at the drive-in

Even though Columbia is [unexpectedly] "famously hot" thanks to its place in these low-lying midlands, we have had the most beautiful beginning to Fall that I've ever experienced. Which, of course, calls for outdoor date nights.

While learning more about this new city of ours, we caught wind of the Monetta Drive-In Theater. Since I've been able to drive, I've wanted to find an old drive-in but never lived anywhere close to one. Now there are several within day trip distance! The Big Mo is very inexpensive for a movie in general these days. But the icing on the cake is that it's a double feature. You're certainly there for a long time, but $7 for Trouble with the Curve and The Bourne Legacy is so very worth it, don't you think?

Besides the movies and good ole concession food, it was a mini vaca from city life and small yards and busy streets. We drove miles from the interstate, passed farms and lines of peach trees. We rolled down every window and made friends with another young Columbian couple next to us, sharing food and stories and commonalities. We decided there was no better way to watch a movie: cool air [or cold after five hours worth of movies], Arnold Palmers in mason jars, and the radio's volume at just the right level to hear both the movie and the crickets.

Check out this website to see if there's a drive-in near!