Downtown shopping, stunning architecture, delicious bakeries and restaurants, and plenty of things to do make Palestine, Texas, a great destination for summer fun.
Blueberry picking continues through July until they are all picked at Lake Creek Blueberry Farm.
Embrace the beauty of nature and indulge in the sweet delight of blueberries juicy goodness straight from the bush.
Palestine Fireworks Show is July 3 in Steven Bennet Park at sunset. This family-friendly event celebrates Independence Day with food trucks and fireworks.
See a comedy show on July 5 with Tommy T-Ray at Home Grill Steakhouse at 8 p.m. on July 5.
The Texas State Railroad train excursions are popular on lists of things to do each summer and there are numerous opportunities.
There are still tickets available on select Fridays and Saturdays for the Piney Woods Express Diesel train excursions. The 4-hour round-trip departs from the historic Palestine Rail Depot and travels to the Rusk Rail Depot, where guests leave the train for an approximate one hour and 20-minute layover. During the layover, guests can have lunch, explore the grounds or take in some history by visiting the interior of the depot as well as the gift shop. Multiple seating and pricing options are available for this excursion.
On July 26 and August 8 guests can enjoy Wine in the Pines. The adults-only train journey embarks at 5 p.m. from the Palestine Depot with local wine samples, a moonlit ride, and dinner under the stars at the Rusk Depot. Complimentary appetizers, a keepsake wine glass, and a variety of beverages are available onboard.
Another Texas State Railroad special event takes place on August 9 with the Fiesta Flyer. Guests traverse the tracks enjoying the evening hours on this one hour and 20-minute journey to the Rusk Depot. Once at Rusk, there’s a catered Mexican-themed dinner served on the beautiful grounds of the depot by the lake with serenading by a great Mariachi band.
Take a magical trip to wonderland with Palestine Community Theatre’s summer musical production of Alice in Wonderland. Evening and matinee times are available on July 18-20 and 25-27 All tickets are general admission, first come-first served. Cash concession stand in the lobby, beer and wine are complementary, tip suggested.
The Neches River Wilderness Challenge takes place on August 2. Canoeists and kayakers, young and old, expert and beginner, come out in large numbers for “The Toughest Little Race in Texas.” It covers 22 miles of the scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River. This is a fun oriented event for the serious competitors as well as those who choose a leisurely paced to experience nature on the beautiful Neches River Trail.
There are plenty of lodging opportunities in and around Palestine for everyone’s tastes including the casually elegant downtown boutique Redlands Hotel, traditional hotels, RV parks, and country retreats. Go to www.VisitPalestine.com to help plan your itinerary for making memories this summer.
