Summit Drive-In
10100 Highway 91,
Glade Spring,
VA
24340
10100 Highway 91,
Glade Spring,
VA
24340
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More accurate location is: Near 9761-9755 VA-91, Glade Spring, VA 24340.
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The former Summit Drive-in Theatre in Glade Spring, VA once lit up the night sky with movie magic. Opened in 1953 and operated by Joseph L. Meek—who also ran the Laurel Drive-In in Damascus—it served as a beloved gathering place for locals from Glade Spring, Saltville, and Rich Valley. In its later years, the Summit became known for showing adult films before closing in 1986. The screen tower came down in 1998, but the site has remained a quiet landmark of local history.
The site is now completely overtaken by construction equipment, lumber, and various vehicles. A sign by the entrance bears the name of what appears to be a new tenant, though I couldn’t quite make out what business is moving in. From my vantage point, I could still see the old ticket booth and storage building tucked behind the activity, but I couldn’t tell whether the original snack bar and concession stand are still standing.
Even as the land changes hands and purpose, the Summit’s story lingers—etched in the memories of those summer nights under the stars.
Hello, a few corrections to this post if you please. I am the Grandson of the Late owners Summit. You show Joe Meek as the operator which is incorrect. Joe and my Grandfather were partners. Joe ran the Laurel Drive-In located in Damascus, VA. My grandparents, Bill & Mildred owned and operated the Summit. I haven’t taken time to look at your site yet but I would like to add this about The Summit and many other drive-ins if you have not elsewhere………………………….. The Summit, or the unfortunate name it gained Scummit, fell to the same plight as Main Street America, with the introduction of the shopping experience called “The Mall” the drive-in theater business went to the wayside. Due mostly to the cost of obtaining first run movies. Because everyone was going to the Mall to see their movies, it left drive-ins with so few people showing up it wouldn’t cover cost. The answer was one of two things, close up shop and start looking for another career after devoting so many years, or run the movies people would come see at the drive-in to make a living. If folks will remember, so many drive-ins moved to showing adult films in the last years, I remember there was even one that had stalls people pulled their cars into. Adapt & Overcome which used to be the American way. Thankyou
Glade Spring should be the city, actually. Please fix.
thnks Chuck.
Was this once called the VILLAGE DRIVE-in owned by T.O.Fields?