Our family rode the Piney Woods Express in the Presidential Car, and it was the perfect finale to…read moreour East Texas vacation. We booked seats in the Presidential Car, "Miss Joyce," and the experience was outstanding from beginning to end. The car features a comfortable mix of couches and chairs, with seating selected when you book your tickets. It created a relaxed atmosphere that made the four-hour excursion feel special without being overly formal. Our train attendant, Miss Joyce, was absolutely wonderful. She was warm, welcoming, and attentive throughout the trip, and it's easy to see why the car proudly bears her name. When we arrived at our seats, each passenger had a complimentary bottle of water and a snack box filled with watermelon, grapes, pretzels, and cheese cubes. The trip began with a champagne toast for the adults and sparkling apple cider for those who preferred it, which was a fun touch that made the experience feel like an occasion. Additional drinks, candy, and popcorn were available for purchase throughout the ride, and the attendants happily took orders and kept a running tab, making everything very convenient. During the stop in Rusk, we had time to stretch our legs and enjoy lunch. A converted railcar serves as a concession stand, offering items like hot dogs, nachos, chicken salad sandwiches, hoagies, and pulled pork sandwiches, with the option to purchase meals that include chips and a drink. There are picnic tables available, or you can take your lunch back to the train while it's parked at the station. We later learned that meal pre-orders are available, although we didn't notice that information when booking our tickets. The return trip to Palestine was a little quicker but just as enjoyable. From departure at 11:00 a.m. until our return around 3:00 p.m., the entire excursion was relaxing, scenic, and very well organized. If you're looking for a unique family outing in East Texas, we highly recommend upgrading to the Presidential Car. Between the comfortable seating, thoughtful amenities, excellent service, and beautiful scenery, it was an experience we'll remember for a long time.

My wife and I drove up from Austin for an overnight trip to Palestine, Texas, to take the evening…read moredinner train ride on the Texas State Railroad. We sat in the skylight car. Our experience was okay, but just okay. The train car was comfortable, though noticeably dated and in need of some freshening up. The bathroom was unpleasant -- no soap, no paper towels -- and it felt like the cars hadn't received any real attention in years. The train ride itself was pleasant enough, but too long for what it offered. The scenery consists mostly of trees lining both sides of the track, with occasional glimpses of meadows. Nothing dramatic. The train crept along at a snail's pace -- more, I suspect, to fill time than for any safety reasons. The midpoint stop was the highlight of the trip. We had dinner with live music in a lovely setting near a small lake -- genuinely enjoyable. However, the scheduled 1¼-hour stop stretched to nearly 1¾ hours, as we sat on the train for almost 30 minutes without moving before heading back. We arrived over 15 minutes later than scheduled. A few other notes: the train has no Wi-Fi, and the entire three-hour ride is accompanied by piped-in 1940s big band music. The first 30 minutes were fine; after that, it became tedious. Overall, I'd give this experience a 3 out of 5 -- and that's being generous, given the price.

This is a new facility. Very convenient, secure and reasonably priced. Perfect for what we need…read more The manager was very communicative and easy to work with!

I have some acreage near Palestine but it's so rough I couldn't get my 34' travel trailer in…read morewithout dragging, so I set out to look for a commercial RV park close by. Man, was I happy to find Palestine RV Park! It's a fairly small park tucked away in the trees, with many long-term residents. However, they also cater to short term stays. I had my trailer there for four days. The sites are huge, with 30 and 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer. Roads in and around the park are asphalt paved, but the sites are unpaved, and it's fine sand that gets in EVERYTHING, so be sure to bring some doormats or something. The park is quiet (park rules say that quiet hours are from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, lol) and pitch dark at night, but there are pole lamps at the sites that you can plug in and use if you need additional lighting. Angela, the owner, met me at the gate in her UTV and led me directly to my site, where she did the paperwork and payment, then offered to help me set up my trailer! There's a nice laundry and shower building near the entrance. The park has controlled access with keypads and a gate controller, and you can come and go as you please. Everyone I encountered there was friendly and helpful. I'll definitely stay there again! p.s. Be sure to look for Bigfoot when you're there! ;-)

Pretty and safe rv park nestled in the trees. The managers ( Angela the Angel and her husband) are…read moreawesome, helpful, and totally engaged in making sure I got situated as a new rv er. I've been here twice and I highly recommend it. Spots are very limited though - so you must reserve to get in.

Food was surprisingly top notch, and the service was spectacular. You would not expect that from a…read morefishing lake cafe ! Great hours (even open Easter Weekend)! No wonder so many locals go and eat there! Highly recommend. Not formal nor semi formal, but about one step below casual;) Great food, prices and service!

We ate here for lunch and then came back for breakfast the next morning. Everything was amazing and…read morethe service was awesome. They definitely make things to order and care how they make it for you. We got the Poboy with fries and the Club sandwich. Highly recommend both of those items. Their club sandwich was incredible. The next day we got the big breakfast and a small breakfast. One of us had the hash brown patties it comes with and the other ordered the breakfast potatoes. Since one of us was trying to eat a lot less fat, they custom made those potatoes with very little oil. Everything was so good and their biscuits and gravy just needed a little pepper and it was perfect. I only have pictures of the breakfast, but I highly recommend this place.

This is my first time at this amazing resort, and I am already looking forward to my next visit…read more Lisa at check-in was extremely helpful and genuinely happy to see you. The cabins are clean and well furnished with a full kitchen. The grounds are very well kept and beautiful. Butch the owner of Purple Peacock, is a great host. Also happy to see you, and extremely helpful. He even went out of his way purchasing a new BBQ grill for us to use. The Bird Cage is a great place to meet and mingle with other guests and have fun. I can say this wasn't one of the most positive and welcoming clothing optional resorts I have been to. Thank you Butch & and Lisa. I am looking forward to seeing you next time. CHEERS, David

Clothing optional resort just outside Palestine TX. I went here to visit a friend of mine who…read moresometimes lives there months at a time. I got to spend three weeks here and it was the absolute BEST TIME of my life. I wish I could come back here as often as I could. And as a single female I feel totally comfortable in this environment. Everybody made me feel so welcome! I would call this place home if I could.

Loveddddd my night at The Ranch!! The room was so cute, the owners are incredibly friendly, the…read morebreakfast was scrumptious, and my dog loved walking around the grounds (on leash, of course). If I'm ever in Palestine, I will definitely stay at The Ranch!

Very unique B & B. Friendly owners and good food. We visit every year. A perfect place to relax…read morefor the entire day.

Nice Quiet country atmosphere really good people very helpful there is restrooms and laundry mat as…read morewell as a efishing and lots of trees very spacious lots...home away from home

Reservation: I called in the middle of three week, left a message. He called me back the next…read moreday, and I was able to book a reservation for my son's birthday dinner on Sunday. He was very accommodating. Restaurant: it's very quaint. We will have to check out the bed and breakfast next time. Service: super nice and friendly. I love family owned establishments because they feel warmer and unique than chain restaurants. Food: great food! See pictures. I can't wait to try breakfast next time.

Excellent food. Cozy, clean, pleasant environment. We dined here two nights in a row. Indoor and…read moreoutdoor dining available. Chef Webster is personable and accomplished. He has created a lovely dinning experience. We will visit Palestine again just to visit this Restaurant.