Many adults can remember going to the drive-in movies as a child, but most drive-ins have closed over the past quarter century. In Virginia, only a few drive-in theaters remain, and one is right here in Rockbridge County!
Hull’s Drive-In dates back to 1950, originally named the Lee Drive-In Theatre and operated by W.C. Atkins. It was bought by Mr. Sebert Hull of Buena Vista in 1957 and renamed as Hull’s Drive-In. Mr. Hull and his wife, Effie, operated Hull’s Drive-In for 40 years. Hull’s was famous for reasonable ticket prices, a snack bar with great cheeseburgers and french fries, and the friendly reception of Mr. and Mrs. Hull.
When Mr. Hull passed away in 1998, Mrs. Hull sold Hull’s Drive-In to W.D. Goad, owner of Goad’s Body Shop next door to the theatre. Mr. Goad kept the drive-in going in 1998 but, facing expensive upgrades and restoration at the drive-in, Mr. Goad was going to have to close it. The community came together to save the drive-in and under the leadership of Eric and Elise Sheffield, a local group calling themselves Hull’s Angels formed to save the theatre and preserve the distinct character that had attracted families and visitors from as far away as Roanoke and Charlottesville for so many years. Thanks to this determined group of local citizens, Hull’s Drive-In now has the distinction of being the first member-owned, community operated drive-in in the United States with 501c(3) status as a non-profit organization. The continued support of Hull's Angels helps assure that this local treasure will be around for the next generation.
Several years ago, with community support, the drive-in upgraded to digital projection, allowing it to show first-run movies with much greater clarity. In 2014, the 50 year-old screen was replaced with a new state-of-the-art screen, which makes the picture even brighter. In 2018, the sound system was replaced with all new speakers and wiring thanks to a very generous anonymous donor. In 2021, after a successful campaign that raised almost $400,000, Hull’s Angels bought the five acres of land that the drive-in sits on, assuring that it would remain open and showing movies under the stars for years to come.
Hull’s Drive-In is located four miles north of Lexington on U.S. Rt. 11. The season begins in mid to late March and runs through the end of October, with double feature shows every Friday and Saturday night, and a single feature Sundays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. The drive-in is very family-friendly and kids enjoy playing on the grass in front of the big screen before showtime. Movies are chosen, as much as possible, to showcase a film for all audiences for the first show, and a more grown-up film for the second. Open captioning available for the hearing impaired on Sunday nights.
The Drive-In is also available to be rented for special events, private parties and community gatherings. Become a member of Hull’s Angels and receive special discounts while helping support this local treasure. Corporate sponsorships are also available. Any donations to support Hull’s Drive-In may be sent to Hull’s Angels, P.O. Box 1, Lexington, VA 24450.
For more information on what’s playing, check the movie listings online at
www.hullsdrivein.com or call 540) 463-2621 for the Movie Line.
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