Inner-lining Texas’ eastern border is the quiet town of Palestine. With just under 19,000 people residing within its limits, the city of Palestine represents a quaint district of rural Texas living. The city is home to two high schools, three main highways, and a Wal-mart that provides a majority of the town’s gross revenue.  However, as depopulated as Palestine may be, it is also host to one of NASA’s more reputable departments: Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility.

The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility is a division of NASA’s airspace program responsible for ‘providing launch, tracking and control, airspace coordination, telemetry and command systems, and recovery services for unmanned, high altitude balloons.’(nsbf.nasa.gov) The balloons have been launching for over a decade-more than 1700 balloons have been launched –and conduct scientific research to help answer questions in relation to the universe, atmosphere, sun and space environment.

So why Palestine, TX?

It seems Palestine offers the perfect landscape and setting for these strategic missions. Its rustic surroundings and close proximity to NASA Headquarters provides the convenience and work space needed for a program of its nature. So the next time you step out your Palestine hotel, make sure to take a glance up and be on the lookout for those floating balloons.

Palestine is located about 108 miles southeast of Dallas and 150 miles north of Houston. Staying at one of the Palestine, Texas hotels offers you the chance to explore this historic city and all its charms.

Palestine has more historical buildings than any other city in Texas. You’ll love exploring The Federal Building, Anderson County Jail and Ivanhoe Building among others. If you visit the lively downtown area, you’ll see all kinds of buildings displaying architecture from the early 1800s. And you can do plenty of shopping and eating in the area’s specialty shops, restaurants and antique stores.

The Anderson County Jail is a very interesting historic landmark - dating back to 1914. The building was built in the Renaissance Revival Style and has a beautiful spiral staircase in the center of the building and a lovely stained glass skylight at the bottom of the dome. The Ivanhoe Building is another interesting landmark. Built in 1913, it served as the organizational meeting for the Knights of Pythias - an international, non-sectarian fraternal order established in 1864 in Washington, DC.

There are many elements that go into a great vacation, but there are certain things that definitely make or break the experience. And the cleanliness of the hotel is the most important element. From Chicago to San Francisco to Palestine, Texas, hotels must be clean to make a vacation great.

The hotel must be clean. Period. The floors must shine, the walls must be bright and the overall feeling must be one of freshness and newness. If you walk into a hotel and the floors are dirty, or there’s dust on all the furniture or the lobby smells old or smoky, this sets a bad tone for the rest of the stay. And if the hallway carpets are stained or the wallpaper is peeling, you know the guest room is going to follow suit. Your guest room must be extremely clean to make your stay great whether you’re in Chicago, San Francisco or Palestine, Texas, hotels must be clean on all fronts.

If you're looking for entertainment in east Texas, then the Texas Theater in Palestine is your go to destination. The historic structure has become a monument and a leading example of what the history of Palestine is all about. Opened in 1930, the theater has survived two fires and many re-models and changes. Built with Spanish Colonial architecture the building was designed as an atmospheric movie palace when it originally opened. Today the theater serves a new purpose as a host for live theater. People from all over Texas have been drawn to the theater for its beauty and history.

Old Town Palestine has gone through many changes since its early days, when it served as a center for industry and business in the community. That was during a time when Indian trading prospered along the Creek, and the street running along the Creek stationed both the Cotton Gin and the Illuminary Barn.Today that barn is now MaryJean’s, and while it once held equipment for gas street lamps, it is now a gift and home décor store as well as a candle factory. The Creek itself has gone through changes. Amongst those were a variety of name changes that included Wells Creek and Caddo Creek before it became simple known as “The Creek”. Once a center for industry, Old Town Palestine is now a tourist community filled with shopping, food, and sightseeing. The history, however, remains the same.

We're continuing our series on the rich history of Palestine, Texas. This week we're focusing on the Texas State Railroad which is one of the country's last remaining fully functional steam engine trains. Established in 1881 the railroad has been a part of life for people in East Texas. Originally established by the Texas State Prison System the Railroad has evolved into one of the biggest tourist attractions in East Texas.

Today the railroad offers guests tours of East Texas, with everything from romantic dinners, to reenactments, and family packages. The tours are both scenic and tons of fun. There are events all 12 months of the year, including packages that accommodate campers by taking them to various campsites scattered along the trail. Find out more information on the Texas Railroad or book a reservation at any of the fine Palestine, Texas Hotels to see the beauty East Texas has to offer.

Palestine, Texas is a place filled with a grand history that spans from the unique to the outstanding. One of the things that people gush about after visiting us is the rich history of almost every building and monument in the city. Today we take a look at one such landmark, the John & Emma Hearne House which is located on 503 E Hodges, Palestine.

This house is a one of kind landmark in Palestine. It was built in 1896 by Texas Native John Randolph Hearne who moved to Palestine in 1876. Mr. Hearne operated retail drug stores in both Dallas and Palestine while also helping to organize the Palestine National Bank. Hearn and his wife Emma Howard were given the land in 1883 as a wedding present. The house was built in pine and oak which Hearn personally selected and the red brick veneer was added in 1902. Till this day the house continues to remain in the Hearne Family. In fact, Esther Hearne still lived in the house up until 2004. A few years ago the county news did a segment on this wonderful old lady, who at 102 yrs old was learning the computer, sending emails, and surfing the net. Her instructor had been a former pupil. It was an amazing story.

Visit our Palestine, Texas hotels to see more exciting attractions.

Not many people would consider Palestine, Texas a legitimate vacation spot. But if you are looking for an escape from the loud and obnoxious surroundings of city life, then Palestine is definitely worth more than a look. When searching for Palestine, Texas hotels consider The La Quinta Inn in Palestine, which offers a top class atmosphere and service that goes beyond "friendly", the staff treats everyone like family, and you'll be surprised to find that there are actually plenty of things to do in Palestine. If that's not enough, if you become a member of the La Quinta Inn you can earn yourself a FREE stay, just like this couple did.

"AWESOME WEEKEND GETAWAY"
(taken from Trip Advisor.com)
My husband and I just needed to get away for the weekend so I planned a trip to Palestine. Our room was awesome with a whirlpool tub in our room. The ceilings were very tall and flat screen tv and a sitting area. The room was immaculate. Breakfast at LQ is always a bonus. We visited the Sweet Dreams Winery. Their wine is wonderful with a lot of different choices. The staff was very friendly and helpful...well worth the drive.

You can find out more information about Palestine, Texas and the La Quinta Inn HERE.

If you haven’t heard by now, we’re offering the manager’s special in Palestine, Texas. Hotel guests can get a 15% discount off your room for every night you’re booked. Translation: You can enjoy all the wonderful baked rolls imaginable at Eilenberger’s Bakery!