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.

I'm writing this while we're here, about to spend our third night. We spent one night here back in…read more2006 and we enjoyed it, and always remembered this place. At that time, we rented a smaller cabin. This time we're in a 6 seater with a master bed in a room, a cozy upstairs loft, and a futon in the living room. This one advertises to accommodate 6, and it will. Pete and Lynn are great, they make sure you're comfortable, but as the previous reviewer stated, they're not nosy. They even keep movies on hand for folks to watch in their cabins, which our 4 year old much appreciated. This place has changed quite a bit in the 12 years since we were last here, but it seems to have only gotten better. It's off the beaten path, phone service works but is spotty at times...but it's Frankston, not Plano, so you should expect that going forward. The cabins are clean, well maintained, ours had a coffee pot, electric range/oven, two window units, two space heaters, a small TV and a VCR/DVD player. If you like East Texas, and you're a lake person, and you like fishing, etc. you'll love this place. We do. Just don't book it when we wanna book it.

http://www.campingfriend.com/skytraqsrvresort/…read more Stayed here with my wife and my dog for 4 nights when we attended a Music Festival in Palestine. Very secluded and off-the-beaten-path on Lake Palestine. The Cabin was extremely clean. We found one little problem that seemed to have been 'hidden' by a previous renter but Pete had it cleaned up in 30 seconds. He and Lynn were very helpful when needed but not nosy. There are 6-7 cabins of various luxury/size for rent as well as a few RV sites. 2 cabins have lake views but everything is close as the park is not large. Most of the cabins have a fenced dog run attached. They also supply towels to dry your dog if it decides to go swimming! There's a boat ramp and a pier/dock. Lots of shade. Picnic area, 'pet' horses, 'campfire ring', volleyball net, horseshoe pitch. The stars at night are breathtaking! As is sunrise over the lake!There's also a dog agility training place about 7 minutes away. Near to Tyler, Athens and Palestine. Pros: Perfect for folks traveling with pets. Very secluded. close to nature. great for fishermen. Good for families that like rustic accommodations. Good for small family reunions or couples traveling together.(a couple of the cabins have a shared wall or porch) Cons: very rustic, gravel/dirt roads could be dusty or muddy. No wifi (free wifi at Dairy Queen 5 miles away) If you like the seclusion of camping or like traveling with your dog but need a TV and shower and a kitchen - this is a great place!

Mary & her husband were very nice & accommodating. Went out of their way to help in any way.read more

We had a nice stay at this park. It is quiet and wooded while still right off the highway. There…read moreis a great walking trail where cars aren't allowed. We were warmly welcomed by staff. You can see the pride of ownership with the little touches. We are adding this park to our travel list to stay at when we come through again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.