The Macon Drive-in - Lafayette, TN

The Macon Drive-in 

3570 Scottsville Rd 

Lafayette, TN 37083 

615-666-4411 

http://www.macondrive-in.com 

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LOCATION: The Macon drive-in is located in Lafayette, TN, about 1hr and 20 minutes North-East of Nashville.

ABOUT: It is a single-screen theater established in 1950. Screens double-features Fri, Sat, and Sunday, and a single feature Monday, and Tuesday.


  
EXPERIENCE: The Macon Drive-in is one of the oldest operational drive-ins in Tennessee. Established in 1950, the original snack bar is still standing. The poles are still in place from the speaker days, but as with most modern drive-ins, the sound is now delivered via FM radio. The atmosphere at the Macon is very safe and family friendly. Definitely has that small-town feel, and is a family-run business; in fact, the owner's house is located on the property, and their back yard faces the screen. Pets are allowed at the theater.



The food at the Macon Drive-in is good and very affordable. We tried the chicken sandwich and the tenderloin sandwich, both of which were great. The upside to smaller theaters is shorter lines, and we were able to walk right up to the bar and order quickly, which was nice. The owner even brewed a pot of coffee just for me later in the evening, when I asked if they had any, so bonus points there!

The theater has gravel roads and grassy areas for parking. The grass areas are also the traditional humped shape, allowing the cars to angle toward the screen, which is another plus. They are well-kept, in good condition, not muddy. The only drawback for us was the bugs were bad that night, so be sure to bring bug repellent.

Overall the Macon is a great little family friendly theater. The food is good, and it's a theater that feels rich with history.

Fast Facts:
Number of screens - 1
Movies shown - Double-features weekends - single-features weekdays.
Admission - Per person
Price - (2015) Adults $6.00, Kids 6-9 $3.00, under 6 free.
Projector - Digital
Sound - FM Stereo
Pets - Yes

Original 35mm projector, now retired

The Stardust Drive-in - Watertown, TN

 

Stardust Drive-In

310 Purple Tiger Dr,
Watertown, TN 37184

http://www.stardustdrivein.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/underthestars/

LOCATION: The Stardust drive-in is located in Watertown, TN, about 30-45 minutes East of Nashville down I-40.

ABOUT: It is a 2-screen theater, established in 2003. It is open from the first weekend in March through the end of November. Starting Memorial day it is open 7 days a week.

EXPERIENCE: Being so far outside the major city limits means the sky is nice and dark. The Stardust has some of the brightest screens of any drive-ins I've visited. There are two screens, and they show double-features on both screens, making the price of admission very reasonable. If you bring in your own food the theater asks that you pay a $6 food and beverage fee. The theater is pet friendly, but pets are not allowed within food/bathroom areas. they show vintage drive-in intermission trailers between the movies, which is a nice touch.

The food at the Stardust is definitely a highlight. You can get all the usual drive-in foods there; hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, etc. but they also have such specialty items as Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Rueben Sandwiches, Barbecue Sandwiches and more. I've had the Rueben, Hamburger, and Chicken sandwiches there, and all of them were good. The only drawback is that lines are long for food, and a bit on the slow side, especially if it's a busy night, so get your snacks early before the show starts. There is a second smaller food stand for standard items that moves a bit quicker.

The theater has gravel roads and grass areas for parking.  Note that if it's rained lately there are some muddy spots, so watch your step if you have to visit the restroom or snack bar.

Overall the Stardust is very clean and family friendly. The food is excellent, and it's a safe, family-friendly environment.


Fast Facts:
Number of screens - 2
Movies shown - Double-features
Admission - Per person
Price - (2015) Adults $7.50, Kids 6-11 $5.00, under 6 free.
           Outside foods permitted with $6.00 food and beverage fee.
Projector - Digital
Sound - FM Stereo
Pets - Yes