From Dogwoods to Culinary Train Rides Through the Piney Woods—there are plenty of
reasons to make 2015 the year to visit Palestine, Texas. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or this is your
annual tradition, here are some ideas to help you discover fun in Palestine in
2015!
1. A Taste of New Orleans: Mardi Gras Celebration
Local Chefs will "Kick it up a Notch" on Saturday, February 7th from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The annual celebration of Louisiana-style cuisine in the Palestine Main Street District showcases the talents of local chefs and wineries. The festivities include free food demonstrations and samples paired with a wine tasting.
Travel Tip: Plan for a whole day full of Mardi Gras Fun - Don’t miss the
Mystics of Time Mardi Gras Parade starting at 5 p.m.
Find a full culinary schedule
and chef bios at www.visitpalestine.com.
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| A Taste of New Orleans: Mardi Gras Celebration Palestine, Texas |
2. 1836 Chuckwagon Races: A True Texas Experience
The 1836 Chuckwagon Race takes place the first weekend in March annually at the Diamond B Ranch in Neches, Texas. Activities include trail rides, Dutch oven cooking classes, cowboy poetry, herd dog demonstrations, hoof care clinics, bull whip demonstrations, horse auction, chuckwagon races, barn dances, live music, cowboy church and much more.
Travel Tip: Don't forget to test out the homemade cinnamon rolls and visit Bootleg Market, an air stream, full of vintage western wear and goodies.
Find more information at www.1836chuckwagonrace.com.
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| 1836 Chuckwagon Races - Neches, Texas Photo Courtesy of Moon Swanson |
3. Celebrating a 100 Years at the Redlands Historic
Inn
The Redlands 2015......Celebrating an Iconic Century will kick off in March. The celebration will include activities including a street dance, historic exhibits and tours. Chef Christian Mailloux, from the Red Fire Grille, will recreate the 1915 menu from when the historic hotel first opened.
Find a full schedule of events and dates at www.redlandshistoricinn.com.
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| Redlands Historic Inn - Palestine, Texas |
4. Follow the Dogwoods to Palestine: 77th
Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration
For more than 75 years, Palestine has celebrated the Dogwood Trails Festival.
Enjoy the delicate beauty of the Dogwood Trees in Davey Dogwood Park the last two weekends in March and the first weekend in April. Activities & events including the Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival are scheduled each weekend to compliment the celebration.
Travel Tip: Texas Monthly added the Dogwood Trails Festival to their “Bucket List.”
Find a full schedule of events at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.
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| Dogwood Trails Celebration: Palestine, Texas |
5. Enjoy Fine Dining with a Side Order of Piney Woods Scenery
Culinary Train Rides at the Texas State Railroad:
Valentine's Dinner Train - February 14
Dogwood Special Brunch Train - March 29
Steam Punk Event - April 24-26
Mother's Day Brunch - May 10
Wine in the Pines Train - June 5
Father's Day BBQ Lunch Train - June 21
Moonlight Special Dinner Train - August 28
Pints in the Pines Train - September 26
Fall Foliage Brunch Train - November 8
Find more information at www.texasstaterr.com
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| Texas State Railroad - Palestine, Texas |
6. Take a Bike Ride on FM 315...From Tyler To Palestine Ride Texas Magazine named FM 315 one of the Best Rides in Texas for 2015. Experience the Texas Forest Trail Region and enjoy scenic woodlands and prairies in every direction.
According to Ride Texas Magazine, "Sometimes roads are defined by neat towns and features that line their paths."
According to Ride Texas Magazine, "Sometimes roads are defined by neat towns and features that line their paths."
Travel Tip: Springtime in Palestine is ideal....Bluebonnets, Flowers &
Azaleas fill the historic neighborhoods with a Pop of Color.
Azaleas fill the historic neighborhoods with a Pop of Color.
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| Historic District - Paletine, Texas Photo by Stuart Whitaker |
7. I Spy Art...Outdoor Art
The Palestine Art Tracks Sculpture Exhibit is a juried outdoor art exhibit.
