A Change of Scenery

by Jeff Yocum

“A Change of Scenery” focuses on day trips from Thurmont that are within 150 miles (give or take). These trips will not include “Disney-level” destinations, but rather, lesser-known points of interest. The purpose of the article is to suggest venues for folks seeking a short, easily accessible change of scenery. In the process, hopefully something will be learned. Some will be historic, some cultural, and others just plain quirky. I confess an ulterior motive for writing this article: I have a wanderlust addiction.

Believe it or not, there was a time in America when an entire family could go to the movies and never leave their car. Of course, I’m referring to drive-ins. Back in the time of black and white televisions with, at most, three channels, a family outing to the drive-in was a real treat for the kiddos. Most drive-ins played a double feature—one for the kids and one for the parents. The idea being that the youngsters would pass out by the time the second feature started.

At their peak, there were nearly 4,000 drive-ins across the United States. The numbers dwindled as more home entertainment options became available and land and maintenance prices soared. Today, there are only approximately 400 drive-ins still in operation.

On a whim, my wife and I stepped into the Wayback Machine and headed to Haar’s Drive-in, just 45 minutes north on US 15, in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. We didn’t put on our pajamas like we did when we were tossed into the back of the station wagon along with siblings and cousins. But those wonderful memories did go along for the ride.

We caught a showing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Cousin Eddie never fails to make me laugh). We sat outside in camp chairs and guiltlessly enjoyed some of the concession stand’s buttered popcorn and beverages. Unlike an indoor theater, we could talk in a normal voice without bothering any of the other hundred or so patrons. The evening air was cool, and for a couple of hours, I was a kid again (even without the pajamas). I looked around and saw couples and families with children making memories. And, like ourselves, I saw several seniors recapturing a pleasant memory. It was a perfect evening.

Information regarding directions, what movies are being shown, and showtimes can be found at www.haars.com or by calling 717-432-8246.