Hidden Treasure in Hockley, Texas

Our set up in the back of an SUV

A curtain of stars in a pitch black sky surrounds you. Cooler behind you, stuffed with ice and packed down with refreshing beverages. Picnic basket ahead of you, overflowing with treats, sweet and savory alike. The blanket under you making you comfortable and pillows surrounding you providing the extra padding you need to find that perfect spot. Turn on your radio and tune in as the screen ahead of you comes to life.

The Showboat Drive-In located in Hockley, Texas is located far enough away from Houston that you can actually see the stars and as the sun slips away and the projector takes over it is as if you have escaped to another world. 

I do not know how Drive-Ins are not the most popular way to watch a movie. The Showboat charges $6 per person for two back to back feature length films. There are two screens and once you take your pick, that is it, so make sure you choose the best combo for you. When I first heard about the Drive-In I thought it would be a cute idea for a date night but assumed it would be cheesy old movies and a tacky set-up. Boy was I wrong! Your choices are films currently in theater and the set up is fantastic including a snack shop if you forgot your own and nice clean bathrooms. Simply park your car angled on a mound, sit back, relax and enjoy!

There are few drive-in movie theaters still standing today. According to Drive-Ins.com there are only 445 in the world, 353 of which are in the USA. Yes that sounds like a lot, but that is an average of 7 or 8 in each state meaning that a huge percentage of the population of the US will most likely never have the opportunity to go to one and you can pretty much forget about it if you live anywhere outside the States. 

If you ever have the chance to experience a Drive-In, take it. Drive the distance, find the time, and you will be grateful that you did. The Drive-In has now become a tourist stop when I have friends visiting and an escape from the real world. Although it can't truly satisfy my travel addiction, it feels like a mini holiday. For only two hours driving and $6 a pop, I'd say that's a pretty affordable day-cation.

Waiting for the sun to finish going down and the movie to start!