Shell Shaped Shell

by Stephen on February 6, 2011 0 Comments

 

Radiant symbol of a bygone era, when fossil fuel seemed happily inexhaustible, Winston-Salem's shell shaped service station is the last of its kind.

Eight were originally built in the late 1930s by the Quality Oil Company, a Winston-based marketer of Shell Oil. The station, modeled on the brand logo of Royal Dutch-Shell Oil, was constructed of concrete stucco over a bent wood and wire framework.

The clamshell stations serviced gas guzzlers for decades, but were gradually pumped into oblivion by the twin engines of Development and Progress.

The Shell station is a worthy photo detour, just a little north of Interstate 40.The station on Sprague Street survived through the 1970s and '80s as a lawn mower repair place. It slid into disrepair towards the end of the 20th century. A state historic society, Preservation North Carolina, stepped in and restored the faded highway icon in the late 1990s ...

read more

Shelton Vinyards

by Stephen on January 30, 2011 0 Comments

Founded in 1999, Shelton Vineyards is the largest family-owned estate winery in North Carolina. Located in the Yadkin Valley near Dobson and Mt. Airy, NC, the winery features a spacious visitor center with a tasting bar and gift shop.

Shelton Vineyards offers tours and tastings every day of the week. Shelton Vineyards' grounds are beautifully landscaped, and picnicking is encouraged. Picnic supplies are available on the premises. During the summer months, Shelton Vineyards sponsors a summer concert series on our outdoor stage.

The Bunker Dwelling Hermit

by Stephen on December 8, 2010 0 Comments

Robert E. Harrill had a rotten family life, and wound up in a mental hospital in Morgantown, North Carolina. One day, at age 62, he returned to his home in Shelby, packed one bag, and hitchhiked 260 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. For the next 17 years he lived in a World War II bunker in the salt marshes near the mouth of the Cape Fear River, eating crabs and fish that he caught and paying for groceries with whatever money was brought to him by visitors. That money may have been surprisingly substantial.

Although Harrill was called "The Fort Fisher Hermit," he was hardly alone. At the time of his death, it was reckoned that he was the second most popular tourist attraction in North Carolina. Harrill's self-imposed exile -- 1955-1972 -- coincided with America's fascination with bohemians and back-to-the-land lifestyles. It was cool to make a pilgrimage to ...

read more

Mountain Roadway

by Stephen on October 20, 2010 0 Comments

This byway will engage your senses and recall the past. It has been appropriately named Mountain Medley for the rich history of the local music and the rise and fall of these beautiful hills – a melody of greatest proportions.

Mount Pisgah in the Fall

A point to access this byway is Exit 24 on I-40 near Lake Junaluska or Waynesville. Begin the route by traveling north along N.C. 209. After 1.3 miles you will cross the path of the Pigeon River. The river received its name because of the large flock of fowl that once lived along its banks. Within two miles after crossing the river you pass through Crabtree (elev. 2659’). Travel another 1/2 mile and the route from this point north is closely bound by the Pisgah National Forest. This forest extends throughout 12 counties and more than one million acres in North Carolina. Also ...

read more
Page 1 of 1.