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Photo courtesy James Media
The Mustang Drive-In
The Mustang Drive-In is located Prince Edward County, Ont., and is currently for sale for $1,390,000.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Retro bus
This retro bus is included in the sale of the property.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Retro bus interior
It serves as the drive-in's ticket booth.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Concession kitchen
The kitchen was recently updated. Snacks like popcorn, fries, hot dogs, and more are served up to drive-in patrons here.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Concession kitchen
Here’s another view of the drive-in’s concession facilities.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Drive-in property
The drive-in sits on nine acres of land.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Drive-in property
It’s conveniently located right off of County Road 1, near the village of Bloomfield, Ont.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, living area
Above the drive-in’s concession shop is this live-in apartment.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, kitchen
The apartment was also recently renovated.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, living area
The apartment has two additional rooms (a bedroom and an office), plus a bathroom.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, bedroom
Here’s the bedroom.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, office
This room is currently being used as an office, but it could also serve as a second bedroom.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, bathroom
Here's the bathroom.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, deck
The apartment has a quaint deck that overlooks the property’s sprawling nine acres.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, deck
Here’s how the deck is currently set up.
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Photo courtesy James Media
Upper-level apartment, deck
There’s lots of space for an outdoor furniture or dining set, plus room for a barbecue.
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Photo courtesy Alex Lupul
Special moments
The Mustang Drive-In is a local favourite.
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Photo courtesy Alex Lupul
Music night
It’s hosted events other than movie viewings over the years as well, including concerts.
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Photo courtesy Alex Lupul
The next act
The Mustang Drive-In’s current owners, Dawn Laing and Drew Downs are ready to pass the torch.
You could own a piece of history by purchasing this beloved drive-in movie theatre in Prince Edward County, Ont. The Mustang Drive-In opened in PEC in 1954 and has been a County favourite ever since. Current owners Dawn Laing and Drew Downs officially took over the establishment in 2020 and are now looking to “pass the torch” says Laing.
“Bringing the Mustang Drive-In back to life was incredibly rewarding,” she says. Laing and Downs upgraded the property extensively over their years of ownership, including overhauling the commercial kitchen, restoring the roadside marquee, repairing both of their screens, and replacing the projectors and sound systems.
Included in the sale is an apartment above the drive-in’s concession shop with a bedroom, an office, a full kitchen, a bathroom, and an outdoor deck. The drive-in’s iconic retro bus stationed near the entrance will stay too. “It’s actually an old Kingston city bus,” Laing says. “The previous owners bought it at an auction and turned it into our ticket booth.”
Uniquely, Laing and Downs are in search of a specific buyer for the property, namely one that has plans to maintain the business. “Ideally we’d find someone who wants to continue the drive-in’s legacy,” Laing says. The couple have crafted instructional booklets to pass along to the new owner, including manuals on how to run the snack bar, operate the projectors, update the website, and more. “We’re open to exploring other options as well, though,” Lang adds. “We know there is someone out there that sees the potential for the Mustang’s next act.”
The drive-in is located at 1521 County Road 1 and is currently listed for $1,390,000. It was originally put up for sale in the fall of 2023. “We knew it could take years to find the right buyers. We wanted to get the ball rolling knowing we could still do another season or two,” says Laing.
She adds the nine-acre property is labelled as Highway Commercial (CH) under the municipality’s zoning bylaw, meaning the drive-in could be revitalized to include a hotel, motel, or restaurant.
The Mustang Drive-In has long been a place for friends and family to gather for a fun night out in The County. In recent years, it’s hosted special events as well, such as trunk shows, private parties, and concerts.
“Had so much fun watching the movies and celebrating our wedding anniversary at Mustang Drive-in PEC last night,” wrote one fan on the drive-in’s Facebook page this past July. “I love this drive-in,” wrote another commenter.
Here’s to cottage-country drive-ins and the fun and magic they provide!
(Fun fact: the Mustang Drive-In was nominated as the best in cottage country according to you, our readers, in Cottage Life‘s “Best of Cottage Country” story from the March/April ’24 issue.)
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