Sunoco Gas (Closed)
Lake Lure,
NC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
With a view overlooking the water, this Sunoco Gas station had to be one of the nicest places around to stop for a fill-up. Sitting along the shore of Lake Lure, it's easy to see why travelers would pull in for gas before taking in the scenery. 03-08
When this photo was taken, it was one of the few old-style service stations that still appeared to be doing what it had always done. For years it also served the community as the Lake-View Grocery, making it the kind of neighborhood stop where you could pick up a tank of gas, a loaf of bread, or supplies for a day at the lake.
UPDATE: The old station has since been transformed into Lured Market & Grill, with the historic building preserved as a popular lakeside restaurant overlooking Lake Lure. 08-26
Amoco Gas marquee
SC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Amoco stations pretty much vanished from the landscape a few years ago and for me it was unusual to see a modern gas station abandoned with all its signage for a long gone brand largely intact and in fairly decent condition. This Amoco Gas station was at the first exit of I-85 near the Georgia state line, at Route 11 to be exact. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for photos and info. 03-08
For anyone who grew up in the 1980s or early '90s, the familiar Amoco logo, white canopy, and bold red-and-blue graphics are instantly recognizable. Stations like this were everywhere, so common that few of us ever thought to take a picture. Years later, finding one abandoned but still largely intact feels like stepping back to the days of Back to the Future, RoboCop, and family road trips before reality television took over.
Amoco Gas marquee
SC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Its location made it even more memorable. Sitting at the first South Carolina exit after crossing the Georgia line, it greeted countless motorists beginning their trip through the Palmetto State. By the time this photo was taken, the gas pumps had gone quiet, but the station still looked ready to light up for another busy weekend of travelers.
UPDATE: The old Amoco station has since been replaced by a modern convenience store and fuel stop, and the familiar Amoco signs are gone. 08-26
Sav A Ton Gas
Easley, SC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Sav-A-Ton Gas seems like an odd chain because the only other outlets I have come across were one in Ohio and one in Western Georgia, all a long way from one another. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 03-08
Old neighborhood stations like this used to be everywhere, but it's the uncommon names that tend to stick with you. Sometimes discovering a forgotten gas brand is just as much fun as finding an old neon sign or vintage motel.
Sunoco Gas (Closed)
Lake Lure,
NC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Here's is the Sunoco Gas station in Lake Lure, NC. The station overlooks the lake and is one of the few old stations that appears to still be in service. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 04-08
When this photo was taken, it was one of the few old-style stations that still appeared to be doing what it was built for. For years it also served as the Lake-View Grocery, making it a handy stop for both local residents and travelers spending the day at the lake.
It's nice to see an old station that managed to stay in service long after so many others disappeared. Between the vintage roadside feel and the beautiful setting, this was one stop that was worth lingering at before getting back on the road.
UPDATE: The old station has since been transformed into Lured Market & Grill, with the historic building preserved as a popular lakeside restaurant overlooking Lake Lure. 08-26
Silver Springs Filling Station
Tryon, SC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Here is a restored Esso station a mile or two south of Tryon, NC. Actually it was in South Carolina but there was no SC town near by. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 04-08
Cruising south out of Tryon on U.S. 176, it's hard not to do a double take when Silver Springs Filling Station comes into view. At first glance it looks like a beautifully restored Esso station from the 1930s, complete with vintage pumps, period signs, and all the little details that make old filling stations so much fun to discover. 04-08
Silver Springs Filling Station
Tryon, SC Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
The surprise is that this little roadside stop is actually in South Carolina, just below the state line near Landrum. While it isn't an original operating Esso station, it was carefully created to capture the look and feel of one, and it does the job remarkably well. Unless someone tells you otherwise, you'd probably never know.
Whether you're a fan of old gas stations or just enjoy taking the scenic route, this is one stop that's worth pulling over for. Between the vintage pumps and the mountain backdrop, it feels like a postcard from the early days of highway travel.
UPDATE: Silver Springs Filling Station remains a popular roadside stop along U.S. 176. While it was never an operating service station, the replica continues to delight travelers with its vintage Esso look. 08-26
Old Gas Station
Homer, GA Photo courtesy Richard Weiss
Here's an old Gas Station in Homer that looks like someone started bringing it back to life before moving on to the next project. Even with only a partial restoration, it's easy to appreciate the character that made this little roadside station worth saving in the first place. 04-08
While plenty of old stations are left to slowly fade away, this one shows signs that someone cared enough to preserve at least part of its past. The building still has the familiar look of a neighborhood filling station, the kind where locals stopped for gasoline and travelers pulled in before continuing down the highway.
Sunoco Gas (Closed)
Amoco Gas marquee
Amoco Gas marquee
Sav A Ton Gas
Silver Springs Filling Station
Silver Springs Filling Station
Old Gas Station
