Palestine, Texas

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!

The Beginning of Downtown Palestine

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

Texas State Railroad

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.

My Town’s Experience

The hour and twenty-minute ride to Rusk was lovely. I was in one of the Presidential Cars. One side has tables for two and tufted, padded chairs, and the other side has comfy couches and coffee tables. There are several types of cars you can book for excursions, each with its own experience level and amenities. When I arrived at my table. I was treated to a cushy chair and lots of room to take in the 1920s Historical Rail Car. Sitting on my table was a lovely small assortment of snacks (kind of their version of an individually boxed charcuterie), and we said bon voyage together with a champagne toast! CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO.

Once the train was on its way to Rusk, I was lucky enough to have been in a train car with a sought-after attendant, Joyce. It is my understanding that word has spread about Joyce and that patrons request to be in her car. Joyce narrated our ride. I was very excited to listen to her stories about her time working with the railroad, and I loved hearing the local and state history that she delivered in fun ways, like trivia. All the staff I encountered on this train ride were amazing. They are attentive and fun, and will get whatever snacks and drinks you desire from the concession car.

A Few Items Of Note

One aspect I loved about the concession menu was that it featured local wine. Another fun aspect is walking from car to car while in motion. I love that you are encouraged to do this. You can go to the concession car to get your own snacks or drinks, or, my favorite part, head to the caboose and walk out to the back of the train to watch the tracks leaving under your feet. It’s truly an experience and makes you feel like you traveled back 100 years!

Many people on this type of excursion were couples, and the atmosphere on the dinner train is tailor-made for coupling! Sit together on the comfy couches in the Presidential Car or get cozy in The Sky High Observation Dome. Grab a glass of wine together and relax! However you decide to ride, you can’t help but feel the romantic nostalgia of the rail cars on the dinner excursion.

Dinner And Final Destinations

Once we arrived in Rusk, we were treated to a delicious gourmet meal by the lakeside. Since there were many people on this ride, food was catered in, and you got your food buffet style. All the tables were set up beautifully with linens and centerpieces under Edison Lights by the lakeside.

When everyone’s bellies were full, we hopped back on the train for the ride home.

I sat and wrote in my journal and imagined myself in another time as I enjoyed a little quiet on the way back to Palestine. I felt very relaxed as I thought about how my time on the Texas State Railroad would be remembered. For future visitors, I would encourage you to book this experience and see, as I did, that it is worth your time and money. There are genuinely not many experiences like this anymore. These are experiences that not only let you get up close and personal with the past but also give you some freedom to enjoy it your way.

READ MORE Collapse

Historic, Luxury, Accommodations

The Redlands Hotel

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.

Tips For Great Lodging Choices

There are many reasons to pick a place to stay, and it’s usually the first decision you make when planning a trip. But in the case of The Redlands Hotel, you should factor in who runs the place. Why? Because you can have peace of mind that where you are staying is cared for at a higher level, and in turn, that means your stay will be at a higher level.

Jean and her dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure your stay is all that you want it to be, from top-notch accommodations to dinner reservations and checking out local attractions. No matter what you want your stay to be, they will be there to help you.

I was fortunate to spend a little one-on-one time with Jean and learned what a labor of love owning and operating The Redlands Hotel truly entails. But these conversations were not about the labor; they were about the love of this building, its guests, the community it serves, and a will to continue to make it better and better. That’s the kind of place I want to stay when staying in a small town!

The Rooms At The Redlands

I loved my room at the Historic Redlands Hotel. I stayed in Suite 405, a One-Bedroom King Suite. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO. The wonderful thing about staying at a hotel like The Redlands is that you are getting much more than a room. You are getting the EXPERIENCE of staying at a Downtown, Historic Boutique Hotel. So, what does that look like?

Well, for starters, you are getting what I am going to call Texas-Sized Suites. The beautiful thing about this boutique hotel is that the rooms are made to sprawl out. All the rooms at The Redlands are suites and include a full kitchen, streaming TV, wireless internet, toiletries, linens, and towels. They also have options for extended stays or two bedrooms for additional guests.

The rooms themselves are beautiful, and each one is unique. One aspect I loved about meeting owner Jean Mollard, is learning that she has a true talent for design and antiquing. Jean used to own an antique store in town, and she has and continues to custom curate each room at The Redlands Hotel. There is a hominess to her design and the pieces she chooses, and coupled with all the amenities you can expect, create that “home away from home” feeling when you stay.

