Dogwood Bloomwatch Update 3/19/2018

 Davey Dogwood Park is opening up!  

As of Monday, March 3rd, the dogwoods are in the early to mid stages of opening, just in time for the first weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration!

The blossoms are mixed in with leafing foliage due to the unusually winter season that went from cold to warm and back to cold in January and February.

Early coloring of the native dogwoods in bloom feature an off-white or almost yellow-ish bloom, which as it matures, will turn bright white.  Blossoms will average between 3" and 4" when fully developed.

Spring Teasers!

A quick drive through the Historic Districts landed our eyes upon these beautiful examples of late winter blooms which mark the beginning of the Blooming Season in Palestine, Texas.  Once the Redbuds are in bloom, we start tracking the dogwoods to bloom approximately 2 weeks later.  

Redbud blooming in Davey Dogwood Park Feb 26, 2018

Tulip Trees provide a beautiful pop of color Feb 26, 2018

Red Camelias in bloom on Cedar St  Feb 26, 2018

Early Season Blooms

Howard House Museum 3/3/17

You have seen it across East Texas and it is happening in Palestine, Texas too!  We are seeing a beautiful array of flowering trees and bushes throughout the area.

Due to the unseasonably warm winter, we are recommending that if you are coming for the blooms, March 9th through 13th are looking to be the best time to see the most blossoms.  

We do expect the blooming season to be steady beyond these dates with Dogwoods in the canopy and along the trail in Davey Dogwood Park to continue blooming through April 3rd.

Reagan Park 3/2/17

Please visit www.visitpalestine.com to see a complete list of accommodations and visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com for a full schedule of events for the 79th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration!

For more information about things to do and see while you are in Palestine, stop in at the Palestine Visitor Center at 825 W. Spring Street or call 800-659-3484.

Signs of Spring

This week has produced a myriad of blooms including a few that are early!  We are spotting Suacer Magnolias, Lady Banks Roses, Redbuds, Azaleas and Dogwoods! Yes, you read that right, Dogwoods are already starting to bloom in Palestine, Texas!  Some Luck!

While the majority of the Dogwoods are still waiting for the right moment, there are a few early risers being spotted around town.   These blooms mostly have been found in areas around town that are under a large canpoy of trees, where Dogwoods thrive.  

The Dogwood traditionally blooms in Palestine, Texas in late March and into early April, but this year, we may be in for an early treat!  

On Monday, Palestine welcomed some really strong rains, which have forced Davey Dogwood Park to be closed this week while fallen trees and debris are removed from the roadways, but we will update you on the blooms in the park as soon as access is granted!

Subscribe to be first to know each time we post an update to the Dogwood Bloom Watch so you know when the best time to visit will be!

For more information about the 79th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com or call 903-723-3014.

  

 

Springtime in Palestine Texas 3/29/16

New blossoms late in the season at Davey Dogwood Park 3/29/16

 This weekend marks the third and final weekend for the 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration and while we did not see the blooms we had hoped for this upcoming weekend, we do still have blooms in the parks and throughout the community.

A drive through Davey Dogwood Park will offer peaceful and scenic views of the forest and a peek at a Dogwood blossom every now and then.  Photos taken today do show that we still have blossoms n the park, so the best way to get a peek at them is to pack a lunch and have a picnic in the park!  

Dogwood in bloom at Davey Dogwood Park 3/29/16

Meanwhile in other areas throughout the city, Azaleas, Wisteria, Lady Banks and Bluebonnets are putting on a beautiful display for visitors and residents here. 

Azaleas in bloom near Davey Dogwood Park 3/28/16

Wisteria at the bus entrance to Davey Dogwood Park

The Naylor House in full bloom on N. Sycamore Street

Lady Banks Roses overflowing

Dogwood Bloom Watch 3/14/16

Davey Dogwood Park - Picnic Area 3/14/16

The skies are blue today and Davey Dogwood Park is starting to bloom! While many of the trees throughout the park are still leafing and budding, many of the Dogwood trees that are not under the full canopy of the trees are in full bloom!

Mother Nature is going to be really tricky this year.  We are predicting a slow and steady opening of the Dogwoods with many trees phasing out of bloom while new one phase in

Dogwood Bloom Watch 3-7-16

Reagan Park, Palestine Texas

With an extremely mild winter and plenty of rainfall and beautiful weather, Palestine is seeing incredible blooms in the area.

