Palestine, Texas: A Hidden Gem

 

 

I don’t know about you, but when I travel the most important detail is where I’m going stay. We all need a place to call our home away from home, and the Fig Tree Manor, in Palestine, Texas fits the bill perfectly.

I love discovering places like the Fig Tree Manor that leave you wishing you could linger a bit longer, perhaps on the front porch swing, with a good book.

 

A Hidden Gem in east Texas

A restored, turn-of -the century Victorian manor house conveniently located in the historic Main St. district of Palestine, The Fig Tree Manor is a warm and welcoming retreat; whether you’re traveling for business, or for pleasure.

There are four rooms, two with their own bath, and two with an adjoining bath – perfect for a family or girlfriends weekend.

Each room is tastefully decorated in sumptuous fabrics and period antiques by owner Vicki Hills, a native of Michigan, who now calls Texas home, and says she can’t imagine living anywhere else. When you meet her you’ll understand. The Fig Tree Manor is a natural extension of her personal style and warm personality.

The front and back of the house feature covered porches, but if you desire more privacy, the Rosemary Suite comes with its own private porch on the front of the house.

I stayed in the Sage Room, as it’s the only room downstairs, and was simply more convenient for me. The Sage room is decorated in country French style, and best of all, the bed is divine.

Standard amenities with each room are period antiques and luxury fabrics and linens, plush bathrobes, wi-fi, and a gourmet breakfast.

Vicki was not able to be there the next morning but mades sure I was well fed!  She left me a delicious breakfast tray with fresh fruit, muffins, yoghurt, tea, and bottled water – much more than I could possibly eat.

If you’re traveling in the summertime, be sure to bring your bathing suit and take advantage of the lovely shaded lap pool. To me, it looked like something from an old Hollywood movie and if it hadn’t been raining when I was there, that’s where I would have camped out.

The Fig Tree Manor is located within walking distance of pretty much everything you’ll want to see around the historic Palestine Main Street District. I was surprised at how many architecturally and historically interesting buildings I found in this area.

Fig Tree Manor and Spiritual Retreat
203 Erwin St.
www.figtreemanor.com

There are many hidden architectural gems

The Anderson County Courthouse built in 1914 features a stunning spiral staircase and stained glass dome. The original courthouse was destroyed by arson when someone allegedly tried to discard incriminating documents. The truth is often stranger than fiction!

I love old churches, and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church is a beauty, built in 1893 in the Victorian Gothic style. The bricks were molded by hand and baked on-site. The interior contains stained glass windows from Italy and France.

The Texas Theater was built in 1917, and today functions as a venue for live theater productions. An extensive interior remodel will soon be complemented by an exterior facelift.

Also in Palestine, don’t miss the Texas State Railroad and Museum. Passengers board excursion trains at the Victorian-style depot in Palestine. The train trails run through the beautiful Texas Forest Trail Region as well as hosting events. A great way to relax and take in the scenery.
www.TexasStateRR.com

Where to eat in Palestine

Hungry? Palestine has been cultivating good chefs and upping the ante for fine dining establishments in east Texas. For a night out in old town Palestine here are a couple of recommendations:

Red Fire Grille
With entrees like Smoky Shrimp and Grits and Lamb Shank, this place gets my vote. They are also known for their food and wine pairings.

Red Fire Grill
400 N. Queen St.
http://www.redfiregrille.com/

Switch Brick Oven Pizza is open on Mondays  offering Italian style dining with classics like Cacio é Pepe – and of course brick oven pizzas.

Switch Brick
1615 S.Royall St.
http://www.switchbrickovenpizza.com/

For a nice lunch or dessert and coffee, try the Oxbow Bakery and Antiques. Their homemade pies are to die for. There is also a cute gift and antique shop attached to the Oxbow, so you can pick up some souvenirs or gifts while you’re there.

Oxbow Bakery & Antiques
215 E. Crawford

If you go

Centrally located between Austin and Houston and about one and half hours from Dallas, Palestine, Texas is a great weekend getaway. For more information on happenings in Palestine check out their visitors website.

Many thanks to Breezy Wolfe at the Palestine Visitors Bureau and blogger Nomadic Texan for helping me arrange my day in Palestine. Special thanks to Vicki Hills for opening her wonderful B&B to me. Though my stay was hosted the opinions expressed here are my own.