Start your engines and sprint to see all that Winston-Salem has to offer race fans. Check out the Winston-Cup Museum to view the 33-year history of America’s #1 spectator sport or cruise down to Bowman Gray Stadium where it all began. After that, take snapshots with the shell-shaped service station then stop by and fill up at the Old Fourth Street Filling Station. If you are with someone who is not as “car crazy” but has been very patient, check out Rebecca and Company for the finest in women’s clothing and is located in a former—you guessed it!—gas station. Wind down at the winery started by race legend Richard Childress and for your last stop, park yourself at The Garage or, check out Wilson’s Tire Shop; a venue that serves as a service station by day, and a live music venue at night! After all that, if you find your tank on empty, grab a bite at Bib’s Downtown whose location also was a service station.
Places of Interest
Bowman Gray Stadium
Location: 1250 South Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Bowman Gray Stadium has had shouting fans and screeching tires since 1949 and serves as home to NASCAR’s first and longest-running weekly short track series. Thousands of fans have come out every Saturday between May and August to see legends such as Junior Johnson, Glen Woods, David Pearson and Richard Petty. Petty won his 100th race at this track. It’s where a young Richard Childress fell in love with racing, hawking peanuts in the stands and later taking the wheel himself.
It’s the same track that has been part of such racing dynasties as the Petty’s, the Allison’s, and the Earnhardt’s. The new generation of hall-of-famers has been featured on the History Channel Series “Madhouse.”
Winston-Cup Museum
Location: 1355 North Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Winston-Salem, North Carolina
This museum houses authentic race cars from different eras of the 33-year NASCAR Winston Cup history. Race fans will see cars driven by Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Richard Petty, Matt Kenseth and more. A striking wall mural chronicles the history from 1972-2005. Trophies, driver uniforms, autographed pictures, and original racing posters are in the museum as well.
Shell Gas Station
Location: East Sprague Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Originally constructed in the late 1930’s, this shell-shaped service station serviced gas guzzlers for decades. The building fell into disrepair towards the end of the 20th century, but was then restored by state historic society, Preservation North Carolina. Today, this clamshell serves as a regional office and info center about the station and other preservations projects. Don’t miss this photo-worthy detour!
Old Fourth Street Filling Station
Location: 871 West 4th Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Located in an old, renovated gas station (remember when they were called filling stations?) in the heart of the historic West End of Winston-Salem, The Old Fourth Street Filling Station combines delectable food with old-fashioned charm. Enjoy the ambiance of a roaring fire in the dining room or relax beneath the stars on the largest yet coziest patio in the Triad. The restaurant also offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Open for lunch and dinner with great specials every day. Sunday Brunch served from 10am to 3pm.
The Old Fourth Street Filling Station has consistently won numerous awards for its beautiful, large patio by Go Triad, Smitty's Notes and The Winston-Salem Journal’s Readers' Choice Awards. The restaurant has also been featured in several magazines including Southern Living, Our State – Signature Magazine, Winston-Salem Monthly and Forsyth Woman Magazine.
Rebecca & Co.
Location: 1200 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Also located in a renovated gas station, Rebecca & Co. is the style playground for chic women in the Triad. Get straight off the runway looks from Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, and Milly without a trip to New York.
Childress Vineyards
Location: 1000 Childress Vineyards Road, Lexington, North Carolina
As race legend Richard Childress’ career took him through the wine regions of California, he developed a passion for fine wine and a desire to plant his own vineyard. To help fulfill his vision, expert vineyard manager Matt Chobanian, and winemaker Mark Friszolowski were recruited to develop the many signature varietals available today. The vineyard has grown to 65-acres where nine varietals are cultivated. The winery has a tasting room on site, a bistro serving lunch, and offers free tours to visitors.
The Garage
Location: 110 West 7th Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The artists performing here aren’t your average garage band! From bluegrass to rock, you can catch performances from a variety of genres. Support the local music scene or hit a note of your own at the Garage’s open-mic nite held every Wednesday evening.
Wilson’s Tire Shop
Location: 1717 West Mountain Street, Kernersville, North Carolina
Service station by day and a live music venue by night makes this spot is worth the stop. Get your tune up, shop at the country store, or enjoy live bluegrass music every Friday night at 7:30pm!
Bib’s Downtown
Location: 675 West 5th Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
The location of this downtown barbecue restaurant used to be the site of a Firestone service station back in the 1960’s. Now, their smoked sausage and southern side-dishes make this downtown diner a hot-spot for both visitors and the locals.
Winston-Salem is located in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean beaches. It is easily accessible by car via Interstate 40, Business Interstate 40, Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 52. Scheduled air service is available through Piedmont Triad International Airport just 20 minutes east of Winston-Salem. Accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns to luxury hotels. For more information on Winston-Salem, call toll free 866.728.4200; go to www.visitwinstonsalem.com; or stop by the Winston-Salem Visitor Center, 200 Brookstown Avenue in the historic Brookstown Mill area just south of downtown Winston-Salem (Open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day).
Visit Winston-Salem is the official destination marketing organization of the Forsyth County Tourism Development Authority.
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Winston-Salem is located in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean beaches. It is easily accessible by car via Interstate 40, Business Interstate 40, Interstate 77, Interstate 85 and U.S. Highway 52. Scheduled air service is available through Piedmont Triad International Airport just 20 minutes east of Winston-Salem. Accommodations range from bed and breakfasts to luxury hotel rooms. For more information on Winston-Salem, call toll free 866.728.4200; go to www.visitwinstonsalem.com; or stop by the Winston-Salem Visitor Center, 200 Brookstown Avenue in the historic Brookstown Mill area just south of downtown Winston-Salem.
