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!

Spring Has Arrived

Today marks the first day of spring.  This season brings you birds singing, warmer weather, and lots of beautiful flowers. Hopefully, we can say goodbye to our winter weather and start enjoying the outdoors and brighter days.  

The Dogwoods are beginning to bloom in Palestine....JUST in time for the 76 year-long tradition that takes place every spring.  The beautiful photo below was taken yesterday by our friends at MYETX.com.  Perfect timing (don't you think?)!

Dogwood in Davey Dogwood Park 3.19.14 - Palestine, Texas
Photo by MYETX.com

Even though the blooms will not be at their peak this weekend, there are going to be nice blooms to see. As the weather warms and the sun stays out, we are predicting that the dogwoods should be abundant the last two weeks of the Dogwood Trails Celebration (March 28-30 & April 4-6). 

The photos below were taken today in Davey Dogwood Park.  

Davey Dogwood Park 3.20.19 - Palestine, Texas

The 76th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration kicks off this weekend in downtown Palestine. 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.

First Weekend (3/21-3/23)

March 21-23 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.

March 22- 76th Annual Dogwood Trails Festival 9:00 am until 4:00 pm presented by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce and Sponsors.   Featuring Arts & Crafts Vendors, A Kids Zone Area, and Live Entertainment.  Gate charge $1.00 with children 12 & under Free.  Proceeds will go to local Non-Profit Organizations.  

Festival Bands - Free Live Music

Old Town in the Hollow (Saw Dust Stage)

Lauren Alexander playing from 1pm-2:30pm

Phil Pritchett playing from 3:30pm-5pm

Don't miss the Doo-Wop Cruise at the Courthouse Square

6pm-10pm; Gather at the Square and show off your antique car of hot rod. 

Listen & dance to the hits of the 50's-60's. 

Anderson County Courthouse - Palestine, Texas
Photo by Stuart Whitaker

March 22  Annual Cars of Palestine Car Show-10am until 3pm Located on Spring St. next to Kroger’s.  Classic and Special Interest Autos  $ 20.00 pre-registration, $ 25.00 on show day. Trophies will be awarded. Cost for Spectators: $3.00 Adults & 11 and under free              

March 22-23 Howard House Museum Tour-12pm-4pm at 1011 North Perry St.  Admission is Free. 

Howard House Museum - Palestine, Texas
Photo by Stuart Whitaker

March 22- Anderson County Master Gardeners Annual Tree Sale–7:30am until 4:30pm. Located in the parking lot behind the Federal Building on 101 E. Oak St.  We will have a variety of trees and shrubs as well as white and pink dogwoods.

March 22, 23 - Sacred Heart Catholic Church Tours-11am–3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 -5:00 pm at 503 N. Queen St. Admission is Free

Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Palestine, Texas
Photo by Jack Coleman

March 23 - Gingerbread and Coffee at Old Pilgrim Church 2pm-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. Free

Pilgrim Church, First Protestant Church in Texas
Elkhart, Texas

We invite you to join us this spring for a great celebration full of history, fun and dogwoods. 

Spring 2013 - Historic District in Palestine, Texas
Photo by Jack Coleman

Stay Tuned....

Blue Skies and Sunshine

After a chilly and wet weekend, the sun is finally out.

Daffodils in the Historic District - Palestine, Texas

The 76th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration kicks off this weekend and the forecast is looking great! Perfect timing for the first day of spring (3/20).

www.texasdogwoodtrails.com

Our friends at MYETX.com snapped this photo over the weekend. The dogwood trees in Palestine are loaded with buds and beginning to open.

Dogwood Tree in Palestine, Texas

Today, we drove out to Davey Dogwood Park and took a photo of the same tree from last week.  Do you see what we see?

Dogwood Tree in Davey Dogwood Park - 3.17.14

Dogwood Tree in Davey Dogwood Park - 3.17.14

Even though the blooms will not be at their peak this weekend, there should be some nice blooms to see. As the weather warms and the sun stays out, we are predicting that the dogwoods should be abundant the last two weeks of the Dogwood Trails Celebration (March 28-30 & April 4-6).  

For a full list of events and activities, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.

Stay tuned!

The First Day of Spring is Just Around the Corner

The beautiful white bloom of the dogwood is one of the first signs of spring in East Texas forests. 

Dogwood in Palestine, Texas taken by MYETX.com

With only seven days left until the first day of spring, the dogwood trees are developing buds and doing very well.

Dogwood Buds in Davey Dogwood Park - Palestine, Texas

Dogwood Buds in Davey Dogwood Park - Palestine, Texas

Even though the blooms will not be at their peak for the first weekend of the Celebration (weekend of March 22), there should be some nice blooms to see. As the weather warms and the sun stays out, we are predicting that the dogwoods should be abundant the last two weeks of the Dogwood Trails Celebration (March 28-30 & April 4-6).  

We have had a very “icy” start to 2014, however, there has been a pop of color in our neighborhoods.  

Japanese Magnolia in Palestine, Texas - Photo take by MYETX.com 

Pink Camellias in Palestine, Texas  

Stay tuned! 

For more information about the 76th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration and a list of events, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.

Three Weekends filled with Dogwoods, History & Fun

Howard House Museum in Palestine, Texas

The 76^th Annual Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration in Palestine, Texas takes place the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April.  Since 1938, locals and visitors alike have been enjoying the delicate white blooms of the Cornus florida, commonly known as the flowering dogwood.

Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the long time Celebration, including the Dogwood Festival set for Sat., Mar. 22, 2014 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in historic downtown Palestine. 

Festival highlights include live music and entertainment, beer gardens, a parade, arts & crafts, food vendors, an antique car show, the Anderson County Master Gardeners Annual Tree Sale and much more.  The fun will continue into the evening with a Doo-Wop Cruise featuring music from the 50’s and 60’s at the Anderson County Historic Courthouse Square.

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 from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 23 and 2 to 4 p.m on March 30.

The 13^th Annual Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival will kick off the second weekend at the Museum for East Texas Culture. The music festival will be held Mar. 27, 28 and 29 with concerts, workshops and jam sessions. For those looking for a culinary treat through the piney woods, the Texas State Railroad will host a Dogwood Special Brunch on Sun., Mar. 30. The historic Texas Theatre will debut a Ghost of Chance on Mar. 28, 29, 30 and April 4, 5, and 6. 

The Palestine Main Street Farm and Flower Market, located at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, will be open on Sat., Mar. 29 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sun., Mar. 30 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  This unique outdoor market will feature bedding plants, herbs, trees, fresh produce, jams, yard art and decorations.  Other activities include the Main Street Architectural Scavenger Hunt and tours at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Howard House Museum and much more.

For photography enthusiasts and Instagramers, an ‘InstaMeet’ will kick off the third weekend. The free ‘photo walk’ will be on Sat., April 5 at 10 a.m. in Davey Dogwood Park and 2 p.m. in the Palestine Main Street District.  An Architectural Walking Tour of Main Street is scheduled from Noon – 2 p.m. on Sat., April 5.  The tour, lead by the Preservation Officer for the City of Palestine, will include information on the styles and examples of architecture in Palestine and an interactive discussion of the historic significance. 

Other events happening during the third weekend include the Piney Woods Excursion at the Texas State Railroad and the Boston’s Buckin BBQ Cook-off, sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society. 

For more information about the 76^th Annual Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration and a complete schedule of events, visit www.texasdogwoodtrails.com, download the free Palestine, Texas Mobile App or contact the Palestine Visitor Center at 903-723-3014.

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.