Daily bloom watch drives have offered a beautiful backdrop for the area with the redbuds and ornamental Bradford pears in full bloom this week.  "I do not recall a more vibrant and abundant year of the redbud than we are witnessing in 2016." Dana Goolsby of MYETX.com commented last week.  

It would be nearly impossible to drive anywhere in Palestine and in the surrounding areas and not catch a glimpse of the vibrant fuchsia blossoms that cluster along the branches and trunks, a phenomenon called cauliflory.

The budding spring is also obliging a few Dogwoods to open early at Davey Dogwood Park and across town.  While we have only spotted 2 mature Dogwoods opening at the park, we have seen many of the dogwoods leafing out and could see early blooms throughout the area this year.

To find a full schedule of events and activities for the 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com  

The Forest Awakens

Weeks away from the 78^th annual Dogwood Trails Celebration, the flowering trees are starting to give us a sneak peek for the season.  This year’s theme for the Celebration, “The Forest Awakens” fits hand in hand with the landscape of Davey Dogwood Park this week. 

Launched in 1938, the annual Texas Dogwood Trails celebration has been a staple for springtime in East Texas.  Davey Dogwood Park became the central location of the annual event in February 1944, when Mr. M.A. Davey, a Palestine oil main, purchased this tract of land and deeded it to Anderson County to be used as a park of natural beauty.  The park offers more than five and one-half miles of hard-surfaced roads to follow with majestic pines, red buds, wild plum trees and of course the graceful dogwood.

The history of the dogwood tree goes back to 1731 when it was first cultivated, but the origin and true dates for the tree are unknown. The dogwood trees’ history is steeped with broad cultural uses, from a signal that it was time to plant crops for Native Americans to the many uses for the wood as various tools supporting day to day activities in small business and farming for early settlers. 

Become part of the history of the dogwood by visiting historic Palestine and experience our attractions, exciting events, unique shopping and local flavor - recently named one of the top Travel Destinations in Texas. Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the Celebration, including the Dogwood Trails festival on Saturday, March 19^th in historic downtown Palestine. Don't miss the Piney Woods Train Excursion at the Texas State Railroad, tours at the historic Redlands Inn, Dulcimer Music Festival, Main Street Farm & Flower Market, live productions at the Texas Theatre and much more.

The Dogwood Trails Celebration is the last two weekends in March and the first weekend in April each year.  

Find more information on the 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.

Dogwood Bloom Watch 4-2-15

Davey Dogwood Park - 3-31-15
Photo by Michael Barnett


Spring has definitely sprung in Palestine, Texas.

 We are coming up on the last weekend of the 77th annual Dogwood Trails Celebration.

The majority of the dogwoods in Davey Dogwood Park are in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous. If you are planning to come in this Easter Weekend, make sure to drive around our historic neighborhoods and see the beautiful blooms (our azaleas are even popping out!).  

           Find a full schedule of events and activities at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com. 

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Easter Sunrise Service at Manley Mountain in Davey Dogwood Park - Sunday, April 5th at 7:00 a.m.  

Pink Dogwoods - 4-1-2015
Palestine, TX - Historic District

Azaleas - 4-1-2015
Palestine, Texas  - Historic District

Chinese Empress Tree
Palestine, Texas - Historic District

About Palestine, Texas:  Palestine is a charming East Texas town that boasts more than 1,800 historic sites, including the Main Street District. Home to the Texas State Railroad and Dogwood Trails, Palestine is graced with stately homes, gorgeous scenic drives and a Texas friendly welcome that offers a true Southern experience.  

Established in 1846, Palestine continues its tradition of small-town hospitality.  We invite you to visit Historic Palestine and experience our attractions, exciting events, unique shopping and local flavor - recently named one of the top Travel Destinations in Texas.  

                               Find our online Visitor Guide at www.visitpalestine.com.

Dogwood Bloom Watch: 3-26-15

3-26-2015 Dogwood Update
Davey Dogwood Park - Palestine, Texas

Joining us for the 77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration? The next two weekends should be an ideal time to see the dogwoods.  Find a full schedule of events and activities at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com


Looking to eat, stay & play in Palestine, TX? Check out our on-line visitor guide at www.visitpalestine.com.  

