Home of the Texas State Railroad, this smaller East Texas town has tons of surprises and fun in store for travelers! I first explored on my own on a #980Friday (every other Friday I have off because I work 9 hours days M-Th) for research purposes. In Palestine, I was able to explore locally-famous places featured on apps like Trip Advisor, Yelp, and social media. Then, weeks later, I was able to take a First Class trip on the Texas State Railroad with my mom and aunt on a beautiful Autumn Saturday. This city has so much charm, along with great food, history, and Southern hospitality.
Things to Do in Palestine, Texas
Texas State Railroad
535 Park Rd 76, Rusk, TX 75785
Years ago my mom said she wanted to go on a train ride for Mother’s Day. I tried planning a trip out to the Austin area but we just could never make it work. Then, when researching the town of Palestine, I came upon their most popular attraction, the Texas State Railroad. This is just an hour from my Aunt B’s house, where the dogs could stay while we went on a half-day adventure. Perfect!
The Texas State Railroad has turned the historic ride to Rusk, Texas into a family fun day (and yes, they have Santa’s Polar Express rides in December). After doing some research on YouTube I found that the First Class ticket was more our style. We got to sit in leather seats with provided snacks. Our splurge was on a bottle of champagne, but after learning it was less than $20 we actually ended up drinking TWO bottles of Miranda Lambert’s champagne on our slow ride to Rusk. Rather than pay inflated prices for cold cheeseburgers and fries and waiting in that line for a long time (thank you, YouTube creators) upon the 1 hour layover we decided to explore Rusk’s station museum and shop the gift shop. My aunt found the perfect conductor garb and we were able to watch the train being turned around. The snacks and champagne helped us curb our hunger til we got back in town and grabbed some delicious food at Pint and Barrel (see below).
All in all, a great day! We did pay a bit extra for the first class experience but we had an amazing time and really enjoyed spending some quality time with each other since we don’t get to visit too many times a year. Also, got some great souvenirs on my way out to remember our fun day!
Black History and Heritage Tour
So what brought me to Palestine, Texas of all places on a #980Friday? The state magazine @texashighways did a feature on celebrating Black communities that are often underrepresented in travel spaces. Palestine has a really neat tour on their city app called the“Black History & Heritage” Tour. It features 14 stops that include churches, historical markers, and schools. The app takes you to each location and you can even check in if you wanted to make it a fun game for the kiddos. During my first stop (second photo) I was out reading the placard and taking photos when the pastor came across the street asking if I was a student researcher. We had a lovely visit as he shared some of his local knowledge and suggested places to see with some additional factoids. Texas history isn’t rainbows and sunshine, so learning about many of the contributions of the Black community here was really an incredible experience. I wish more Texas towns would take note. #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #palestinetx #palestinetexas
Anderson County Courthouse
500 N Church St # 43, Palestine, TX 75801
An unexpected surprise at Anderson County Courthouse! If you’re born in Texas you probably got the Texas pride gene. Rarely does it skip a generation. But the people up in Palestine, TX even have artists who can put that on the floor of the courthouse. Yes, I climbed 4 flights of stairs for the photo and so glad I did. It was so high my knees wobbled a little going up to the banister to put my phone over to grab the shot. Luckily, I also looked UP to see this beautiful stain glass ceiling. I mean, if you’ve gotta go to a courthouse, might as well go to one that inspires you artistically, right?
Bralys Hardware (Ace)
420 W Palestine Ave, Palestine, TX 75801
Have you ever seen an elementary school turned into a HARDWARE STORE? That’s right, in Palestine, TX I spent my last stop at the Ace Hardware looking at all the odd things I never even knew they carried while walking through classrooms (not set up like that anymore) in a school built in 1938. I love the idea of conceptualizing this community building. Having been an educator the last 15 years I found it pretty entertaining, but sadly, found no treasures to purchase.
Palestine Visitors Centers
825 W Spring St, Palestine, TX 75801
I love a good visitors center, especially when I’m traveling solo (which is when I stopped into the Palestine center). Here you can find many of the more popular places to see in the area, hear what events might be happening, along with meeting some local experts on the area. I really appreciated meeting Mary Beth here as she told me a lot of history and information needed to have a successful day. They also had a Palestine postcard designed by a local artist which I made sure to pick up and drop off before I left town at the end of the day.
What to Eat in Palestine, Texas
Eilenberger’s Bakery
512 N John St, Palestine, TX 75801
In the downtown area off Main Street is a Palestine family business named after the original baker that has stood the test of time, running since 1898. Though I wanted to try all of the desserts here (and there is something for everyone), I stuck with a half dozen cookies of all kinds to share back at home. Make sure to take a second to appreciate the antiques in the building, including the amazing ceilings. So many of my senses were heightened – the smells of all that sugar, the sites of the historic building, and also secretly listening to all of the customers before me ordering their delights. I would consider this a must-stop snack spot, and maybe pick some treats up for friends and family back home too.
Oxbow Pies
215 E Crawford St, Palestine, TX 75801
Famous for their pies, I had to stop in for some take-home slices. I was stuffed from my lunch across the street at Pint & Barrel Drafthouse and they were closing so I raced in just in time. Since I was taking it home to Houston (3 hour drive) I was limited in my choices but enjoyed a slice of chocolate pecan pie later that night. If I had gone earlier my choices might have been much more difficult! Also, some cute photo opps outside for the Insta girlies, if not too many customers are around. I can imagine they are super busy during warm spring/fall weekend days and around all holidays the require PIE!
Pint and Barrel Drafthouse
302 E Crawford St, Palestine, TX 75801
Got this recommendation from Chet at The Day Tripper who never steers you wrong. The pulled pork is the best! Like, even the pickles are good and I still have dreams of that coleslaw (tip: order extras and put it ON the sandwich). I’ve been so many times since trying it and so have other family members. The service is great, always helping me find a new brew to try. Highly recommend this place.
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