Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre

Ah, nothing draws out American nostalgia like the drive-in theater, a dying breed among entertainment venues. On Friday I checked out the Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre (www.highway18.com), about a 30-min. drive from downtown Madison. To get there, take the Beltline east and follow until you hit Hwy 18, then turn left. The theater will be on your right.

Like most theaters, this one doesn't allow carry-ins. In rare instances they will actually check your car. Tickets are $7 at the door for two movies, a steal in this day and age of $8 movies. Bring lots of cash, because they don't accept credit cards anywhere on premise, nor is there an ATM.

Once you get in, most any spot will be a good one for viewing. Just be forewarned, the best spots will be taken up by 8, so plan on arriving early. The first movie doesn't begin until it gets dark (in the summer, past 9 p.m.), so bring cards or other items to keep you busy.

Otherwise, hit the bar. On the top of the hill is an older building that the theater opened recently as a bar (in fact, it opened for the first time when I was there). Prices are moderate; I was able to get a tap of Bud Light for $1.75 (they don't serve Miller products because their "distributor is an ass"). This bar, like everything else, is cash only. Other than some bar stools, there isn't any seating, and the bar is sparsely decorated save for a foosball table--I would assume this all will improve over time.

Unlike typical drive-in theaters, you don't have to use the audio box to get sound from the movie. That's because they also pipe in the audio via 93.1 FM (its broadcast range is just enough for the theater area). With the use of the radio, many people put out blankets and lawnchairs in front of their cars and watched the movie outside their car. It does get chilly at night, especially during the second movie (midnight+), so bring a light jacket.

This theater is very family oriented; you'll see more little kids running around than you will teenage couples looking to make out all night. With of all the kids, the lines for the bathroom are extra long, because parents have to take kids with them to the very small bathrooms (the women's restroom line was often around 30 deep). So think twice before you drink that 32 oz. soda.

Speaking of food, I ate dinner ahead of time, so I didn't purchase anything. However, I did see the concessions menu, and beyond candy and popcorn, it includes burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, chicken strips, nachos, fish, onion rings, mozzarella sticks and other snacks.

I certainly enjoyed my experience at this theater, and I plan on coming back some day (once the movies change, about once a month).