Dogwood Bloom Watch 3-23-15

Dogwood Bloom Update - 3.24.2015
Palestine, Texas

Spotted: Blue Skies and Dogwoods. The sun was shining bright yesterday at Davey Dogwood Park. The 77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration continues this weekend with a schedule full of events. Rumor has it the weather is suppose to be perfect for the 2nd weekend of festivities.  The Dogwoods should be ideal beginning this weekend through the first week in April - we are predicting they will be in full bloom by Easter weekend.  Stay tuned.

For more information on the 77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.  Download our free visitor guide at www.visitpalestine.com.

Dogwood Bloom Update 3-19-2015

Dogwood Bloom Update - Palestine, Texas

Today's cloud coverage is not stopping the dogwoods from slowly opening up. However, we are still predicting the dogwoods to be in full bloom towards the end of March through the first weekend in April.  As you know, mother nature can be tricky in Texas.  Stay tuned.... things could change.  

To find a full schedule of events and activities for the 77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.  

Dogwood Bloom Update: 3-16-2015

The sun is finally shining in Palestine.   We thought it would be an ideal day to check on the dogwoods in Davey Dogwood Park.   The cool and wet weather has been the perfect combination for the trees. As of today, we are predicting the dogwoods to be in full bloom the last weekend in March and first weekend in April.

Dogwood Bloom Watch - 3.16.2015
Palestine, Texas

Stay tuned for more Dogwood news.
We will keep you posted!

Follow the Dogwoods to Palestine, TX

If festivals and flowers are your forte, then plan a road trip to the 77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration. This long-time celebration takes place the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April. 

77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration

Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the Celebration, including the "Dogwoods through the Decades" Festival on Saturday, March 21st. Don't miss the Dogwood Train Brunch at the Texas State Railroad, tours at the historic Redlands Inn, Dulcimer Music Festival, Main Street Farm & Flower Market, live productions at the Texas Theatre and much more.
The annual Texas Dogwood Trails began in 1938. Davey Dogwood Park became the main location of the annual event in February 1944, when Mr. M.A. Davey, a Palestine oil main, purchased this tract of land and deeded it to the Anderson County to be used as a park of natural beauty.  This area includes over five and one-half miles of hard-surfaced roads. The park is especially beautiful in the spring with the dazzling white blossoms of the Dogwood Trees and many other native area wildflowers.

You're invited to visit historic Palestine and experience our attractions, exciting events, unique shopping and local flavor - recently named one of the top Travel Destinations in Texas. Find more information on the 77th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.

 

Download our free visitor's guide at www.visitpalestine.com.

Making Memories in Davey Dogwood Park

The Dogwoods are in full bloom and absolutely beautiful. 

Our friends at MYETX.com recommends visitors and locals to: Take a drive to Davey Dogwood Park in Palestine this spring! Pack a lunch, some lawn chairs or a blanket, and bring your favorite book. Plan a photo shoot, or take a hike.....

We agree!

Davey Dogwood Park - Spring 2014
Photo by MYETX.com

Davey Dogwood Park - Spring 2014
Palestine, Texas

Davey Dogwood Park - Spring 2014
Palestine, Texas

Don't miss the last weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration (April 4-6).   Find a full schedule of events at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.

April 4,5,6- Texas Theatre presents "Ghost of a Chance" which tells the story of newly engaged couple Bethany and Floyd who are each dealing with obstacles on their path to true love. For Bethany, it’s the ghost of her dead husband, Chance. Bethany has brought her finance, Floyd, and his overbearing mother, Verna, up to her cabin in the woods, the site of the hunting accident that killed Chance, her first husband. Much to her consternation, he or rather, his ghost is still there. Only Bethany can see him, so Floyd and Verna think she is crazy as she frantically tries to get rid of, well, it seems to them nobody. Chance, meanwhile, is doing everything he can to prevent Bethany from marrying Floyd. Bethany even brings in a delightfully kooky psychic to help deal with the ghost of Chance. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets $8 Students (Ages 4-18) $12 Adults

                                               

                                                     Historic Texas Theatre - Palestine, Texas

April 4-6- Main Street Architectural Scavenger Hunt - Find the architectural gems of the main Street district. Pick up your “Hunter Tips” at the visitor center, download from visitpalestine.com, or find them on the Main Street Facebook page. For more information call (903) 723-3014.

