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.

The absolute best driving service in Palestine. Well maintained vehicle. Smooth and efficient ride…read more Great price...What more can you ask for!!!

Very professional, timely and considerate. Clean, nice vehicle. Will definitely use this service…read moreagain.

I stayed here (in the North location) during fourth of July 2026 and it was a great choice. I…read moreknocked one star only because there was a couple things that need to be touched up in our cabin. 1) One of the drawers in the bedroom were completely broken, 2) the pipe that supplied the water to the shower was corroded at the bathtub connection, and 3) the bathroom mirrors... IYKYK. Other than that, my friends and I are coming back. It has SO many activities for family's (in North location). The customer service also treated me and my friends like family. So much kindness and patience with city people. We cooked all of our own food, so I have not opinion on the food that maybe supplied onsite, but the cabins, go try them out.

When our vacation plans changed last minute, we ended up getting to the lake earlier than…read moreanticipated. Micah was able to get us set up with a last minute boat rental. Micah and the rest of the staff were very welcoming and made us feel at home while we waited for the boat. We had an Airbnb booked not too far from the resort but we ended up spending a majority of our time at the resort. Both Karaoke Friday night and live music on Saturday were a blast. Very relaxing and laid back atmosphere. We will definitely be back and this time we will book our stay at there as well.

If you're looking for a secluded/romantic get away that's like camping but with creature comforts,…read morethen look no more! This place is amazing!!! You've got your own private little cabin with running water, tiny kitchenette and shower & commode. Every cabin is private where you don't see your neighbors and they come stocked with firewood and large backed chairs to sit by the campfire! There's also an outdoor picnic table at each campsite. So cute!! The cabins also have huge windows for viewing nature if you want to lay in a comfy bed all day and just enjoy the view. The bed was super comfortable along with the pillows!! I didn't even have to bring mine from home! There's also an electric stovetop if you need to heat things up indoors. This place is amazing! Highly recommend! Also, pets are welcome! (Limit 2).

Came here for my 24th birthday. Was welcomed to a nice, clean, very inviting cabin for my friend,…read moremy dog, and for my birthday. We were nervous due to the previous reviews. However, we were lucky with hot water, good AC/heater, and felt comfortable even with the unnoticed storm. It was nice, but very expensive. Probably worth it somewhere else and not in Dallas. However, it is a nice getaway from technology.

This team is top knotch!! They moved a building that everyone else said they could not. Fast and…read moreefficient, and their pricing was more than fair. Very very impressed! I recommend them to anyone needing something moved, big or small, near or farther away. You will not be disappointed.

I am not sure if this is run by Holiday Inn anymore, but I stayed here during fourth of July 2026…read moreand it was a great choice. I knocked one star only because there was a couple things that need to be touched up in our cabin. 1) One of the drawers in the bedroom were completely broken, 2) the pipe that supplied the water to the shower was corroded at the bathtub connection, and 3) the mirrors... IYKYK. Other than that, my friends and I are coming back. It has SO many activities for family's. The customer service also treated me and my friends like family. so much kindness and patience with city people. See you again soon.

I loved the villages resort. We felt like we were camping, but with an amazing jacuzzi in our room…read more We ate at great restaurant in the office while playing pool, and chess with the giant B pieces.

Amazing experience!! Highly recommend!!…read more We opted for the Champagne room. Beautiful ! Private hot tub yo boot!! The restaurant was lovely. Elegance meets Texas rustic. Steaks were yummy! Highly recommend the Kiepersol Cabernet Reserve. We will indeed be going back!!

Went here with my husband for dinner. All staff we encountered were great - attentive and friendly…read more The warm table bread, appetizers, and entrees were delicious. We ordered Brussels sprouts, crab cake entree, and the shrimp sauce entree. These were all delicious. We weren't impressed with the desserts, we ordered the key lime pie and chocolate cake. They were okay, not worth the price, but everything else was great.

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.