The coronavirus pandemic could mean a surge in popularity for a type of entertainment that saw its heyday decades ago -- the drive-in movie theater.

On the outskirts of Litchfield County in the town of Barkhamsted lies a slice of nostalgia on a three-acre lot.

Pleasant Valley Drive-In owner Donna McGrane is now in her 25th season. The theater first opened in 1947 and she took it over in 1996.

McGrane opened last weekend during bad weather and saw the place sell out.

The old drive-in suddenly the new night out, but with restrictions in place. McGrane had to reduce the capacity of her one-screen theater from 250 cars to 175 cars. For now, movie-goers have to stay in their cars to watch the feature.

"As of the 20th, they'll be able to get out and sit in front of their car, either on a lawn chair or blanket," McGrane said.

The bathrooms and concessions stand are open with markings on the ground to keep people a safe ways apart. Anyone who does leave their cars must wear a face mask or covering.

Pleasant Valley is first come, first serve and cash only with screenings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

McGrane called the crowds opening weekend "incredible," with cars coming from New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

"I guess I was surprised by how many people were saying 'thank you' to me as I was saying 'thank you' to them for coming," she said. "They were like 'no, thank you just for being open.'"

Connecticut has two other drive-in movie theaters. The Mansfield drive-in is set to open May 20. The Southington theater has not announced a date yet.