You’ll love how we spent our mother-daughter trip to Palestine, TX.
First, our mother-daughter trip starts with the journey itself. We had a lot to talk about, mostly about her health. I always welcome conversations with her because, at times, I’m all she has. 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 last weekend in Palestine. 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 trip together.
Visit Palestine, Texas, sponsored our visit, including lodging and compensation. The opinions reflected here are honest and my own.
Related: 7 Reasons To Visit Palestine, TX(Opens in a new browser tab)
Mother-Daughter Trip To Palestine, TX
We were excited to experience the East Texas culture and see the beautiful Dogwood trees, and see attractions we had never had the chance to experience. Since my mom moved closer to me from this area, we don’t get to spend much time in this part of Texas. When she lived at Cedar Creek Lake, we visited many small towns in East Texas. We’ve missed the tall pine trees and greenery.
Related: Best Mother-Daughter Road Trips In Texas(Opens in a new browser tab)
Take A Trip To Palestine, TX
It’s always good to stop by the visitors center in every town you visit as there is so much knowledge from the people who work there and so many brochures to peruse through to find the ones that interest you. Our Mother-daughter trip started by stopping by the visitor center – and I’m sure glad we did.
Be sure to stop by the Palestine Visitor Center to learn about the point of interest, places to visit, and attractions not to miss.
So, on a perfect Saturday visit, start at the Visitor Center, then walk over 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!
Farmers Market In Palestine
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 8:00 am -2:00 pm Every Saturday starting March 26th. Pets welcome.
Railroad Heritage Center – Palestine, TX
Railroad Heritage Center
A massive model train display and exhibit depicts the railroad industry in Texas. The works of the late Paul A. Domis of Dallas coupled with the expanding exhibit of the Anderson ad Cherokee Countries of Texas. The Railroad Heritage Center is owned and operated by the Texas State Railroad Society.
Admissions cost is a $3 donation.
Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration
A celebration that lasts from the middle of March to the first of April. During this time, the town comes alive with many special events such as the Texas State Railroad Dogwood Lunch Train, Dogwood Fly In Fair, Piney Woods Express Deisel 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 by experiencing the Dogwood train ride.
The Dogwoods were a little late blooming this year, so we didn’t get to see many. The peak season started two days after we left, but we did see a few blooms at the park on our way out of town. The Dogwood blooms should stay around for at least 21 days.
The Ranch at Walston Springs – 1800s Log Cabin
The Ranch At Walston Springs
If a rustic log-cabin-style retreat down on 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 2-day stay was so surreal, quiet, and meaningful. More memories were made with my mom.
The Ranch at Walston Springs – The Shady Lady Room
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 that 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 was a hash brown crusted quiche, fruit, and muffins which we enjoyed on the porch. Our second breakfast was a delicious plate of french toast, eggs, and bacon that we enjoyed out in the garden. Doesn’t that all sound wonderful? It was!
Texas State Railroad
One of the main attractions in Palestine is the Texas State Railroad. 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, 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 got back on the train. Mom and I were feeling like queens.
Upcoming Special Events Aboard The Texas State Railroad:
- Easter Egg Express
- Pints in the Pines
- Wines in the Pines
- Dinner Date Nights
You are in for a treat if you’re going on the Wines in the Pines excursion on May 13, 2022. It looks like a popular event because it sold out in March – but they added another First Class Car.
Keep up with the Piney Woods Train Excursions here – Texas State Railroad.
The Redlands Hotel
The Redlands Hotel – a 100-year-old Historic Inn that was once a railroad headquarters is open for stays, tours, shopping, and dining & drinks.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a beautiful place to see the decor, shop the boutique, and enjoy fine dining. After our excursion on the train, we stopped by to tour the hotel and had drinks and appetizers in the bar before heading back to our BnB. It was nice and cozy.
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, and one place not to be missed is the Charles E. Dickens Fine Jewelry & Gifts.
Old Town Palestine, Texas
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. The antique store that I had my eye on closed before we got there – bummer. But it’s a must-see store if you’re into antiques and cute things for your yard. Old and new decor was outside and all around the building.
We shared a fantastic hamburger with twisted good fries and a bowl of delicious soup. I had wine, and mom had water. It’s a popular restaurant in town and a busy place inside and out.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
The Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a gorgeous church with the most original architecture still in place. We were delighted to learn about the church’s history and marveled over the decor. During Texas Dogwood Trail Celebration, the church is open for guided tours. After that, the church 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, there is natural beauty around the park, so it’s worth the time to park your car and explore the walking trails. We got to see the fairy garden trails and how they were all so adorable. If these tiny gardens are still there, it’s a sight to see. 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 in Palestine, Texas – can you tell? As you can see, there is much to do in this quaint East Texas town. When you take a trip to Palestine, TX, don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center first!
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,
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