The summer months are when Hollywood releases its biggest blockbusters, but it’s hard to justify sitting in a stuffy movie theater when it’s warm out and the sun doesn’t set until 9:30. Drive-in movie theaters are a time-honored solution to this problem. Though they’re mostly tucked away on old highways and you don’t often see them, Western New York is wealthy with places to park and watch.

The Transit Drive-In, for example, has been in business in Lockport since 1957, back when drive-ins only had one screen. It has since expanded to four screens, and each shows a nightly double feature. The operation also includes a miniature golf course, a concession stand and wireless Internet access.

The best thing about drive-ins are the prices: For a paltry $7 per person, moviegoers get two films, a great deal. The Transit Drive-In features Dolby Digital Sound on one of their screens, making the experience even better. Combined with the summer air and the fabled romance of the drive-in atmosphere, it’s hard to imagine a better way to see any of this summer’s biggest hits.

There are at least eight drive-ins within an hour’s drive of the city:

Local:

Buffalo Drive-In Theater

Harlem Road, Buffalo, 893-0406

Transit Drive-In Theatre

Transit Road, Lockport, 625-8535

Southern tier:

Grandview Drive-In

Route 5, Angola, 549-2450

Delevan Drive-In Theatre

Route 16, Delevan, 496-5660

Portville Drive-In

Route 17, Portville, 933-8750

East:

East Avon Vintage Drive-in

Route 15, East Avon, 585-226-9290

Silver Lake Drive-In Theatre

Chapman Avenue, Perry, 585-237-3372

Sunset Drive-In

Telegraph Road, Middleport, 735-7372