Visit Palestine

4 Unique Reasons to Spend the Weekend in Palestine, Texas this Summer

When Johnny Cash sang, “I hear the train a’coming…” he could have been singing about Palestine. This fun-loving, East Texas town offers the best of Lone Star history and Piney Woods beauty with a wide range of activities that make for a fantastic weekend getaway. Home to the Texas State Railroad and its historic passenger train, numerous local shops, and stunning outdoor attractions, Palestine is your next great escape.

Texas State Railroad

The allure of a real train ride never goes out of style, especially in the piney woods of East Texas. Book a half-day excursion aboard the Texas State Railroad, one of Palestine’s best loved attractions, and fitting for riders of all ages. As you coast along the 50-mile round-trip route, you’ll seriously feel like you’ve gone back in time or are part of a Western movie set. It’s no wonder more than 35 productions have been filmed here.

Start off at the Palestine Depot, where you can peruse all sorts of shops stocked with souvenirs, hats, clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and other treasures. Board the train and enjoy the route through beautiful piney woods as you head for the halfway point, the alluring Rusk Depot. The stopover allows time for lunch at the tasty Mail Car Café and shopping in the Historic Depot Gift Shop before the trip back to Palestine.

Select one of several different seating options, from open-air coach to climate-controlled cars with tables for four in varying levels of luxury. Those 18 and older can even book a ride along with the engineer. Every car offers restrooms, and the concessions car features snacks and drinks to enjoy along the way. Both depots feature magnificent architecture and interpretative materials about this history and lore of Texas State Railroad. All aboard!

Old Town Palestine

After having a ride aboard the train, head down to Old Town to see where it all began. This walkable section of downtown Palestine is known for its well-preserved old western architecture, boasts a handful of quaint shops and delicious restaurants.

Stroll through Old Town to discover antiques from times gone by, a local taproom boasting 18 craft beers, aa pocket green space, live music in the evening, delicious pies, and more. Speaking of pies: one of the gems of Old Town is the famed Oxbow Bakery, included among the South’s Best Pies in Southern Living. Lose yourself in this sweet tooth paradise where you’ll have to choose between mile-high lemon meringue, classic Texas pecan, and many more.

Dead Cat Ranch

One of East Texas’ best kept secrets, Dead Cat Ranch is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway for couples, families, friends, or anyone eager to forget the workaday world. The 1,200-acre, family-owned ranch offers a picturesque setting and loads of fun things to do.

The great thing about Dead Cat Ranch is that you can style your experience your way. Explore five miles of ATV trails from a sport utility vehicle provided by the ranch. Test your skills at archery or axe throwing. Spend the day horseback riding through rolling hills and lush grounds. Enjoy an afternoon of clay- or target-shooting, perfect for either beginners or experts. Hit the lake for some fishing and paddle-boating or enjoy a picnic lunch under the waterfront gazebo. Cool off in the swimming pool and relax in the evening with a glass of wine in the hot tub. Or, just grab a book and head for a shady hammock.

The popular spot is outfitted with a variety of lodging options, including two airstream trailers, two cabins and a large bunkhouse that can sleep 20.

Neches River Wilderness Race

There are races, and there are wilderness races. Test your mettle in the 32^nd Neches River Wilderness Race, a kayak and canoe competition held this year on August 3, 2024. The annual event provides action-packed fun while raising money for a great cause.

The 22-mile route along one of Texas’ most beautiful waterways is known for being challenging, but don’t worry. You’ll be distracted by breathtaking scenery. With no development of any kind along the race route, all you see is lush shoreline greenery, azure skies and the river’s surface glinting with sunlight. Hear the call of native waterfowl and songbirds, and the pleasant slapping of paddles as you make your way along the route.

Two classes of paddlers, leisure and pro, embark on the journey at different starting times to keep things fair and fun. Enjoy water stations on the route, burgers and watermelon at the finish line and free shuttles back to the starting line and parking lot.

Proceeds contribute to a Scholarship for Trinity Valley Community College, benefitting single parents, veterans and others in need of financial support to pursue higher education.

Conclusion

Visit Palestine today to create the perfect weekend getaway. This charming town features numerous options for accommodations in every price range, from airstream trailers on a 1,200-acre ranch, to familiar chain hotels and everything in between. Book your stay today.

Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in Palestine, One of Texas’ Best Small Towns

Autumn in East Texas brings with it the crisp morning air and a stunning display of colors, as green gracefully transforms into yellow, orange, and red. In the enchanting Pineywoods region, Palestine stands out as the ideal destination to revel in the beauty of this season. Apart from exploring Davey Dogwood Park and casting a line in the nearby lakes, you can embark on an extraordinary journey through one of Texas’ most hauntingly captivating mansions, indulge in truly unique festivals, and so much more. Get ready to plan your ultimate fall getaway and immerse yourself in these incredible autumn adventures that await you in Palestine!

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt

With a rich history spanning over 140 years, the Historic Bowers Mansion stands as a breathtaking testament to Palestine’s captivating past. Behind its stunning facade, lies a hidden secret – a dark tale of a murder-suicide that unfolded in the ’50s, accompanied by numerous mysterious deaths throughout the years.

Regarded as a local legend, this Texas Historic Landmark has remained unexplored by paranormal investigators until now. Prepare to witness a new chapter unfold as our team embarks on a riveting exploration of this historic gem, shedding light on its intriguing past. Book here.

