You’ll love how we spent our mother-daughter trip to East Texas.
Our mother-daughter trip started with a road trip. We had a lot to discuss, mainly regarding her health. I always welcome conversations with my mom because, at times, she’s all I have. I hope you enjoy our mother-daughter trip to Palestine, TX.
Welcome to East Texas’s small-town southern charm—Palestine, Texas. That’s exactly what my mom and I experienced. From gorgeous scenic drives to numerous pines scattered everywhere, seeing the dogwood trees (well, buds), to local cuisine and a cozy stay in the woods, we completed another mother-daughter trip together.
Visit Palestine hosted our visit, including lodging and compensation. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Our Mother-Daughter Trip To Palestine, TX
We were excited to experience East Texas culture, the beautiful Dogwood trees, and attractions we had never had the chance to see. It was our first time here together.
Stop By The Visitor Center
It’s always good to stop by the visitors center in every town you visit, as there is so much knowledge from the staff who work there and so many brochures to peruse to find the ones that interest you. Our Mother-daughter trip started with a stop at the visitor center, and I’m sure glad we did. We were told of some top restaurants in Palestine that we needed to visit.
So, on a perfect Saturday visit, start at the Palestine Visitor Center and walk to the farmers market (8 am-2 pm). After perusing all the artisans at the market, the Railroad Heritage Center is steps away—all right there together. Park once, visit three!
Palestine Farmers Market
You never know what goodies you will find at a farmer’s market! I never pass one up. I’m a sucker for young girls selling things they have made – so I bought a few things! My mom bought this pretty lantern to sit on her kitchen table.
The Palestine Farmers Market is next to the Visitor Center on W. Spring Street. Open 8 am-2 pm every Saturday starting late March. Pets welcome.
Railroad Heritage Center
A massive model train display and exhibit depict the railroad industry in Texas. The late Paul A. Domis of Dallas’s works are on display, as is the expanding exhibit of the Anderson and Cherokee Counties of Texas. The Railroad Heritage Center is owned and operated by the Texas State Railroad Society.
Admission cost is a suggested $5 donation.
Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration
Dogwood Trails is a celebration that takes place from the middle of March to the first of April. During this time, the town comes alive with numerous special events, including the Texas State Railroad Dogwood Lunch Train, Dogwood Fly-In Fair, Piney Woods Express Diesel train adventure, and many other celebrations. But of course, the siting of the Dogwood blooms plays a significant part.
My mom and I made it at the end of March – just in time to catch the Dogwood Lunch Train. Our mother-daughter trip to Palestine, TX, went up a notch when we experienced the Dogwood train ride.
Where To Stay In Palestine, TX
The Ranch At Walston Springs
If a rustic log-cabin-style retreat down a county road in the woods appeals to you, you’re in luck at The Ranch at Walston Springs. When my mom travels with me, we always try to find a lovely bed and breakfast to stay at, especially if the breakfast is homemade and country-style. Our two-day stay was surreal, quiet, and meaningful. I made more memories with my mom.
Shady Lady Cabin
They put us in the Shady Lady Cabin, decorated like an Old West brothel with lovely Victorian decor. We felt all fancy in that room. Our favorite part of our stay was outside. We spent much of our time in the garden and on the porch. A path that led to a lake and an old shed, which looked like it could have been an outhouse at one time, caught my eye. Mom and I took a walk that way. Oh, the photos I took!
Breakfast At The Ranch At Walston Springs
Our first breakfast consisted of a hash brown-crusted quiche, fresh fruit, and muffins, which we enjoyed on the porch. Our second breakfast was a delicious plate of French toast, eggs, and bacon that we wanted in the garden. Doesn’t that all sound wonderful? It was!
The Redlands Hotel
The Redlands Hotel, a 100-year-old Historic Inn that was once a railroad headquarters, is open for stays, tours, shopping, dining, and drinks.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a beautiful place to see the decor, shop at the boutique, and enjoy fine dining. After our train excursion, we stopped by to tour the hotel and enjoyed drinks and appetizers in the bar before returning to our B&B. It was nice and cozy.
Texas State Railroad In Palestine, TX
One of the main attractions in Palestine is the Texas State Railroad, one of the top scenic train rides in Texas. It offers excursion rides through the piney woods. On our trip, we enjoyed the Dogwood Lunch Train excursion. We had a great time meeting the other passengers and hanging out outside the car to enjoy the cool breeze and sightseeing. We also loved the delicious appetizers waiting for us at our seats, lunch at the Rusk Depot, and desserts when we returned to the train. Mom and I were feeling like queens.
Special Events Aboard The Texas State Railroad:
- Easter Egg Express
- Pints in the Pines
- Wines in the Pines
- Dinner Date Nights
If you go on the Wines in the Pines excursion in May, you are in for a treat. This popular event can sell out early.
Historic Downtown Palestine
Up and down Main Street, Oak Street, and W. Crawford Street are quaint boutiques, unique shops, and a walk down memory lane for some. There are many historic buildings; one place not to be missed is the Charles E. Dickens Fine Jewelry & Gifts.
Best Restaurants In Palestine, TX
Restaurants in Historic Old Town Palestine, Texas, will be found on or near W. Oak St.
Pint And Barrel Drafthouse
And then there is Old Town – a popular row of eateries and shops. We enjoyed eating out on the lawn at one of the many picnic tables available at Pint And Barrel Drafthouse. We shared a fantastic hamburger with delicious fries and soup. I had wine, and Mom had water. It’s a popular restaurant in town and a busy place inside and out.
The antique store I had my eye on closed before we got there – bummer. However, it’s a must-see store if you’re into antiques and charming items for your yard. Old and new decor were outside and all around the building. It’s catty-cornered across the street from the restaurant.
Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant
You can’t go wrong with Fettuccini Alfredo or New York-style pizza.
Old Magnolia
It serves fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, and coffee and is a local’s favorite.
La Chaparra’s
Good ratings and is a busy place with great food.
El Toro Mexican Restaurant
Good Mexican food!
Cotton Patch Cafe
A favorite Texas home-style restaurant serving good comfort food.
Queens St. Grille
Casual dining in a beautiful, historic building.
Little Mexico
Yummy enchiladas and tacos on West Oak Street.
Before heading out or getting your hopes up, check these restaurants on Google to ensure they are still in business.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is stunning, with much of its original architecture still intact. We were delighted to learn about its history and marveled at its decor. During the Texas Dogwood Trail Celebration, the church is open for guided tours. After that, it is always available for the public to walk in and see it all (free).
Davey Dogwood Park
I love that Davey Dogwood Park is a driving trail park, as there’s so much to see –all 5.5 miles! However, the park has natural beauty, so it’s worth the time to park your car and explore the walking trails. We saw the fairy garden trails and how they were all so adorable. If these tiny gardens are still there, it’s a sight. I think I took a picture of every one of them – and there were many.
The Fairy Garden Trails operates all day until May 31.
We covered much ground in two days and had a fabulous time—can you tell? As you can see, there is much to do in this quaint East Texas town. When you visit Palestine, TX, be sure to stop by the Palestine Visitor Center to discover the area’s top attractions, places to visit, and must-see sights.
If these ideas are not enough to convince you to visit Palestine, TX, I bet these seven reasons to visit Palestine, TX, will.
There are many mother-daughter trips in Texas to take your mom. Be sure to take your mom on as many trips as you can. It will mean so much to her. If you’re considering taking a Mother-Daughter Road Trips In Texas, consider Palestine or another small town in the state –they are the best!
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