VALPARAISO, IN -- One of the best memories from Steve Cotton's childhood is when his dad would come home from work and say, "Let's load up the car. We're going to the drive-in."
    A trip to the drive-in movie theatre meant arriving early to run around and play. It meant getting to see two movies instead of one. And it meant something delicious from the concession stand during intermission.
    "It's a different way of watching the movie - under the stars instead of crowded in a movie theater seat next to other people," Cotton said.
     "To me, it's a much nicer experience and it's a lot more fun. It's an experience."
    Cotton is keeping the drive-in theater experience alive for today's kids, and people of all ages. He and his brother own the 49er Drive-In Theatre in Valparaiso.
    The 49er is one of only about 400 drive-ins left in the country, down from the 4,000 or so that existed during the drive-in heyday of the late 1950s.
    Cotton not only has kept the 49er going, he and his family have upgraded the experience by adding fresh pizzas and other food to the concession stand and doing fun promotions for the kids. For example, when the last Shrek movie played, the 49er had a live donkey, a person dressed as Shrek and giveaways.
    "It's enjoyable seeing the smiles on their faces," Cotton said.
    "You get a lot of positive feedback...With all the work and money you put into the place, it makes you feel good when people appreciate it."
    They have been chosen as one of the top 10 drive-ins in the nation and have received a local award for excellence.
    When a storm damaged the movie screen in December of 2010, many people  came forward and offered to raise money to fix the 49er. Cotton rebuilt without taking anyone up on their offers, but he gained a new appreciation for people's love for the 49er.
    "It was really, really touching. It was amazing how many people called and e-mailed," he said.
    Cotton said he and his brother, Mike, who are both in their 50s, had an auto repair shop before getting into the drive-in theater business more than a decade ago.
    He said it was never fun to charge someone $2,500 for a car transmission or other needed repair. But now, as owners of the 49er, they can give people five or six hours of good, family entertainment for a reasonable cost.
    One of the first movies Cotton recalls seeing at a drive-in was the 1969 John Wayne classic "True Grit." It remains one of his favorite movies.    
    Cotton, his wife, Phyllis, his brother and a dedicated staff make sure the show goes on seven nights a week during the summer, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the spring and fall.
    Cotton thinks of all the businesses that have come and gone since the 49er opened in 1956.
    "Here a little one-screen drive-in is still kicking because people keep coming back, and we appreciate it," he said.
    The 49er is part of a thriving 1950s scene in Indiana Dunes Country. In nearby Chesterton, Port Drive in still serves frosty mugs of old-fashioned root beer and chili dogs.
    Just outside of Chesterton, visitors can stay at one of two retro motels -- Blackhawk Motel and Al and Sally's Motel. There are also frequent classic car shows throughout Indiana Dunes Country.

49er Drive-in Theatre
The only remaining one of its kind in the region, the 49er shows first run movies.
Operating season: Generally open weekends during Apr, May, Sep and Oct. Open 7 days a week from Memorial Day weekend until school starts (usually 3rd week in Aug). Call for movies/show times.
Hours: Show starts at dusk; box office opens 60-90 minutes prior
Address: 675 North Calumet Avenue, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-462-6122
Web: 49erdrivein.com

Port Drive In restaurant
Enjoy a meal brought to your car by carhops on skates or dine inside. Open during the summer.
Address: 419 N. Calumet Road, Chesterton, IN 46304
Phone: 219-926-3500
Web: theportdrivein.com

Al and Sally's Motel
Address: 3221 W. Dunes Highway, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: 219-872-91319

Blackhawk Motel
Address: 3651 W. Dunes Highway, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: 219-872-8656

Classic car shows

Web: indianadunes.com/car


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