April 5, 2014-Dogwood Trails #Instameet in #PalestineTX–Want to meet up with Instagrammers?  Join us for a “photo walk” filled with dogwoods, nature & history.  10am: Davey Dogwood Park (Pavilion)  2pm: Palestine Main Street (Old Town Palestine) For more information, follow @PalestineTx on Instagram.

April 5,6- Piney Woods Excursion -11:00am -3:30 pm  Palestine Depot, Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801 and Rusk Depot, Park Rd. 76 , Rusk, TX 75785.  Roundtrip Excursions depart from the Palestine and Rusk depots at 11:00 am and return at 3:30 pm. The trip is 1 ½ hours each way with 1 ½ hour layover at the opposite depot for a total of 4 ½ hour experience. Box lunches come with the Lone Star Class ticket. They are available for pre-order for all classes ($10 each if not riding in Standard Class) or you may bring your own. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in the concession car. Half-way trips for those interested in a shorter excursion may board at either depot at 11:00 am or 2:00pm and halfway through the trip switch trains when they pass at the Mewshaw Siding. Total trip is 1 ½ hours. For reservations phone: 877-726-7245 or book online at: www.texasstaterr.com

Texas State Railroad - Palestine, Texas

April 5- Boston’s Buckin BBQ Cook-Off – Check in and set-up is Friday April 4-Sanctioned by Lone Star Barbecue Society, official rules & entry from at lonestarbbq.com   Located at the Anderson County Rodeo Grounds, Hwy 287 N., Palestine, TX.  Entry fee $100…90% Payback from paid entry fees.  ½ Chicken, pork spare ribs, brisket (any or all) Jackpot Beans $15. 9:00am Head Cooks Meeting, 11:00am Beans , 12:00pm ½ Whole Chicken, 1:00pm Pork Spare Ribs , 2:00pm Brisket. Awards to follow. For more information please contact Kim (903)731-4943 Charlie (903)933-3529 ALL proceeds to Boston Porter Memorial Scholarship  50/50 CASH giveaway at awards ceremony.  

April 5,6-– Sacred Heart Catholic Church Tours-11:00am–3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00-5:00pm at 503 N. Queen St.  For more information please call (903)729-2463

Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Palestine, Texas

April 5-Architecture Walking Tour of Main Street–12-2 p.m. – Local Historic Preservation Officer Jacob Morris, will lead a walking tour of the District. The tour will include information on the styles and examples of historic architecture in Palestine, and will be an interactive discussion of the history and significance. Free and open to all ages, begins at City Hall. For more information contact the Main Street office at (903) 723-3014 or visit their Facebook page

Palestine is graced with stately homes, gorgeous scenic drives and a Texas friendly welcome that offers a true Southern experience. We invite you to join us this weekend for a great celebration full of history, fun and dogwoods (www.texasdogwoodtrails.com).

Dogwoods in Palestine, Texas: Spring 2014

Pink Dogwoods in Palestine, Texas: Spring 2014

Dogwoods, Trains & Plays....

The Dogwoods are blooming in Palestine!  Look at these beautiful newly-opened blossoms on this Dogwood tree. We have been watching this same tree in Davey Dogwood Park since day one.  

Dogwoods in Palestine, Texas: Davey Dogwood Park
3.24.14

We spotted these lovely bluebonnets yesterday. Spring is definitely here! 

Bluebonnets in the Historic District - Palestine, Texas

                                                          Bluebonnets in the Historic District - Palestine, Texas

The 76th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration continues this weekend (March 29-30).....and it's suppose to be beautiful! For those planning to attend this weekend's festivities, below is a sample list of things to see and do.  For a full schedule of events, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.

