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American Old School Hangouts Come Back to Life

posted in: Fun  |  posted by: Jennifer Gregory on July 22, 2009  |  No Comments

Everything old is new again. Fashion trends we thought would never reappear (skinny jeans and Hammer pants, anyone) are reemerging and hairstyles once thought to be long gone are suddenly appearing on the heads of today’s youth. But what about entertainment? Are some of our old favorites resurfacing?

Remember spending nights at the local drive-in? What about roller skating with your friends? These old-school pastime activities were once incredibly popular and then somehow just faded away. But many are reappearing in places where you’d least expect to find them – giving you the opportunity to relive your past with a bit of nostalgia!

10. The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre – Wellfleet, MA

wellfleet-drive-in-theater

Image Credit:Chris Seufert

The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre in Wellfleet opened in 1957 and continues to entertain adults and children of all ages every summer. Don’t be surprised to see teens on dates, children running with their friends, and vintage car collectors with their tops down. The drive-in is stuck in the past so make sure you bring cash to pay for your movie tickets – though credit cards are accepted at the mini-golf course and grill.

9. The Beach Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz beach Boardwalk

The Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz was built in 1907 and features a 1911 carousel as well as a Giant Dipper ride dating as far back as 1924. Not all of the rides here are vintage but they all have a classic feel – including the haunted house, flume ride, and wooden roller coasters. Teens and couples looking to spend some time without screaming children in the background should visit on one of the boardwalk’s late nights when the rides stay open until 11pm.

8. Keels & Wheels Concours D’Elegance – Seabrook, TX

Wheels and Keels 2008-13

The annual showcase held at this amazing Texan yacht club features more than 200 classic cars as well as 60+ wooden boats. While the show usually features vintage cars and boats there is always an annual unveiling of a WaterCar – a new age vehicle that can drive on both land and water. Last seen at the show? The 1920’s Pierce-Arrow vehicle used in Smokey and the Bandit. Car lovers of all ages will enjoy this show.

7. Open Mike Night at the Apollo Theater – New York, NY

apollo-theater

Image Credit: WTL photos

Open mike night at the Apollo Theater has been a Wednesday routine since 1934. Some of our countries most famous stars were discovered during this amateur hour – including Ella Fitzgerald, The Isley Brothers, and more. Today the organizers prefer to see family-friendly routines including magic, animals, and more. Stay away from the steep balcony if you’re afraid of heights.

6. Century Ballroom and Café – Seattle, WA

century-ballroom

The Century Ballroom and Café in Seattle is an incredible venue for dancers from all walks of life. You’ll often find couples here practicing their ballroom technique, salsa, or even the Lindy hop. You can participate by dancing on the 2,000 square foot floor or stand up in the balcony for a bird’s eye view of the talent below. The ballroom is a great hangout for couples of all ages.

5. Dick’s Drive-In Restaurant – Seattle, WA

dicks-drive-in-restaurant

Image Credit: Darwin Bell

Dick’s Drive-In was built in 1954 and was the first in a chain by the same name. Diners will enjoy fresh hamburgers and milkshakes while dining in their cars – sorry, no tables and chairs here. Just remember this – the “have it your way” attitude we live by today didn’t exist in the 50’s – what you order is what you get – no exceptions or alterations.

4. The Gutter Bar – Brooklyn, NY

gutter-bar

Image Credit: roboppy

The Gutter Bar isn’t your average bowling alley. The lanes here were salvaged from an old alley in Ohio and the lanes are littered with old fashioned scoring machines made in the 1970’s. The bar is great for a beer or a drink but don’t expect to find your standard bowling alley fare here. Eat before you leave home.

3. Tonga Room at the Fairmont – San Francisco, CA

the-tonga-room

Image Credit:Kenn Wilson

The tiki-style bar at the Fairmont looks like something recreated from an old Gidget movie. The food here is amazing and the entertainment is decent but the real show comes when the tiki bar replicates its own indoor rainstorm. It’s a slightly tacky environment but its loads of fun.

2. Skateland Roller Rink – Towson, MD

Skateland sign
The Skateland Roller Rink in Towson features theme nights for different eras to enjoy the music they think is cool. Saturday evenings, for example, are for the 21 and older crowd when the rink stays open until 2am. Wednesdays are reserved for folks over the age of 30 only. Visit on Tuesdays and you’ll get in to a 3 hour session for a mere $3.

1. L.A. Derby Dolls – Los Angeles, California

Ready to watch a real competition? Visit the L.A. Derby Dolls for some raunchy roller skating fun that can only be described as a – well – spectacle. These oddly dressed women tend to bring out the strange in everyone who attends – most 20 year old students who want to grab a few drinks and watch the girls fight. Make sure you bring cash – using the ATM will cost you more than you want to spend.

LA Derby DollsImage Credit: mindonfire

These old-fashioned entertainment venues are guaranteed to bring back memories while providing you the opportunity to kick back and have a little fun at the same time. You might not be near one of these specific attractions but we guarantee you’ll be able to find something similar in an area near you!

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