Embarking on a virtual journey across the Lone Star State, my Drive-In-a-Day Odyssey made a stop at a gem in the Rio Grande Valley: the WesMer Drive-In Theater in Mercedes, TX. Located conveniently between Mercedes and Weslaco, this drive-in offers a nostalgic slice of Americana with a Texan twist. After a five-and-a-half-hour virtual drive from Hockley, the Wesmer Theater Mercedes was a welcome sight, promising an evening under the stars with the magic of the movies.
Ticket booth and back of WesMer drive-in screen
The WesMer Theater Mercedes boasts a history as rich as the South Texas landscape. While some online sources suggest an opening in the late 1940s, historical theater catalogs confirm its presence by 1952. Like many drive-ins of its era, the WesMer sadly closed its doors in the mid-1980s. However, demonstrating the enduring appeal of outdoor cinemas, it triumphantly reopened in 1994, much to the delight of the local community and drive-in enthusiasts alike. This revival story makes the WesMer Theater Mercedes a testament to the cherished drive-in culture.
One of the unique aspects of the WesMer Theater Mercedes is its intriguing neighbor: a bustling flea market. Unlike many drive-ins that host flea markets on their own grounds during the day, the WesMer’s flea market operates just across the street. This proximity adds a distinctive local flavor to the drive-in experience, offering the potential for a day of bargain hunting followed by an evening of movie magic at the WesMer Theater Mercedes.
Beyond the silver screen, the concession stand at the WesMer Theater Mercedes is a definite highlight. Seeking something beyond the standard drive-in fare, I opted for a comforting Frito pie and a hearty bowl of chili, perfectly complementing the essential popcorn and bottled water. This willingness to offer diverse and satisfying food options elevates the WesMer experience, ensuring moviegoers are well-fed and happy.
On this particular virtual visit, the WesMer Theater Mercedes was showcasing “Assassin’s Creed.” While personal preferences may vary (and the Tomatometer score wasn’t stellar), the opportunity to enjoy any movie under the vast Texas sky at a drive-in is always a treat. The WesMer, with its single screen, provides a focused and classic drive-in movie experience.
Miles Traveled Today / Total: 359 / 2294
Feature Presentation / Active Movie Nights: Assassin’s Creed / 12
Local Dining Recommendation: For those seeking a pre-movie dinner or a post-show treat, Cortino’s Italian Restaurant in nearby Weslaco comes highly recommended. Described as the best Italian restaurant in the area, Cortino’s offers freshly prepared pasta dishes and homemade desserts, promising an authentic and delightful family-style dining experience, perfectly aligning with the WesMer’s own community-focused charm.
Virtual Accommodation: The Holiday Inn Express in Weslaco provided a comfortable virtual overnight stay. The in-room mini-fridge, microwave, and Keurig coffee machine offered convenient amenities, making a longer stay tempting, though the road to the next drive-in beckoned.
Mercedes Quirks: A short drive to Hidalgo reveals a truly unique local attraction: the world’s largest killer bee statue. Commissioned by the Hidalgo Economic Development Department for $20,000, this ten-foot-tall statue stands proudly in front of Hidalgo city hall, a testament to the area’s distinctive and sometimes quirky local pride.
Next Destination: Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, New Braunfels TX.
