The Riviera Theatre

Cities may have a hundred night clubs or theaters and a thousand bars, but Three Rivers has The Riviera, which serves as all of the above and feels more authentic than many big city attractions ever will.

Indie films, documentaries, opera, ballet, live music, even burlesque shows; all these things have graced the stage of this fair theatre, and while not everything meets with paramount success, most people who walk into this building are struck by a sense of age and beauty not often found in your average small-town Main Street establishment.

Aside from the entertainment value, the Riviera also has the best bar in town, allowing adult movie-goers to enjoy a top-quality alcoholic beverage when they're movie-going, which is not something you'll often get to do outside of Europe or the comfort of your own home. The bar itself is well stocked, with dozens of craft brews from around Michigan, a few new and interesting beers on tap almost every time you walk in, and a relaxed and casual atmosphere that is occasionally punctuated by a floor-packing dance party.

One of the things I remember most from my childhood in Three Rivers was the special times we would go to see a movie at the Riviera Theater.  The closest movie complex was over 30 minutes away so we would wait every week to see what one movie the Riviera Theater would pick for that week!

After being open since1925, the Riviera closed down in 2000 after an actual movie complex came into town.  However it was renovated and re-opened by a local family in 2008.  The Riviera's renovations did not change the unique and beautiful architecture in the building, but updated the technology and added a bar and concession area.  

The Riviera now shows current independent movies, classics, and operas/ballets.  One of my mother's favorite times is Christmas.  The Riviera shows all the classic Christmas movies on the big screen.   When home, I was able to see White Christmas on the big screen with my family. White Christmas has been a staple movie in our household since I was a child and being able to see it on the big screen was great for me.

In addition to being a really unique experience, you cannot beat small-town prices.  The biggest popcorn they have is only $3, biggest soda is $2.50, and they have a full bar.  I must admit my favorite piece is that they still make old fashioned sodas, including the Green River, which was my favorite when little.  

If close to Three Rivers the Riviera really is a unique experience that you should get to.