that work there are super nice, and one of the original owners, Lindy Shanbour, still greets customers at the gate. He and 3 brothers opened it together in 1968, which if you head on over to their website, you can find out more about the Winchester's history, and even an interview from Lindy of where it all began. Or you can also find weekly updates and info by following them on Facebook. 

Things we would do differently next time:

Or might I say "things we've learned to do differently"...

1) We always bring our own toilet paper now. :) The bathrooms aren't the cleanest or "friendliest", but just keep that expectations low and you'll be fine. 

2) Though we partake in their concessions, we do always bring a few snacks of our own. And we ALWAYS ALWAYS make sure to clean up after ourselves! DUH!

3) We parked close to the concession stand for proximity to the bathrooms and food, and also because we didn't have to use our own car's speakers. It was like we had surround sound! 

4) Ideal seating arrangements are always in the back of a truck, and this time we even brought our air mattress and big comfy pillows! We definitely felt like we were living it up. 

This was our view as the evening progressed, and boy was it gorgeous! Who could pass up an evening under the beautiful Oklahoma sky reliving a past-time with people you love? I know not a summer goes by now that I can't make it to the Winchester Drive-In at least once...it has become a staple of our family's summertime, and you should make it part of yours too.