Each piece is on loan for one year and rotated every October.The seventeen outdoor pieces,designed by artists from over the state, are placed in prominent locations through the Main Street District.
The Palestine Art Tracks Sculpture Exhibit is a juried outdoor art exhibit.
Each piece is on loan for one year and rotated every October.The seventeen outdoor pieces,designed by artists from over the state, are placed in prominent locations through the Main Street District.
Find more information at www.palestinemainstreet.org.
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| Palestine Main Street Art Tracks - Photo by Jeff Brewer |
8. 12 Days of Christmas in July
Enjoy 12 Days of Shopping, Fun & Culinary Events every July in Palestine. Don't miss the Grape Stomp at Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard, Mary Poppins, Live at the Historic Texas Theatre, Wyma & Co Holiday Pop-Up Sale, Holiday Sales in the Main Street District & much more. |
| Christmas in July - Palestine, Texas |
9. Participate in "The Toughest Little Race in Texas"
For more than twenty years, water enthusiasts from across the nation and the world have gathered in Palestine, the first weekend in August, for the Neches Wilderness Canoe Race. The canoe race covers 22 miles of the scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River.
Find more information at www.necheswildernessrace.com.
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| Neches Wilderness Canoe Race - Photo by Dana Goolsby |
10. Spend time at the Historic Anderson County Jail
county jail for almost 55 years. Today, this historic facility is home to events year-around, including Alice in Wonderland Theatrical Tours in March & April and the Grinch's Lair during November & December.
For individual or group tours, contact 903-373-8158.
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| Historic Anderson County Jail - Palestine, Texas |
11. Explore the Palestine Main Street District
The Palestine Main Street District is 44 blocks, including Downtown, Old Town and the Courthouse Square. Enjoy historic architecture, shopping, antiques, a wine tasting room, bakeries, restaurants & bars, and more.
Travel Tip: The Anderson County Courthouse is a must see - open to the public
Monday- Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Don't forget to stop by the Palestine Visitor Center to pick up a Downtown Walking Tour Guide.
12. Cool off at "The Hottest Little Festival in Texas."
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| Hot Pepper Festival - Photo by Lee Loveless Photography |
The Texas Theatre, home of the Palestine Community Theatre, is the crown jewel of downtown Palestine and the finest venue for live entertainment in East Texas. This historic structure is a prime example of Spanish Colonial architecture and was designed as an atmospheric movie palace when it opened in 1930.
Travel Tip: Complementary Wine & Hors d' Oeuvres available opening night of each production.
Find more information at www.thetexastheater.com.
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| Historic Texas Theatre - Palestine, Texas Photo by Lee Loveless Photography |
14. Fall in Love with Davey Dogwood Park
Calling all Shutterbugs: November is the ideal time to take a drive through Davey Dogwood Park and capture fall in East Texas.
Travel Tip: Book the Fall Foliage Brunch Train at the Texas State Railroad - Sunday, November 8th.
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| Davey Dogwood Park - Palestine, Texas |
15. Eat, Drink & Be Merry at the 2nd Annual Wine Swirl
Don't miss the Palestine Main Street Wine Swirl on Saturday, December 12th. Enjoy Regional Wineries, Food & Evening Shopping.
Travel Tip: Book your B&B/Hotel stay early... Hotels book up fast due to the popular Polar Express Train Ride in November & December.
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Palestine Main Street Wine Swirl - Palestine, Texas
About Palestine: Palestine is a charming East Texas town
that boasts more than 1,800 historic sites, including the Main Street
District. Home to the Texas State Railroad and Dogwood Trails, Palestine
is graced with stately homes, gorgeous scenic drives and a Texas friendly
welcome that offers a true Southern experience.
Established in 1846, Palestine continues
is tradition of small-town hospitality. We invite you to visit Historic
Palestine and experience our attractions, exciting events, unique shopping, and local flavor – recently named of the top Travel Destinations in
Texas.
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