Fireside Chats

Indulge in an afternoon or evening of pure campfire bliss at Pint & Barrel Drafthouse. Immerse yourself in the satisfying goodness of malty brown ales, crisp lagers, and hoppy IPAs. Nestled within the historic luminary of the Palestine Electric Company, constructed in the roaring 1920s, this extraordinary venue presents a remarkable pub-style dining experience. Step into a realm where indoor, outdoor, and deck seating converge, inviting you to revel in the sublime atmosphere. Surrender to the uplifting and focused ambience that awaits you.

Unforgettable Entertainment

Get ready to be blown away by the incredible fall show, Arsenic & Old Lace, at the Historic Texas Theatre. Written in 1939 by the bold American playwright Joseph Kesselring, this captivating production will transport you back in time. Join us as we follow Mortimer Brewster, a witty drama critic, who finds himself caught amidst his crazy, murderous family and the local police in Brooklyn, New York. As he contemplates whether to keep his promise of marrying the love of his life, Elaine Harper, the daughter of the local minister, the stage lights up with suspense and excitement. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Mark your calendars for October 13-15 and Oct 20-22, 2023, and prepare to have your senses dazzled! Texas Theatre

Haunted Little Jailhouse

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush at a spine-chilling haunted adventure! Step into the eerie darkness of an old, abandoned house, where spirits roam freely, ready to give you the scare of a lifetime. Brace yourself as you navigate through a labyrinth of cells, isolation tanks, and ominous halls, where fear and terror lurk around every corner. Don’t miss the chance to experience being Locked In Fear!

Join us on limited dates – Fridays and Saturdays, October 13 – 28, at the Texas Jailhouse, 704 Avenue A. Admission is $15.00 per person. Get set for an unforgettable thrill that will leave your heart pounding and your senses tingling. Are you ready to face your fears?

Hottest Little Festival in Texas

Get ready to sizzle in Texas! Brace yourself for the “Hottest Little Festival in Texas” happening in Historic Downtown Palestine! This exciting event has something for everyone. Indulge in delectable food, explore arts and crafts, and immerse yourself in non-stop live music all day long. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9 am to 6 pm. The grand parade will kick off at the majestic Anderson County Courthouse on 500 N Church Street. Follow the lively procession down Avenue A, then turn right on Spring Street, right on Queen Street, and right on Crawford Street, before making its way back to the Anderson County Courthouse. Get ready for an unforgettable experience! Hot Pepper Festival

Nature Walks

Step into the vibrant season of fall and embrace the invigorating air and kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves transform. Discover the leisurely elegance of Davey Dogwood Park or embark on an exhilarating expedition through the trails of the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. Whichever path you traverse, prepare to be captivated by breathtaking vistas that await you.

Autumn’s cooler air and its many magnificent colors that change in late November are reason enough to visit Palestine this fall, but the destination’s one-of-a-kind events make it even more compelling. Discover all this East Texas town has to offer and plan your visit here.

NECHES WILDERNESS RACE – A True Account

22 miles down the Neches River…in a kayak. When my boss first asked me if I wanted to do this with her, I thought she was joking. But then she told me she had done an 8 mile kayak trip and it wasn’t that bad. I like a challenge and proving I can do something … Continue reading “NECHES WILDERNESS RACE – A True Account”

Mind you I have only been in a kayak once in my life over ten years ago and all I really remember from that experience was flipping out and being horrified of drowning. BUT- no rapids on this run, easy peasy, right?? Very, very wrong. I also would like to mention that my boss, we’ll call her “Mary,” said she would absolutely NOT leave me, and that we would not treat it like a race, but like a fun, super chill kayak ride.

So the day of the race comes around. I’m all good until it’s time to get in the kayak and I can barely do that. I’m all wobbly and start to get really nervous. “Mary” is at the front of the line, ready to go. They warn us it will bottle neck at the very start, so I hang back so I don’t flip in front of all the pros right off the bat. They say, “GO!” and Mary is gone. I did not see her again until the end of the race.

At this point, I’m still holding out hope that I will catch up with Mary. So I’m slowly navigating around trees and debris and just trying to stay calm. I’m doing ok… even made it under the first very low tree! I do alright past checkpoint 1; I believe it was about 4 miles. Checkpoint 2 is an additional 10 miles down the river, little did I know. There is NO current mind you, this is a 24/7 paddle kind of deal.

I can’t exactly pinpoint where it all went downhill, but I remember falling out about six times trying to go around obstacles and getting stuck, etc. My kayak was also sinking most of the time. That combined with my leisurely paddling put me in last place (though I didn’t know it at the time). At one point when I fell out, I decided it was a good opportunity to get the camel pack my boss was so generous to let me borrow. Pure bleach went into my mouth. I coughed and spit and almost drank the river water to get the taste out. Luckily, I promptly fell out again and was able to get my water bottles.

It was at this moment that it dawned on me that this whole trip was a murder plot. “Mary” was trying to kill me. But I was determined to survive.
Eventually, I met up with some very friendly firemen. It took me a while to realize they were only sticking with me because they were actually the “drag boat,” which is the boat that follows the last person (AKA me) to make sure everyone is safe. Felt real good about myself at this point.

Making it to checkpoint 2 was no easy feat, but I finally got the hang of maneuvering through the obstacles- I even threw my paddle over a fallen tree I was going under and it landed in my kayak! I’m basically a pro now. Needless to say, I did not make it to the end of the race. At checkpoint 2 I was told it would take me 5+ hours to finish the race and I decided I wanted to spend the night at home and not in the Neches River.

I made new friends and now I have kayak fever- I plan to find a kayak that works best for me and will smoke “Mary” in next year’s race! I would highly recommend The Neches Wilderness Race to anyone who enjoys kayaking, the outdoors, or just trying something out of your comfort zone. If I can do it, anyone can!

Just keep paddling,
Rachel