There’s a great story in Texas that’s getting even better. Ryan Smith and his family built the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre (Lubbock) in 2003, and now they’re going to build the second Stars & Stripes in New Braunfels, a fun town between Austin and San Antonio on I-35.

According to its press release, “Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre will show digital first-run double-features nightly and be open year-round. Two of the screen towers will measure over 90 feet wide and be the largest movie screens in Texas. Located on 30 acres close to the intersection of FM 1101 and Kroesche Lane, about one mile from Freiheit Country Store and 9-pin bowling club, it will be the only drive-in theatre within a 150-mile radius of New Braunfels.” I think the Blue Starlite in Austin would dispute that last claim.

The Herald-Zeitung (what a great name!) of New Braunfels ran a great, lengthy story Sunday about the announcement and a general walk through the memories of drive-ins past. New Braunfels was once home to the Tower, a 250-car theater that opened in 1950. The Tower’s chunk of land was later converted to a Kroger grocery store, then refurbished with local economic development money into the headquarters of The Scooter Store, which filed for bankruptcy after an FBI raid this year. But I digress.

From the description of the new Stars & Stripes site, it’ll be less than a mile from I-35 at the Kohlenberg Road exit northeast of New Braunfels. “It’s a beautiful and convenient location, plus you can see the stars out there,” said Smith. The press release continued, “Families and friends will enjoy watching bright digital projection from inside the comfort of their own car or outside in lawn chairs. Because the drive-in theatre has always been more than just a movie going experience, Stars & Stripes will serve Rockin’ Eats from their 50’s Cafe, and guests can enjoy the patio and playground areas.” Sounds like fun!