Great Escape: A Nostalgic Date Night

School will be in session in just a few weeks, fall sports will begin, and soon every mom’s calendar will be full. Get your babysitters now for a fall date night escape to McHenry Outdoor Theater.

When I was a kid, our summers involved many family drive-in movie theater nights. I remember piling into our Chevy Suburban in our pajamas, the smell of popcorn in our car, and being carried back into our house because I had fallen asleep during the second feature. Because I loved these movie nights so much as a kid, I was ecstatic to learn that one of the few existing outdoor theaters is just a few miles from Libertyville in McHenry, Ill.

While I thoroughly enjoy bringing my children to the drive-in as a family escape, I was giddy when I found out about the establishment’s Fall Throwback Series.

Beginning Aug. 26, the theater is planning six weekends of themed throwback movies including Steven Spielberg weekend featuring E.T. and Jaws, ’80s Weekend featuring Back to the Future and Top Gun, and classic comedy weekend featuring Caddy Shack and Blazing Saddles.

While my kids appreciate my explanations of vinyl records and cassette tapes, I’m excited to enjoy sitting under the stars watching some classic movies with my husband without the giggles from the back seat.

McHenry Outdoor Theater, 1510 Chapel Hill Road, McHenry is open every day during the summer, with features beginning at dark. Features are subject to change, so call the theater at: 815-385-0144 for movies and showtimes.