Palestine is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of Texas. It dates way back to the origins of the Texas Republic practically, when Anderson County was carved out and needed a county seat. Then it was a stage stop on the route between Texarkana and Austin and later a stop for the railroad, from which it derives a lot of its fame today, because of a popular restored line between here and Rusk that offers a sense of train travel of yesteryear through the Piney Woods. The town itself looks a little stuck in the past, and can be worth a gander.

• Railroad Heritage Center, 808 W Oak St, ☏ +1 903 586-7141. This museum showcases the heritage of railway history in Palestine, from the International and Great Northern Railroad to the emergence of a major depot for the Union Pacific. (updated Jan 2022)

• Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Rd 70, ☏ +1 855 632-7729. Not to be blunt, but this probably is the main tourist destination here in Palestine, offering vintage rides from Palestine to Rusk thru Piney Wood splendor. Takes on a Polar Express theme around Christmas. (updated Jan 2022)

• Old Magnolia Sandwich Shop, 120 W Oak St, ☏ +1 903-729-4410. Gourmet sandwich shop in historic down town, also a coffee house. 
• MAMA Seafood Restaurant, 908 W Palestine Ave, ☏ +1 903-729-0747. Mmm, breaded catfish. 
• Pronto Gyros & Pizza LLC, 402 E Palestine Ave, ☏ +1 903-723-3240. Daily 11AM-8PM. Lots of cheese, take your Lactaid if intolerant. 
• Giovanni's Restorante Italiano, 2027 W Palestine Ave, ☏ +1 903-729-3595. 
• LaChaparra's, 204 N Church St, ☏ +1 903-723-0271. Authentic Mexican cuisine 
• Sabor a Pasion Bistro, 110 ACR 406, ☏ +1 903-729-9500. Truly the best cuisine in town. 

• Best Western, 1601 W Palestine Ave, ☏ +1 903-723-4655. 
• Holiday Inn Express, 1030 E Palestine Ave, ☏ +1 903-723-4884. 
• La Quinta Inn, 3000 S Loop 256, ☏ +1 903-723-1387. 

• Palestine Convention & Visitor, 825 W Spring St, +1 903-723-3014