The Dogwood Trails Celebration In Texas Is Back For Its 82nd Year Of Fun & Festivities
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 10, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
