Explore 10 Unique Gas Stations: A Shell Filling Station Crossword
Gas Stations with a Twist: Beyond Fueling Up
Gas stations don’t have to be mundane pit stops on road trips; they can be part of the adventure. According to Sascha Friesike, author of “It’s a Gas! The Allure of the Gas Station,” these stations can draw you in and captivate your imagination. Friesike, an assistant business professor, fondly recalls his childhood trips to America with his parents and the excitement of filling up at unique gas stations. Here are ten remarkable gas stations that offer more than just fuel.
1. Helios House – Los Angeles
This futuristic gas station, built-in 2007, is constructed from recycled stainless steel, showcasing eco-friendly architecture. With solar panels and a rainwater collection system, the station’s water needs are sustainably met. “This looks like something out of a sci-fi movie,” says Friesike. Visit Helios House
2. Frank Seneca Gas Station – West Allis, Wisconsin
The Frank Seneca Gas Station, featuring a Japanese pagoda-style roof, was a unique sight during the early days of automobiles. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this station is a testament to the automotive past. Discover Frank Seneca Gas Station
3. Buc-ee’s – New Braunfels, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including this colossal gas station. Boasting 120 gas pumps, 1,000 parking spots, and a 67,000-square-foot convenience store, Buc-ee’s is a true Lone Star attraction. “You could fit more than 20 average size 7-Elevens in that space,” says Friesike. Visit Buc-ee’s
4. Chevron Fuel Barge – Vancouver, Canada
Not just cars, even boats need to refuel. At the Vancouver waterfront, this unique barge caters to boats, featuring an oversized illuminated sign that serves as a prime billboard spot in the bay. Explore Chevron Fuel Barge
5. Roy’s Motel and Cafe – Amboy, California
A classic Route 66 fuel stop, Roy’s Motel and Cafe, remains an oasis in the Mojave Desert. Partially restored, it showcases Googie architecture, a flashy mid-century design style. Discover Roy’s Motel and Cafe
6. Pops – Arcadia, Oklahoma
A haven for soda enthusiasts, Pops offers an impressive selection of 700 different types of soft drinks. The station, built in 2007, features a towering 66-foot LED-illuminated soda bottle that puts on a dazzling light show every evening. Visit Pops
7. Scallop Shell – Winston-Salem, North Carolina
In the 1920s and ’30s, North Carolina Shell oil distributor created the plan to attract customers by constructing shell-shaped gas stations. This National Historical Landmark is one of the few remaining stations from that era. Explore Scallop Shell
8. Hat ’n’ Boots – Seattle
Formerly a cowboy-themed gas station, Hat ’n’ Boots closed in 1988 but has been restored and moved to Oxbow Park. It serves as a fascinating example of American theme park architecture from a bygone era. Visit Hat ’n’ Boots
9. Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum – Buffalo, New York
Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1927, this Buffalo gas station was completed as a museum exhibit in 2014. The two-story station, an ornament to the pavement, features a copper roof and a fireplace in the observation room. Discover Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum
10. Twin Arrows – Near Flagstaff, Arizona
A Route 66 landmark, Twin Arrows derives its name from two arrows sticking out of the ground like they were shot by a giant archer. Partially restored in 2009, the station still captivates visitors.
