Texas
Nature|Hiking

The Dogwood Trails Celebration In Texas Is Back For Its 82nd Year Of Fun & Festivities

Discover the best hiking trails in Texas for 2024, offering a range of experiences from rugged mountain treks to serene waterfront paths.

Published Mar 10, 2020

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Everyone knows Palestine for being home to the iconic Texas State Railroad, but the small town also hosts a family-friendly festival each year. For the 82nd year in a row, the Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration will be returning later this month for three weeks of food, train rides, and — most importantly — breathtaking white and pale pink blooms.

Each and every spring, snow-white dogwood trees burst forth into new life all over Palestine. Beginning in late March, the three-week Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration will commemorate the blooms for its 82nd consecutive year.

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Facebook/Visit Palestine

It all kicks off the weekend of March 20, which features family-friendly activities such as live music, art, and food vendors. The parade starts at 10 a.m. that Saturday, enlivening the courthouse square with a Roaring 20s theme perfect for the new decade.

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Facebook/Dogwood Trails Celebration

Other first weekend festivities include a car show, handmade quilt display, plant sale, organ recital, taco soup lunch, and stained glass church tour.

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Facebook/Dogwood Trails Celebration

New this year is a Historic District Brunch & Trolley Tour, which departs at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. on March 22 and 29. The meal includes assorted pastries, sausage & potato hash, scrambled eggs, and beverages, which guests will enjoy before a guided excursion through the north and south historic districts of town. Tickets are just $25 a person, and the tour lasts 90 minutes.

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Facebook/Visit Palestine

It wouldn't be springtime in Palestine without fairy trails! From the end of March 'till May 31, the tiniest sprites will take up residence in the thick brush of Davey Dogwood Park. Traverse the scenic pathways to uncover a school, village, visitor center, and more than a dozen other whimsical, intricately-carved buildings.

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Facebook/Visit Palestine

There's also the annual Dogwood Days Brunch Train, which offers a completely different experience because it focuses on the flowers rather than the town itself. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, plus Champagne and sparkling cider, as you marvel at the gorgeous blossoms.

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visitpalestine.com

Other activities include a farm and flower market, theatre production, tour of the historic Redlands Hotel, and much more. Year after year, the Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration promises a fun time all-around.

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TripAdvisor/Martha S.

Visit the festival's website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever been to the Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration? If so, what was your favorite activity? Let us know all about the experience!

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Nature|Hiking

The Completely Free Nature Preserve Hiding in a City in Texas is a Must-Visit

In fact, if it weren’t for budgeting, I never would’ve discovered one of my now favorite free outdoor attractions in Texas: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.

Published Sep 10, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Is it just me, or does everything seem to cost money nowadays? I don’t always want to choose between saving up and having fun, but that decision is becoming increasingly more common in my daily life. One good thing about penny-pinching, however, is that it forces you to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to activities. In fact, if it weren’t for budgeting, I never would’ve discovered one of my now favorite free outdoor attractions in Texas: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. While I absolutely understand the need to sometimes charge for entrance to public nature spaces, it’s nice to come across one that doesn’t. Everyone is welcome at this Plano oasis, and there’s so much to see.

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AllTrails Blake Graham

Despite being located in a relatively large city, the preserve is quiet and peaceful. With the exception of paved walkways, you’d think you were in the middle of nowhere! Several trails meander through the vast, 200-acre expanse, varying in length, difficulty, and terrain to appeal to as many visitors as possible.

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AllTrails Padmaja Enjeti

There are approximately three miles of unpaved pedestrian trails, plus three miles of concrete paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and users of non-motorized vehicles such as wheelchairs and strollers. My favorite trail is the Arbor Hills Tower Trail because it leads to an elevated platform that provides spectacular views of the preserve’s lush greenery and the city beyond.

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AllTrails Louis Wang

From trickling streams that wind through the dense forest growth, skirting around rocks like a game of ping-pong, to wooden footbridges that look like something from a fairytale, there’s no limit to the magic you’ll find at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. The fact that it’s free is certainly a bonus, but even if it weren’t, I don’t think I’d be able to stop myself from visiting such a peaceful escape from the stress and monotony of my day-to-day.

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AllTrails Xiaohan Cui

Visit AllTrails to learn more about each of the trails within the preserve, and consider signing up for AllTrails+ if you’re someone who frequents the outdoors. This exclusive version of AllTrails offers perks such as 3D maps and offline map access, ensuring you’ll never get lost when exploring new places.

Have you ever been to Arbor Hills Nature Preserve? If so, do you think it’s one of the best free outdoor attractions in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn why Plano is one of the most peaceful cities in America.

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Nature|Hiking

The Stunning Top-Secret Natural Spring in Texas Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

One of my favorite little-known natural wonders in Texas is the Manzanita Spring Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It leads through a lush, mountainous landscape to a pristine natural spring that looks like it belongs in the Garden of Eden.

Published Sep 2, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

If I had to choose a favorite topic to write about, it would probably be hidden nature spots. There’s just something about stumbling upon a place that’s virtually untouched by man - the experience is akin to what I imagine the early pioneers felt when they discovered new lands, and it never gets old. One of my favorite little-known natural wonders in Texas is the Manzanita Springs Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park, tucked away in far West Texas, is already desolate enough, and this particular hike is one of its best-kept secrets. It leads through a lush, mountainous landscape to a pristine natural spring that looks like it belongs in the Garden of Eden.

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AllTrails Nicholas Call

The trail is paved all the way up to the spring, which makes it great for hikers of all skill levels. It’s wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with an elevation gain of just 13 feet. At only half a mile long, the route is perfect for those times when you aren’t in the mood for a huge undertaking but still want to see some beautiful views.

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AllTrails Kurt Kayser

At the trailhead, you’ll see an old homestead consisting of a ranch and school. The buildings are surprisingly well preserved - so much so, in fact, that as you walk the grounds, it’s easy to imagine what life once looked like here. Images of hardworking ranch hands and schoolchildren sitting at their desks will fill your head, leaving you longing for the past.

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AllTrails Colin van Gorder

Upon reaching the spring, you’ll hardly believe your eyes. It’s so clear, you can see the reflection of the blue sky above on the water. With the surrounding tall grass rustling in the gentle breeze, the scene is like something from a painting.

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AllTrails Mark Spence

Since the trail is so short, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the gorgeous panoramic mountain views. If you are itching for a longer hike, however, you’re welcome to keep going to Smith Spring. It’s only another mile up the trail, and you’ll get to see another, equally beautiful natural spring.

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AllTrails Nicholas Call

Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Manzanita Spring Trail. Remember to sign up for AllTrails+ for extra perks like 3D maps and national park guides. You can also visit the National Park Service website to learn more about Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Have you ever hiked this lovely route? If so, tell us all about your experience! If you need high-quality hiking gear for your outdoor adventures, check out Backcountry.

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