Editor's Choice for Best Indie Lake Michigan Area Movie Theater

Vickers Theatre

vickerstheatre.com

Up against huge competitors, the Vickers Theatre in tiny Three Oaks, Mich., missed second place by just five votes. Readers clearly revel in the intimate atmosphere. Jon and Jennifer Vickers renovated a turn-of-the-century building with hardwood floors, bistro tables, chandeliers—“It’s a little bit classy,” says Jon. Munch on the usual concession items, but also enjoy a wide variety of juices and coffees. Cinema fare consists of for- eign and indie films: “Typically we show films that don’t get a lot of opportunity to play in this area.”

The theatre doubles as a gallery; every four weeks artists’ exhibits are rotated. “We have many experienced and younger artists,” notes Jon. “Part of our mission is to help support the arts locally.” Artworks are always for sale, but the gallery doesn’t charge a commission on the works—another way to support local artists at one of the few remaining mom-and-pop movie theaters.