Your Ultimate Local Guide To This Charming, Local, Small Town
I am not a local of Palestine, Texas, but after visiting, I felt like I could be. My Town was invited to learn about this historic railroad town, and the local participation received was nothing short of spectacular. This journey all came about because of three incredible women who came together with the goal of promoting Palestine. Three women who are business owners in Palestine, love their small town, and want to get the word out to visitors about how special a place Palestine is to live and visit.
The women I had the pleasure of getting to know are Jean Mollard of The Redlands Hotel, Vicki Braly of Bralys Ace Hardware, and Nita Johnson of Wells Creek Crossing. Because of the efforts of these small-town enthusiasts, I had the pleasure of visiting many local favorites and meeting several incredible people I now call friends. I am sure you will enjoy getting to know them as much as I did. Here is your guide!
In 1873, the International Railroad and the Houston and Great Northern Railroad merged to become the International and Great Northern Railroad (IGN) in Palestine. Over time, ultimately becoming the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1875, IGN President H.M. Hoxie built the first Victorian mansion in Palestine. Merchant owners and railroad executives followed suit, building elaborate homes along South Sycamore Street. (See History Here).
Today, you can see the historical homes of Palestine in the North and South Historic Districts and can venture through Palestine’s Main Street District of 44 Historical Blocks. The Main Street District encompasses The Central Business District, Old Town, and The Visitors Center. Click Here for Palestine Main Street District.
Experience Palestine’s Past in Motion
Many Small Towns are starting to revitalize parts of their railroads and depots for tourism purposes. But the bar is being set in Palestine, Texas.
The Texas State Railroad offers several types of excursions, from wine and beer tastings to evening dinner rides. I was booked for the Piney Woods Evening Dinner Excursion. This ride, powered by a steam or vintage diesel locomotive, takes you through the Piney Woods of East Texas from the Palestine Depot to the Depot in Rusk. Both Depots were built in the middle of the last century, showcasing photos and descriptive histories of days gone by.
While exploring, you may also discover that The Texas State Railroad has been a filming location for over 35 productions, including the recent Paramount hit, “1883,” featuring Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott.
Historic, Luxury, Accommodations
How do I begin to describe my experience of staying at The Redlands Hotel in Palestine, Texas?
I could say it’s a beautiful historic hotel built in 1914. Or that your stay here will be an elevated experience because of the size, décor, and amenities offered in the rooms and the common areas. I could tell you that inside the Redlands Hotel, you will find Fine Dining at the Queen St. Grille, Boutique Shopping, and a Beautiful Local Artists’ Gallery. I also could tell you that The Redlands has been named for many accolades, including receiving First Place from the Texas Downtown Association President’s Award Program for “best renovation, restoration, and rehabilitation” category against 100 other applicants statewide!
While I could elaborate on all these impressive reasons to stay at the Redlands, in my opinion, one of the best reasons to come to the Redlands is because of Jean Mollard, who owns and operates the hotel.
Local Can’t Miss Eats
There are several local favorites on this list that you need to try when visiting Palestine, Texas. But if you are new to Palestine, one of the first places My Town recommends you visit is “Old Town.” Here, you will find Oxbow Bakery, named the South’s Best Pies by Southern Living Magazine, Pint & Barrel Drafthouse, Cajun seafood at Hambone’s, and Shelton Gin—a bar and night club in Palestine’s original cotton gin.
Another local favorite eatery is Switch Brick-Oven Pizzeria & Wine Bar. I had a blast touring Palestine with the owner of Bralys Ace Hardware, Vicki Braly, who introduced me to one of her favorites, Switch.
Okay, My Town Diner Lovers, this is the diner to go to in Palestine. It’s that perfect homemade biscuits and gravy and really good eggs and bacon kind of place.
Basically, what I have discovered about donuts in my travels is that you have “places to get donuts,” and you have “donut destinations.” Seriously, in a small town especially, a small business selling donuts can be so much more than a place to get a little something sweet. It’s a community gathering space and a place where the locals send visitors because it’s something they love about their town.
Texas-Sized Shopping In A Small Town
There are many great choices in Palestine for local shopping, and I encourage you to check out Social Media Posts HERE to see My Town’s finds. Also, be sure to visit Palestine Main Street’s website for a full list, including the FABULOUS Palestine Farmer’s Market. But there are a few places that stand out that are truly destinations for visitors: Bralys Ace Hardware and Wells Creek Crossing.
Have You Heard? Ace Hardware Stores Are The Coolest Places to Visit In Small Towns!
When traveling, there are some shopping establishments that look interesting, and then there are some that really catch your eye. For me, one of these places was Wells Creek Crossing, located in a part of Palestine’s Historic District referred to as “Old Town.” Wells Creek Crossing has one of those great vibes when you walk toward the building. It looks fun, interesting, a little quirky, and you know it’s going to be a fun shopping hunt for something great!
A Note from My Town
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Writer Bio
My name is Kristy Burns (@mytowntravels).
I am a travel entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, and founder of the My Town Travels, Travel Small Towns & My Town Today platforms. As a lover of small towns, travel junkie, and small-town foodie, I work with small towns to showcase their unique attributes, experiences, and businesses on our Websites, Additional Article Sites, Podcasts, and to our Social Media Audience to tell their unique stories. Click Here for full Bio.