What Sets This Boutique Hotel Apart?

In addition, guests can enjoy beautiful, historical common areas and public amenities of the hotel. In the lobby, you can see the full history of the Redlands and read about local attractions. On the second floor, you can see the history of the Railroad in Palestine, and I recommend taking full advantage of the balcony on this floor for your morning coffee or evening after-dinner drinks!

Or try hanging out on the third-floor rooftop seating area. There is also a beautiful Art Gallery, Salon, Boutique Shopping, Upscale Bar, and Fine Dining at The Queen St. Grille all on the first floor. The location of the Redlands on the corner of Queen and Oak Streets makes it a great location for walking or a short drive to all that Historic Downtown Palestine has to offer. The Redlands does not serve breakfast, but Taqueria San Louis, -700 W Oak Street, is a great place to get breakfast tacos and is within walking distance from the hotel.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO.

The Queen Street Grille and Bar

Queen St. Grill Palestine, Texas — **Pictured: Red Fish Pontchartrain- Pan Seared with Brown Butter Wine Sauce, Lemon, Capers, Shrimp, and Chorizo Rice**

The Queen St. Grille and The Queen St. Bar are located on the first floor of The Redlands Hotel. Whether you are staying at The Redlands Hotel or not, I highly recommend you eat at the Queen St. Grille. Not only is this fine dining at its best, but if you are not a Redlands guest, you can take in the beauty of the Historic Redlands and visit their local Art Gallery and lovely Boutique in the lobby.

I am not exaggerating when I say that the food is outstanding. Prepared by the Queen St. Grille’s Chef, I had the Red Fish Pontchartrain (see pictured) and for dessert, seasonal homemade peach cobbler with homemade ice cream. The ambiance created by the historic charm of the high ceilings, original tile floors, local art, chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows is incredible. And while the food may be upscale, the atmosphere is very relaxed, and the dress attire is casual.

Personally, I love that kind of dining experience, where you can get upscale food but be completely comfortable. The Queen St. Grille also boasts an extensive wine list. So, sip a favorite or try something new while you read about the history of the railroads provided at your table, and choose your perfect meal!

Queen St. Bar Palestine, Texas — **Queen St. Bar at The Redlands Hotel**

Don’t have time to stop in for lunch or dinner? Stop in at the adorable Queen St. Bar and grab a drink made with local, award-winning TAH Bourbon Whiskey!

READ MORE Collapse

Local Can’t Miss Eats

Pint & Barrel Drafthouse & Oxbow Bakery

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.

Two Outstanding Eateries In Old Town

Pint and Barrel Drafthouse Palestine Texas — **Pint and Barrel Drafthouse**

I had the pleasure of eating at Pint & Barrel Drafthouse and Oxbow Bakery. Both locations are historic buildings in Old Town and have survived floods in recent years.

Pint and Barrel, known for its Pulled Pork, Brisket, and Local Pints, will have you happy within a few minutes of entering this local pub-style bar. I ordered The Cuban Sandwich with House Smoked Pulled Pork, Smoked Ham, Melted Swiss Cheese, Pickles, Spicy Mustard, on Sweet Sourdough Bread-Downright Delicious!

Oxbow Bakery is an adorable Bakery and General Store known for its delicious pie across the road from Pint & Barrel. Because Oxbow Bakery is so popular, their sign states that are open until they sell out. So, I was advised to get my pie and take it with me to Pint and Barrel. This worked out great, and the staff at Pint and Barrel are more than happy to accommodate you when you are ready to eat your award-winning slice of pie! Click Here for more on Oxbow Bakery.

READ MORE Collapse

Switch Brick-Oven Pizzeria & Wine Bar

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.

This Italian Eatery was a labor of love. The location is a renovated Kingdon Hall in the heart of Palestine. The interior was thoughtfully curated to encompass an old-world charm through its sourced architecture pieces from Europe and thoughtful lighting to create the sense of dining al fresco. The staff I met are incredibly passionate people and have been on staff since the restaurant’s opening. A testament to its quality and management. On recommendation, I tried the Meatball Brick-Fired Pizza, and we started with The Switch House Salad and Homemade Chips. All were amazing, as I savored and paired with a glass of cabernet.

READ MORE Collapse

Bird’s Egg Café

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.