March 27, 28, 29- 13th Annual Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival at the Museum of East Texas Culture located at 400 Micheaux. For more information please call (903)723-1914 or Email: information@museumpalestine.org

                                               Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival - Palestine, Texas

March 28, 29, 30- Texas Theatre presents “Ghost of a Chance” tells the story of newly engaged couple Bethany and Floyd who are each dealing with obstacles on their path to true love. For Bethany, it’s the ghost of her dead husband, Chance. Bethany has brought her finance, Floyd, and his overbearing mother, Verna, up to her cabin in the woods, the site of the hunting accident that killed Chance, her first husband. Much to her consternation, he or rather, his ghost is still there. Only Bethany can see him, so Floyd and Verna think she is crazy as she frantically tries to get rid of, well, it seems to them nobody. Chance, meanwhile, is doing everything he can to prevent Bethany from marrying Floyd. Bethany even brings in a delightfully kooky psychic to help deal with the ghost of Chance. Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets $8 Students (Ages 4-18) $12 Adults

                                            Texas Theatre - Palestine, Texas Photo by Lee Loveless Photography

March 28-30- Main Street Architectural Scavenger Hunt - Find the architectural gems of the main Street district. Pick up your “Hunter Tips” at the visitor center, download from www.visitpalestine.com, or find them on the Main Street Facebook page. For more info call (903) 723-3014.

                                                               Anderson County Courthouse - Palestine, Texas

March 29,30- Piney Woods Excursion-11:00am-3:30 pm  Palestine Depot, Park Rd 70, Palestine, TX 75801 and Rusk Depot, Park Rd. 76 , Rusk, TX 75785.  Roundtrip Excursions depart from the Palestine and Rusk depots at 11:00 am and return at 3:30 pm. The trip is 1 ½ hours each way with 1 ½ hour layover at the opposite depot for a total of 4 ½ hour experience. Box lunches come with the Lone Star Class ticket. They are available for pre-order for all classes ($10 each if not riding in Standard Class) or you may bring your own. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in the concession car. Half-way trips for those interested in a shorter excursion may board at either depot at 11:00 am or 2:00pm and halfway through the trip switch trains when they pass at the Mewshaw Siding. Total trip is 1 ½ hours. For reservations phone: (877)726-7245 or book online at: www.texasstaterr.com

Photo Courtesy of the Texas State Railroad

March 30- Texas State Railroad’s Dogwood Special Brunch Train running out of Palestine Depot. Train ride is $50 per person no matter age and includes a lovely brunch on the train while they’re viewing the dogwoods.  Regular train ride will run out of Rusk Depot –normal pricing for train out of Rusk. Group Bookings call (903)683-3093 and regular reservations call (877)726-7245

                                                      Brunch on the Texas State Railroad - Palestine, Texas Depot

March 29, 30 Howard House Museum Tour- 12:00-4:00 pm at 1011 North Perry St.  Admission is free. For more information contact Jack Calcote at (903) 723-0268 or by email: jdcote2000@yahoo.com

                                              Howard House Museum Palestine, Texas - Photo by Stuart Whitaker

March 29 & 30 -Main Street  Farm & Flower Market –9a-5p & 11a-4p – Farmers Market Pavilion, 825 W. Spring St. – Spring is in the air and the Market has what you need! This unique outdoor market will feature bedding plants, herbs, trees, fresh produce, jams, pickles, yard art and decorations. Educational and how-to talks will be offered as well. For more information visit www.visitpaelstine.com or call (903) 723-3014.

                                                                  Farm & Flower Market - Palestine, Texas

March 29,30 – Sacred Heart Catholic Church Tours-11:00am–3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 -5:00 pm at 503 N. Queen St.  For more information please call (903)-729-2463

Stained Glass Windows in Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Palestine, Texas

March 30 - Gingerbread and Coffee at Pilgrim Church 2:00pm-4pm on Sunday.  Members of the Pilgrim Cemetery Association will serve gingerbread and coffee at the Old Pilgrim Church, the first Protestant church in Texas.  The reconstructed log church will be open to the public, and visitors can enjoy tours of the historic cemetery and tales of the pioneer family.  For more information contact Wanda Burke at 903-764-5463

                                                                       Pilgrim Church - Photo by MYETX.com

We invite you to join us this weekend for a great celebration full of history, fun and dogwoods (www.texasdogwoodtrails.com). Palestine is graced with stately homes, gorgeous scenic drives and a Texas friendly welcome that offers a true Southern experience.

                                                 Local Farmer at the Palestine Farmer's Market - Palestine, Texas

Stay Tuned!