Mother-Daughter Trip To Palestine, TX

The Palestine Farmers Market is next to the Visitor Center on W. Spring Street. Open 8:00 am -2:00 pm Every Saturday starting late March. Pets welcome.

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 and 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

Dogwood Trails – 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.

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 2-day stay was so surreal, quiet, and meaningful. More memories were made 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 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 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, and dining & 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 excursion on the train, we stopped by to tour the hotel and had drinks and appetizers in the bar before returning to our BnB. It was nice and cozy.

Texas State Railroad In Palestine, TX

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 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 got back on 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

You are in for a treat if you’re going on the Wines in the Pines excursion in May. This is a popular event and can sell out early.

Keep up with the Piney Woods Train Excursions here – Texas State Railroad.

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.

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 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.

The antique store 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. It’s catty-cornered across the street from the restaurant.

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant

Fettuccini Alfredo or New York style pizza – you can’t go wrong with either.

Taqueria San Luis

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.

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, 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 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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