Bird's Egg Cafe Palestine Texas — **Roosters of all kinds donated by family and friends decorate The Bird’s Egg Cafe**

It’s the kind of place where you are not going to be a loner, no matter how hard you try. I’m pretty sure at least four people came by my table to say hello, and I left with a couple of hugs. Many locals come daily for their fill of breakfast and brunch favorites. It’s also where I learned how East Texans eat grits. Did you know there is a sweet version and a savory version to eat your morning grits? In addition, I was told that this is an important personality trait!

READ MORE Collapse

Jocelyn's Donuts

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.

Many followers of My Town Travels may recall that I LOVE local donut and pastry shops, bakeries, and the like. But one thing I have been searching for is a donut establishment that rivals my hometown’s Donut Shop, Donut World, in Lancaster, OH. There is just something about it that is hard to replicate.

Well, I think I found one! Jocelyn’s Donuts, owned by Ly Sath and Brandon Touk, started in Palestine in 2009. Ly is originally from Cambodia and was born an entrepreneur. I had so much fun chatting with her about her childhood business endeavors and how she would walk miles to buy food to bring back to sell in front of her home. Her husband, Brandon, does all the baking in the shop, and his recipes are pretty amazing! Sorry, I can’t share them.

Beloved By The Community

Owners of Jocelyn's Donuts- Ly Sath, and Brandon Touk — **Owners of Jocelyn’s Donuts- Ly Sath, and Brandon Touk**

This Dynamic husband and wife team made a name for themselves by making beautiful Fancy Donuts and Specialty Donuts for occasions like birthdays. But, in my opinion, what really sets them apart is their pastries. They have a huge selection of sweet and savory items that are absolutely phenomenal. I tried several items, but at the top of my list was the Bacon Wrapped Kolaches (AKA Texas Sausage). They also have Chicken Pockets, Boudin, and many other options, all wrapped in a savory dough. One of my favorite fancy items is the Strawberry Cream Cheese Croissant. They are so popular that even though I came early on Sunday morning, I had to come back to get one the next day because they were sold out.

I loved the community feel here. In the short amount of time I was there, at least 20 customers came in and out, and Ly greeted each one by name. These two individuals are clearly loved by their community, making Jocelyn’s Donuts a can’t miss dining experience in Palestine, Texas!

READ MORE Collapse

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.

Bralys Ace Hardware

Have You Heard? Ace Hardware Stores Are The Coolest Places to Visit In Small Towns!

I must admit, when I was told that one of the coolest places to visit in Palestine, Texas, was a hardware store, I was a little perplexed and very intrigued. Don’t get me wrong, Ace Hardware Stores are a fixture of small-town life, so I get why locals would love their Ace Hardware Store, but being a destination for visitors is another thing entirely.

Bralys History

Bralys has been a family-owned and operated hardware store for over 90 years. The current owners, Stephen (great-grandson of founder W.J. Franklin) and Vicki Braly, run this fourth-generation store. Their sons Sam and Reed are also involved with the family business, bringing in the fifth generation.

So, besides being a beloved staple of the community, what makes Bralys a destination for visitors? Bralys is still an independent family-owned business, and in 2013, they decided to begin sourcing inventory from Ace Hardware to expand and offer more diverse products. As part of this plan, they purchased the Historical Rusk Elementary School building, located two blocks from their original location on North Jackson Street at 420 W Palestine Ave. The results of what Bralys did with this building’s renovation are incredible. It’s no wonder they were named “COOLEST HARDWARE STORE ON THE PLANET” by Ace Hardware. Did you know this was a thing? This was a new, fun find for me!

The Coolest Owner

I had the opportunity to tour The Coolest Hardware Store On the Planet with Owner Vicki Braly. If Bralys is The Coolest Hardware Store, I would also have to say that it has one of the Coolest Owners. Vicki was a joy to get to know, and I could tell that her staff and the community felt that way about her, too.

Vicki has introduced new product lines that the community and visitors love, like specialty housewares, unique gift items, and vintage toys! While I was visiting, two ladies were buying gifts for a wedding shower (Bralys has a registry), and Vicki gift-wrapped them herself!

Explore Historic Rusk Elementary School

**Original Rusk Elementary School Facade at Bralys Ace Hardware**

When you walk into Bralys as a visitor, take a moment to see where you are standing. You might miss it at first, but then it’s undeniable that you are in an elementary school hallway. To your right and left, as you press forward, each classroom has been outfitted by section (Tools, Housewares, Lawn & Garden, etc.). But look a little closer, and you’ll see that all the signs are made from the school’s chalkboards, pencil sharpeners are still on the wall, bookshelves are being repurposed, and my favorite- lockers that now house plumbing parts.

