Nothing hits quite like driving with the windows down on a warm summer night in the Hudson Valley. A pastel-colored sky almost cradles the mountains as the landscape unfolds before you. This picturesque scene is one you are likely to catch on your way to Greenville's local gem – the Greenville Drive-In.

The Greenville Drive-In, also referred to as Greenville 32 (after the route on which it resides), has become a local staple in Greenville, NY and the surrounding areas. Originally opened in 1959, this single-screen drive-in has recently been reinvigorated by its newest owners, Dwight Grimm and Leigh Van Swall, whose vision has honored its past, but propelled it into the 21st Century.

What patrons experience at Greenville is not simply an outdoor movie, but a fully immersive cinematic shindig. “It’s sort of like we throw a movie party every week and we invite people to come be a part of our party life,” says Grimm.

When they were showing the classic 80’s movie, “Airplane,” for example, they held nothing back. “I served everything at the bar in little airplane bottles, made pretzel snack packs… I was in a pilot uniform and she (Van Swall) was in a flight attendant uniform. We try to make it fun.”

In addition to movie watching, customers are allowed (and encouraged) to arrive two hours before showtime to enjoy the scenery, local food trucks, and live music. Each weekend, Grimm also concocts specialty cocktails to match their current showing.

This community-oriented approach has led to ongoing partnerships with the Woodstock Film Festival and Basilica Hudson. Additionally, in the early pandemic, the couple welcomed an influx of customers (and partnership requests) as outdoor activities skyrocketed. They were able to feature first-run showings for smaller lesser-known directors, and they even hosted a few local middle and high school graduations. “It’s really nice to feel like we’re contributing,” says Grimm.

But, owning a drive-in isn’t all fun and games. Many classic films are no longer able to be shown due to ever-shifting film rights. Changes to the Disney Vault, for example, have taken fan favorites such as “The Princess Bride” and “The Sandlot” off the menu. And Dwight and Leigh have to pay special attention to certain films that have not necessarily aged well like “Saturday Night Fever.”

As the movie landscape evolves, places like the Greenville Drive-In are increasingly more rare and special. And when it comes to determining the yearly lineup, the couple continues to show thoughtfulness and passion. “It’s that time of year where we duke it out about what the schedule is going to look like,” says Grimm.

Indeed, it's the shared experience of cinema and cocktails that drives this couple and their concept – an appreciation and desire to give customers lasting memories while they do what they love.

And, for Grimm, that’s what makes the Greenville Drive-In so magical. “We often put up the same movies that you could see on cable or Netflix, but we add that additional ‘oomph.’ We’re really celebrating these movies.”

Find @drivein32 in Greenville, New York. www.drivein32.com

By Carrie Shaw

Images courtesy of Greenville Drive-In