I have a soft spot for drive ins, whether it's the nostalgia factor or just that it's something different and fun to do. They have been waning in popularity - at least in the Mountain State. I've been to all the current ones in West Virginia - and then a brand new one opened up in Oak Hill.



The Starlite Drive-In just opened this summer, and it's unlike any other drive-in I've been to. It's $8 cash per person to watch a double-feature - which are usually brand new movies! Modern bathrooms (nice ones!), modern concessions, and even a little food truck of its own. Let's focus on the food. 



The main concessions building has movie favorites, like nachos, big boxes of candy, popcorn, and even hot dogs and pizza. 



I went with a box of Milk Duds (these are the best) and a small thing of nachos. I didn't want a huge portion here, though I am definitely curious about the pizza in the future. The nachos were a small portion, plenty of salted corn chips and some hot fake cheese that is oddly comforting. 



But I wanted to try the Little Dipper food truck. This one is cash only, but they have some different items. When I was there, they had pulled pork, philly cheesesteak, corn dogs, cotton candy and more. 



While it's not usually my go-to, I was in the mood for a philly cheesesteak. It was calling to me. And maaaan, I know why. 



This sandwich was GOOD. And not just standard drive-in fare good - really tasty good. The bread was a nice medium between soft and crusty. The meat was a good quality with no chewy or stringy pieces. Plenty of mayo, cheese, peppers... I might need to go back to the drive-in JUST for this. Perfect bites.



You can get it as part of a meal deal with a bag of chips and a drink, too, and it comes in this little tray that was like a perfect little tv dinner - but for a movie. I also believe they have since added another food truck - but this one for ice cream. Yum.



If you have a free Thursday, Friday or Saturday before this summer is over, I strongly recommend checking it out for a new movie, a fun evening or some pretty dang good food.

While passing through Ansted, I approached Dixie's Drive-In. This drive-in restaurant is named after the owners' late golden retriever. While the name "Dixie" is often associated with the Confederacy, I was happy to see cute drawings of the pup, rather than flags, adorning the building.



When I pulled into a parking space, it seemed like the restaurant was pretty busy - there were lines of people at the ordering and pick-up windows. It didn't appear they were offering carside service, which is a bummer because I think that's part of the charm of a "drive in" restaurant.



But as I approached the window to order, it was clear the restaurant is still "drive in" in concept - with milkshakes, sundaes, cones, and sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. I ordered a cookie dough sundae and after a bit of a wait, my number was called and the "Dixie Blast" (aka Blizzard) was in my hands.



They don't skimp, that's for sure. My cup was filled to the brim, and on this hot day, it hit the spot. It was melty before I left the lot, but you can't really go wrong with ice cream. Overall, a nice treat.

Grade: B

Shaffer's Drive-In is one drive-in in West Virginia that flew under my radar. Located in Milton, Shaffer's offers curb-side service where you simply pull up, park and have a carhop come take your order. You can get a tray to perch on your window, or you can get it to go.


I had looked over the menu online, so I was prepped with my order: One hotdog with chili, slaw, mustard and onions. One small bowl of chicken & dumpling soup. One large lemonade. After just a few minutes, they brought my order out along with a machine to take my credit card (yes!) - which I could tip right there. Easy peasy.

Now let's talk about that hot dog - it had my favorite kind of slaw. Very finely chopped so you get this almost paste. That's the perfect consistency to meld with the chili and onion and create a cohesive flavor. And the bun! Warm and steamed and fantastic. That soup = definitely homemade and full of dumplings. So tasty!

Recently, I made the long trek to Cuyahoga Valley National Park to mark another national park off my list.


And while driving back, I was starving so I stopped the local drive-in: Swensons Drive-In.



"It's a "regional fast food restaurant chain with locations throughout Greater Akron and Greater Columbus, Ohio. Swensons' signature hamburger is the Galley Boy, a double cheeseburger prepared using two sauces,[1][2] and the restaurant also purveys 18 different milk shakes" (wikipedia)"

After I pulled into a space, a server ran out and put a card on my car to claim me. And I looked over the menu. I ordered the Galley Boy, as well as a grape milkshake (because I've never seen a grape milkshake before?!) and potato teezers.


Initially, I said I'd be staying there to eat so they brought a tray to my car. But then I was annoying because the sun moved and was shining directly into my face so I took my stuff to go.


The burger was topped with an olive, which was fun. And, it really is a damn good burger. It seems like one of the secret sauces is a BBQ, and the other is a mayo or tartar. But all combined, it's a helluva burger.


Grape milkshakes are delicious and should be everywhere.


And potato teezers are like a cheesy hashbrown with some mild jalapeno and all delicious.

Another day, another new drive-in!

And since we talk about food here, let's talk snacks.

At Meadow Bridge Drive-In, they have yummy concessions.

I tried a Rocky Road candy for the first time - which has chocolate coated marshmallow with cashews.

And, then, I got a personal pizza!

In my quest to visit all of the drive-ins in West Virginia, there is always some snack time!

That includes huggies.

And hot dogs

And popcorn!

On my way to Beech Fork State Park, I drove passed Hazelett's Triple H Drive Inn.



And, we all know I'm a sucker for a drive in, so I made a mental note to come back.



I actually went inside because it was a bajillion degrees outside.



But the magic of drive ins is that you can eat right from your car!




Look at all these trays just waiting for car windows!



I got two hotdogs with chili, slaw, mustard and onions!



And a strawberry shake brings it all together.

Have you bee?