Palestine, TX. We first heard of it from a couple of our friends who were from there and had moved to Dallas, but didn’t think much of it. But now that we have been there, we can’t wait to visit again!
TRANSPORTATION:
It takes 2 hours to get from Dallas to Palestine by car. Our route: Dallas- Athens-Palestine.
STAY:
We stayed at a popular Hilton chain to the South of downtown. We spent about 26 hours in Palestine.
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Texas Wildflowers on display:
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DO:
If you’re here in Spring like we were, head to Davey Dogwood Park to see the dogwoods bloom. The Dogwood Trails Celebration takes place every year from the last two weekends in March through the first weekend in April, culminating usually at Easter. Have you read the story about the connection between the tree and the holiday?
Texas State Railroad: Now this is the main reason that most people come to Palestine. There are a few different times and schedules the trains run on. We didn’t go in spring 2021 due to the pandemic, but I’ve included it in the list anyway, as this appears to be the top attraction in the area. There are various options for seating such as private, Presidential, open-air, etc, so book as early as possible especially in the popular seasons such as the dogwood festival, fall foliage, Polar Express around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The train travels between the depots of Palestine and Rusk.
Redlands Hotel: Historic century-old hotel that has well-priced and well-appointed rooms. But they are so popular in the high season, that you have to get on a waiting list months before you plan to go. We joined a tour in progress, and we got to see the rooms and learn about the history of this beautiful building.
Railroad Heritage Center: This one was the most fun for the kids. We must have spent a good hour watching the miniature railroad and the various little towns it went through. Kids will have a blast spotting the dinosaurs and adults should look closely to find Elvis! A small entrance fee is collected, as this is a privately owned and managed place.
Wolf Creek Lake and Waterfall: This place is tucked away in a residential area. So much so, that we didn’t expect it see a beautiful and almost pristine lake here. The lake is good for fishing, but if you are looking for the waterfall, it is hidden away. Walk across the dam, and when you get to the end of it, you will start hearing the waterfall. Following your ears and walk through a bush covered path to come up on the waterfall. It had been raining the night before, so we didn’t climb down as it was slippery. But on a hot summer day, I can see how this could be a great place for a swim.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church: The most gorgeous building in all of the town. They offer tours of the inside. Just walk in and find a docent that can help you. Or wander around when there are no services going on, and spend a few minutes in prayer, and also checking out the lovely stained glass. The church is located right next to the Redlands Hotel.
Upper City Lake: A great spot to fish, or swim, boat or have a picnic!
Historic Homes: Visit this link to find a list of interesting historic homes in the town.
Old Palestine: This is a must visit part of town. It’s not very big, but Oxbow Pies, Cream & Coffee, and an antique shop are located here.
Antique Hunting: There are several antique shops in town, and while you could hit them all up, parents know antique-shopping is not one place you want to take little kids, haha! So if you are short on time, be sure to stop at Star of Texas. You AND your family are certain to find something fun and unique.
Public Art: Palestine’s railroad history is evident in it’s public art works. Check it out all over town!
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EAT:
For a small town, Palestine does have a large number of places to eat at.
- Oxbow Bakery: Named as one of the top 5 places for pies in Texas, this is an absolute must. Operating hours are short, so go here first! They have a variety of pies, each of them popular in their own way. We tried the blueberry banana, chocolate cream, and coconut cream. Our favorite was the blueberry banana and honestly I wish I didn’t share with the family because it was so good. The meringue is so light and fluffy, it doesn’t feel like you’re overindulging. They also have a store selling home goods, where you are sure to find something interesting.
- Eilenberger Bakery: Bakeries are always a hit with us, so we didn’t need any convincing to go here. But if you do, just know that this is the oldest or one of the oldest operating bakeries in Texas! They are famous for their fruit cake,which they were unfortunately out of when we went. No surprise! We loaded up on every type of cookie they had, and let me tell you, we didn’t even have the chance to take pictures of the cookies. As soon as we inhaled them, they were gone! The bakery also has historic artifacts from it’s beginnings and pictures of their hard-working founder. We left with bags of cookies and a heart full of inspiration.
- Coffee and Cream: Great spot in Old Palestine, adjoining an antique store. Pro tip: Visit their restroom :). The kids enjoyed a creamsicle each, while the adults fueled up for the day.
- El Toro Mexican Restaurant: Having a million Tex-Mex restaurants in the Dallas area, it would for yet another one to impress us. But El Toro which is a chain in the area, has great food, down to their sauces. I promise you won’t regret this.
- Pronto Gyros and Pizza: Just as impressive and unexpected, is Pronto’s, a smaller spot. While their offerings range from Greek and Italian to German, we went with Greek. The gyros were delicious, and having been to Greece, we can say that these were very comparable! Service was super fast too. Again, a place that I would definitely be willing to go out of my way to visit.
NOTES
It’s hard to believe, but there was so much more in this town that we simply couldn’t see or experience it all in the time we were there. Most places are closed are Sundays, and have short hours on the weekends, so try to get to Palestine on a Thursday or Friday at the least. Or make multiple trips 🙂
- Hambone Cajun food
- Pint & Barrel brewery
- Junction Steakhouse
- Anderson County Courthouse on the inside.
- Museum of East Texas Sculpture.
- Texas State railroad trip to see the Fall colors or during Thanksgiving-Christmas for Polar Christmas. Make sure to book your tickets early, and get on the Redlands list in September
- Sabor A Pasion Estate winery
- Grinch’s Lair, only at Christmas time
