Palestine Texas

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There is not a lot we would drive to Palestine, Texas for as the downtown area is , like many other small towns, about dried up. A few antique stores and a sandwich shop, otherwise not much else. Over the hill about a block away we saw some interesting buildings that looked as though this was a touristy area. Most were closed the day we were they. There is a very nice looking government building on a large hill so we drove to the area. Appears to be the first court house in town. Very majestic structure. Looked as though some repairs were being made and there was a new government building about two blocks away.

We did find one interesting activity in Palestine. It is one end of the town on US Hwy 84E is the Texas State Railroad. In the winter time it is known as the Polar Express. The tracks go from Palestine to Rusk, Texas and you can board at either end of the line. You probably need to call to see if the train is running and what the schedule is for the 50 mile round trip. The train offers general seating, open air seating, first class and on some trips lunch plus several special occasion trips.

What else can we see or do in Palestine? Well, frankly, not a lot. There is Lake Palestine about 20 minutes from town that has 26000 acres of water and Richland Chambers Reservoir with 45000 acres of water and about 30 minutes from Palestine. Both offer fishing. There are two wineries close by, Sweet Dreams Winery and Texas Vineyard & Smokhaus.

In town there used to be some very nice looking Victorian and pioneer houses dating back to the 1840s however some of these have not been well maintained. The small town has about 17000 inhabitants. Suggest you make this a day trip destination. We did not find many hotel rooms nor did we locate any restaurant that we would like to write about. Usual fast food fare in town. There is an old bakery downtown which makes an excellent pecan cake which is shipped throughout the country. They have a catalog if you stop by and ask for it.

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Photos

Court House
This is a very nice government building overlooking town. It appears to be under renovation.

Old Hotel
This old building in downtown Palestine is not longer a hotel.

Bakery In Downtown
The bakery is across form the police department in downtown

Bakery In Downtown
This bakery has baked and shipped Texas Pecan Cakes for a hundred years according to a sign at the place. Ask for catalog if you stop by.

Downtown Palestine Texas
The downtown area does not have a lot to offer when it comes to shopping

Tourist Shops and Restaurants
Located about two blocks from downtown this area looked interesting however was closed the day we were in town