In addition, you’ll see cool things like snacks & drinks for sale in the old inset water fountain areas and part of the old gym that has been turned into “Bralys Man Cave.” And, of course, there is a lot of Bralys 90-year history to see all over the store as well. Outside, you’ll see their now signature movie theater marquee, locally painted and wood-burned signs, and the school’s flagpole that Bralys proudly still uses in their garden area!

Bralys Ace Hardware is truly a Unique Visitor Experience. Frankly, I have never seen anything quite like it. From local history to unique gift items and unbelievable service, Bralys is a “must-do” when visiting Palestine. They are most deserving of their “Coolest Hardware Store On the Planet” title, and the renovation of the elementary school was a big win for the Palestine Community. This venture has been so successful that Bralys is currently renovating another location in small-town Jacksonville, Texas. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!

READ MORE Collapse

Wells Creek Crossing

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!

Find Something Uniquely Palestine

This is one of those stores that has everything from Vintage Items and Yard Art to Rustic Home Décor and carefully curated Local Artisan Items. It’s one of those artisan items I was particularly interested in. A well-known Texas artist from Palestine has pieces of his art here, and they are in a size I could afford to take home! The piece I purchased was made by Orlando Guillen, who creates handcrafted 2D and 3D recycled metal mixed-media artwork. Palestine is known for its dogwood trees, and Guillen has created yearly ornaments and other artworks of the beautiful dogwood flowers. You can see lots of Guillen’s work in and around Palestine, and I felt fortunate to take a little piece of it home with me from Wells Creek Crossing. When I travel to Small Towns, this is the type of Boutique Shopping Experience I love to find.

About Wells Creek Crossing

Wells Creek Crossing started small 20 years ago with a booth. The Owner, Nita Johnson, was refurbishing furniture in another local store, Old Magnolia. Over time, the business and opportunities grew, and when the time was right, the large, curated store you see today was opened during the Hot Pepper Festival in 2017. They are also located on the Antique Trail.

READ MORE Collapse

A Note from My Town

We hope you enjoyed this article on Small Town Places to Visit! My Town visits are based on exploring and discovery as a first-time visitor and promoting the unique assets small towns have to offer.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER AND RECEIVE GREAT SMALL TOWN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS EACH MONTH!

We Love Small-Town Content! See Below How Easy and Affordable it is to Promote Your Small-Town Experiences with My Town Travels and Travel Small Towns.

Promote Your Small Town With My Town Travels

Posts & Articles: Want My Town to Visit Your Town? Contact Us to see how we can promote your unique offerings on our Social Media, Newsletters, Podcasts, and Websites.

Small Town Directory: We offer great opportunities to Join as a Promotional Member of My Town for less than $10 a month through our Small Town Directory On TRAVELSMALLTOWNS.COM

TRAVEL SMALL TOWNS DIRECTORY OFFER: There are options for Tourism Organizations & Small Town Businesses. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE SIX MONTHS FREE!

Community Group: Are you a Small Town Tourism Organization, Business, or Traveler? Head over to our Facebook page and ask to join our Private Group, Small Town Places to Visit. We are excited to launch this new page, where we connect Small Towns and Visitors.

Check Out More Small Town Articles

Palestine, Texas
Your Ultimate Local Guide To This Charming, Historic, Small Town

Exploring Historic Granville, TN
When Riverboats Ruled The Cumberland

Manchester Hill Winery & Vineyard Winery Cabin
A Couples Retreat In The Heart Of The Midwest

Vanceburg, KY
Small Town Charm On The Big Ohio River

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.

Experience Palestine’s Past in Motion

My Town’s Experience

Dinner And Final Destinations

Historic, Luxury, Accommodations

Tips For Great Lodging Choices

The Rooms At The Redlands

What Sets This Boutique Hotel Apart?

Local Can’t Miss Eats

Two Outstanding Eateries In Old Town

Beloved By The Community

Texas-Sized Shopping In A Small Town

Bralys History

The Coolest Owner

Explore Historic Rusk Elementary School

Find Something Uniquely Palestine

About Wells Creek Crossing

A Note from My Town

Promote Your Small Town With My Town Travels

Check Out More Small Town Articles

Writer Bio

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply