Going to the movies is an integral part of the American experience.  It’s something you can do alone, something families can do together, makes for a perfect date night, and the ideal social gathering point for kids.  Of course, for parents, it’s also one more place on a long list of places you need to chauffer your kids and their friends to when they make plans.  Ah, but not so in Cranford!  Relax, parents, pour yourself a cup of coffee, put up your feet, and hang up your car keys for a while!  This is one of the benefits of living in Cranford!

Kids want to go to the movies with their friends?  Go!  The Cranford Theater lies right in the heart of town, within walking distance for most.  No parental chauffeuring required. While the theater is small, it usually has four movies playing at a time.  And, for the parent crowd, it often offers artistic films, and now adds occasional live simulcasts of artistic concerts.  The fact that it IS in the heart of town means that finding a place to eat before or after the show is a cinch.  Again, no driving required.

Not finding the movie of your choice at the Cranford Theater?  Just a hop, skip, and a 10 minute train ride away is the Rialto in Westfield.  Nestled in a corner of the shopping area of Westfield, finding a place to eat is, again, effortless and within walking distance.  Slightly larger than the Cranford Theater, the Rialto usually offers 8 movie choices at a time, again in a small theater atmosphere.  Both theaters have been recently renovated, and are clean, modern, and well kept.  Both offer full concession stands.

 Perhaps the greatest appeal  of these places is their role as integral parts of the community.  Local young people are employed at both theaters, and both have a small, cozy, hometown feel that hints of yesteryear.  And, did I mention the no driving required by parents?  Kids can meet up with their friends and head to the movies together.  On a pleasant evening, families can walk to the movies, as well, and stop for ice cream on the way home.  What could be better than having a little piece of Americana right in your own neighborhood?