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Drive-In Movie Sign
Rexburg Drive-In
By Rebecca Clark


      Going to the movies is a pastime that nearly every person in America loves. The magic and excitement we receive when we are seeing a movie with friends or family is unparalleled.  In addition to the stadium seating of the large cinemas, who can resist the nostalgic feeling of attending drive-in theaters across America? I’ve always loved going to the Rexburg drive-in. It reminds me of falling asleep in my grandmother’s arms after being bundled up with my brothers to go see The Lion King double feature. Drive-In theaters remind movie-goers of the simple joys of gathering with family.
     With Rexburg being such a family-oriented community, it is surprising to find out that the Teton Vu Drive-In has passed through various owners for years, with intermittent periods of inactivity. While drive-in theaters bring a nostalgic atmosphere to the movie-going experience, today’s patrons prefer indoor theaters due to the ever-changing Idaho weather conditions.
     Because of such weather restraints, the drive-in is subject to seasonal hours. Teton Vu opens for the spring and summer season at the beginning of June (once local schools have gotten out) and closes around October before the Idaho wind drives patrons to warmer establishments and the snow flurries bury the drive-in’s entrance. Also, as with all outdoor theaters, Teton Vu is subject to daylight savings time. The movie starts rolling once the sun has set, generally between 10:00 to 10:30. The theater can be a little hard to find, but as you’re driving down 2nd East in Rexburg (pretend that you’re leaving campus and heading toward Wal-Mart), just turn right at the stoplight onto the Yellowstone Highway as if you are going towards Sugar City. It will be directly off of the road on your right. You can’t miss it.
     As far as the movie-going experience, be sure to be prepared with a functional radio. While there are outdoor speakers provided, they leave a lot to be desired with their inconsistent performance and, at times, the sound has a lot of static. But, it comes through crisp and clear through the provided radio station.


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Drive-In Movie Screen
      Teton Vu features only one screen, so it lacks a huge variety in the movies you can watch. However, it usually promotes double features. While these movies aren’t necessarily shown on their release dates, they are still considered “new” movies and well worth the price: Adults with $5 admission while both children and seniors enter at $3 admission. Bathrooms and concessions are provided, so families with children need not worry about accidents or running out of treats. Furthermore, the parking is great and the screen has few defects on it. The stage is set for an awesome night with family or friends.
      Without a doubt, drive-in theaters have, and continue, to hold a certain amount of magic in our memories. For me, it is being warm and cozy in my grandparents’ car, nuzzling my “blankie” while staring at the screen in amazement. For others, the experience is different but no less memorable. Teton Vu, hidden in the back roads of Rexburg, Idaho, is (and will hopefully always remain) a place where families can join together and form precious memories that will stay with children well into adulthood.