I have loved Shell stations since before I was buying gasoline. Shell was the gas brand in LEGO so they got me in my formative years. These days, I'll choose Shell over anyone else (and on top of that, the Fuel Rewards program to save a few extra cents per gallon). So when this appeared on my path through Winston-Salem, I went out of my way to visit. This is the coolest thing. It is the last survivor of seashell-shaped gas stations that were built in the 1930s. This last station remained open until the 1950s and housed a lawn mower repair business in the 1970s and 80s. In 1976, it became the first individual station in America to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stick your nose up against the glass to see inside. You'll see historic black-and-white photograms, old Shell signs and other related memorabilia. The station will be here for a while thanks to Preservation North Carolina holding protective covenants. [Round number review 15000 overall, 502 of 2021, number 2864 in North Carolina.] read more

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This historical original gas station is located in south Winston. It has been preserved in its original form and location. It's pretty cool to have this in our city and to see this type of structure you feel like you are back in the 40s and 50s. If you're ever in the area, stop by and check it out you won't be disappointed. read more

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A unique find while driving through Winston-Salem. I've never seen a seashell shaped Shell gas station so of course we had to make a little detour for the stop. It's not in the best neighborhood but I never felt unsafe. We only spent about 2 minutes here for a quick photo. Wish we could have gone inside for a peek! Quick, easy, free and touristy! read more

Shell Gas Station - Taken in 2024 - Gas Stations Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Nice and unique tourist spot but not so nice neighborhood. This station closed in the 1950s but is an interesting stop to the long ago location of gassing up the vehicle. Two pumps are on the outside and a stationary ramp was off to the left to allow working on the underside of cars. On the inside was a wax (hopefully) statue of an attendant waiting to greet you (creepy). Some interesting info can be found on this link: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-last-shell-oil-clamshell-station-2-winston-salem-north-carolina read more

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Almost 100 years ago, North Carolina had approximately seven shell stations that were shaped like actual shells. None of them still exist except this one in Winston-Salem. It took a lot of work and $50,000 to restore this to its original form. Sadly, my wife and I went to visit it during a horrific rain storm. It was still super cool. it's not an active and working gas station, but is still definitely worth a visit. Very cool. I still wish they made gas stations and other businesses like this because I would visit them frequently. I highly recommend stopping here if you are in Winston Salem. read more

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Pretty cool. You can peep in the windows they have a bunch of old Shell stuff. I always seek stuff like this out when traveling! read more

Shell Gas Station - Gas Stations Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Unfortunately we came when the station was closed but it was still so cool to see. Definitely a great stop to take a little walk when you're doing a long drive. It would be nice to have some kind of signage on the outside somewhere for those who visit when the interior is closed, hence the one star drop. read more

Four stars for personality and uniqueness. This is in a random neighborhood in Winston Salem. Just a couple miles from downtown. This is the only remaining shell station that is actually a shell. You'll never find another one, anywhere in the world. I wouldn't make a special trip to see it, but if you're near it or in the general vicinity, stop by to see it. When will you ever have that chance again? It's kitschy and fun and makes for a neat photo op. It's on an easily accessible corner with plenty of parking for a tiny roadside attraction. Do it, why not? read more

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the best shell-shaped Shell station in northern carolina :-) also the worst shell-shaped Shell station in northern carolina :-( the bright yellow building and bold red gas pumps are out of place here amid a sea of single family homes - but honestly, they'd be out of place anywhere. the property is strangely appealing in a too-clean-to-be-open-for-business sort of way, too tidy even for a tourist destination. perhaps if we weren't doing plague there would be more to it but as March becomes May and COVID-19 starts to feel like the Andromeda Strain it's just a cultural oddity tucked away on a side street in the land that time is trying hard to forget. someone should maybe open a crabby patty place across the street or at least put in a postcard vending machine... read more

Shell Gas Station - Gas Stations Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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I had to stop by and see the Shell shaped Shell gas station. Be warned that this is not in the best neighborhood and you should be aware of your surroundings when visiting. This Shell is in need of a facelift, but it is a great representation of the 1930's and the infatuation with the emerging car culture. I understand it is the last of its kind in existence. If you enjoy all things cars, this is a great thing to see. Hopefully it will continue to stand and represent a different era of seemingly inexhaustible fuel and car culture. read more

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Wanted to find something unique and stumbled upon this vintage Shell station. In the middle of a quiet neighborhood sits this adorable shell station, it is worth stoping by. I am not sure if you an go inside or not, but you can peek through the windows and see some interesting items. read more

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What a hidden gem. I was in NC and was looking for something to do and could not pass up this experience. Definitely worth the stop if you're in the area. read more

Shell Gas Station - Shell gas station - Gas Stations Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

What a great piece of history. I feel like I was back in the 50's when we visited. Very well maintained and like a hidden jewel in the city. read more

Shell Gas Station - Gas Stations Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

This is not a working gas station but rather a price if history. This is the only station of mine built in 1930s that is still standing. Very cool stop fir a photo op and a bit of history read more

This is a great little spot to get a few photographs of the past. It is an out of operation gas station in the shape of the "Shell" clamshell that is their logo. It was built in the 1930's and is the last of the 15 that were built in North Carolina. It is well maintained and freshly painted, making for a vivid and pretty photograph as a reminder of your visit to Winston-Salem. read more

I had never seen a Shell station like this in my life. I was in the area and just had to go here and take personal photos. This gas station is not in operation, however the building is painted freshly and appears well maintained. There are two huge gravity fed gas pumps, that I've never seen in all my years. Along side of the station are two lifts, mechanics used to use for auto repairs and oil changes. There is no charge for a visit here, and if you are in the area, this is a must-see. read more

Yes. This is just a gas station in the shape of its namesake. Yes, the neighborhood in which it is located seems a little seedy. Yes, you probably won't be here visiting very long ( the structure is teeny tiny!). But boy is it cool! You don't come across gaudy architectural relics like these too often, so if you get the opportunity, stop by to check it out. It's definitely a one of a kind location. Great place to snap a picture in front of if nothing else. A true gem! read more