Moonlite Drive-In
17555 Lee Highway,
Abingdon,
VA
24210
17555 Lee Highway,
Abingdon,
VA
24210
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The theater is under new ownership and is planned to be reopened this year https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/abingdons-historical-moonlite-theatre-under-new-ownership/
The Moonlite was constructed by Concord, North Carolina native T.D. Field, who also operated both the Clinch Theatre in Tazewell and the Valley Theatre in North Tazewell since taken over from W.W. Thompson on November 1, 1942.
Opened June 9th, 1949. Grand opening ad posted.
Was used in 2020 for plays
didn’t reopen
https://www.heraldcourier.com/news/lawsuit-filed-against-owner-of-moonlite-drive-in/article_3b435267-745b-58b7-9b66-fd73e223614e.html
For sale. http://m.wcyb.com/news/moonlite-drivein-theatre-reluctantly-sets-sale-price/31954688
This drive-in is closed. It did not open for the 2014 season and the phone is disconnected.
I’ve found their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/abingdonmoonlite
Something about the 35mm projector breaking and not being able to repair it.
Hey Chuck1231, I just tried calling their phone number too. Yup you are right. The recording says closed for repairs. Didn’t sound too hopeful.
The website is no good any more. Just goes to a go daddy this site for sale.
I’m sorry to see this joint in such rough shape now. It was in very nice condition when I visited it in 2001. That marquee was just beautiful then, it breaks my heart to see it all beat-up!
Despite the website being down this drive in is still operation. I don’t know how they plan to handle the digital conversion but they are planning to continue operating as far as I can tell.
We like the moonlite drive in and have been coming up there since 09 and they always have new movies available! But this last time wasn’t the best! But not because of the service of the great people they have working there but mainly the men’s bathroom is in need of a major facelift and my lil boy was afraid to use it! And I walked in and was actually shocked! Plus the grass was grown up a lil bit! Otherwise we love this place! Great food and great prices and how friendly everyone that work there is
The Moonlite is in danger of having to close forever. Because of 2 multiplex theaters opening a few miles away in both directions in recent years (One in Bristol and one in Abingdon)and a slow economy, the Moonlite is struggling to stay open and has recently announced it may not be able to open in the spring (2010) for its 51st year. This would be a great loss to the area. Where else can you see a double feature of new release movies for the very reasonable admission of only $5, plus concessions about ½ price of the big new indoor theaters. I hope we don’t lose another historic part of our past and future.
Here are some photos:
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/mlite3a.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/mlite4a.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/mlite5c.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/mlite7b.jpg
http://www.agilitynut.com/p/mlite6a.jpg