Tote-Em-In Zoo (Rem.)
Wilmington, NC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Driving toward Carolina Beach, it's pretty hard to miss the giant lion head staring back at you from the side of the road. The oversized entrance to the Tote-Em-In Zoo has been surprising beach-bound travelers for generations and is one of those classic roadside sights that almost demands a photo. 01-08

The attraction opened in the early 1950s as the Tote-Em-In Zoo and quickly became a favorite stop before reaching the coast. Years ago, visitors also found a Museum of Oddities inside, and many still remember Mac the elephant greeting passing motorists near the highway.

Today the zoo operates as Tregembo Animal Park, but that famous lion entrance is still the star of the show. Fresh coats of paint have kept it looking much as it did decades ago, making it one of North Carolina's most recognizable roadside landmarks. Whether you stop to visit the animals or simply grab a picture of the lion, it's a fun reminder of the days when roadside attractions did everything they could to get you to pull over.

UPDATE: Tregembo Animal Park remains open seasonally, and the giant lion entrance continues welcoming travelers headed for Carolina Beach. 08-26

First Bank
Pinehurst, NC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Nestled among the village shops of Pinehurst, the First Bank blends right in with the town's traditional architecture. It's not a flashy building, but its classic design fits the character of Pinehurst so well that it almost feels like it's always been there. 02-08

First Bank traces its roots back to 1935, when it was founded as the Bank of Montgomery in nearby Troy, North Carolina. The institution later became First Bank in 1985 and has grown throughout the Carolinas, with its corporate headquarters just up the road in Southern Pines.

It's another one of those everyday roadside stops that helps give a town its personality. While most travelers come to Pinehurst for golf, it's the collection of familiar storefronts and local businesses like this that make the village enjoyable to wander through.

UPDATE: The Pinehurst branch of First Bank continues serving the community from its longtime village location. 08-26

Charleston Fire Department
Charleston, SC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Driving through downtown Charleston, it's easy to admire the old churches and historic homes, but don't overlook the Charleston Fire Department. This handsome brick firehouse has been protecting the city for well over a century and looks every bit the part with its arched engine bays and classic architecture. 02-08

Built in 1888 after the devastating Charleston earthquake, the station quickly became one of the city's most important firehouses. In the days of horse-drawn fire engines, crews rushed out these same doors to answer alarms throughout the historic district. For many years it also served as headquarters for the Charleston Fire Department.

Although the department's headquarters moved to a newer building in 2013, the old station never stopped doing its job. Fire engines still roll out onto Meeting Street today, making it one of those rare historic buildings that's still serving the purpose it was built for.

UPDATE: The historic fire station remains an active Charleston engine house, continuing a tradition of service that stretches back to the 1880s. 08-26

County Courthouse
Bennettville, SC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Sitting proudly in the middle of courthouse square, the Marlboro County Courthouse is hard to miss as you pass through downtown Bennettsville. With its tall clock tower, red brick walls, and formal appearance, it looks every bit like the centerpiece of town. 02-08

A courthouse has stood on this site since the early 1800s, although the building has changed several times over the years. The present structure includes portions of an 1880s courthouse that were heavily remodeled and expanded in the early 1950s, giving it the Independence Hall look seen today.

The courthouse square itself is said to be one of the largest in South Carolina, making the whole setting feel even more impressive. Add in the old downtown buildings surrounding it, and this is one of those small-town Southern scenes worth slowing down for.

UPDATE: The Marlboro County Courthouse remains active and continues to anchor downtown Bennettsville. 08-26

Train Station
Erwin, TN
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Take a look at the colorful entrance on the old Clinchfield Railroad Depot in Erwin, Tennessee. The stained glass above the front doors and the large "1925" built into the brickwork make this one worth a closer look. It's easy to picture travelers passing through here when trains still stopped in town. 02-08

The depot was completed in 1925 for the Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio Railway after Erwin's first station operated out of a boxcar. Passenger service ended in 1954, and the building later served the railroad as office space.

Today the old depot houses the Unicoi County Public Library. The railroad signs may be gone, but there's still plenty here to remind you this was once one of the busiest stops along the Clinchfield.

UPDATE: The depot continues to serve the community as the Unicoi County Public Library. 07-26