THE REDLANDS HOTEL Enjoy a Small Town Getaway Fit For a Queen

By Tracy Torma

Those looking for a quiet weekend getaway promising history, charm, and fine dining experiences fit for a queen (and king), need to check out The Redlands Hotel at 400 N. Queen Street in Palestine, Texas.

The Redlands Hotel anchors the 44-block Main Street District in Palestine, featuring historic buildings and churches and a variety of local shops and restaurants.

The Redlands Hotel is one of the city’s most significant landmarks. The tallest building in town, it was built in 1915 when the city called itself the “Queen City of East Texas.” City forefathers helped finance construction of the fivestory, brick luxury hotel located on the mainline of the International & Great Northern Railroad (I&GN). Memorabilia from the city’s rich railroad history is featured in displays on the second floor.

But world events — the flu pandemic and World War I — left the hotel without guests only a few years after its opening, and the I&GN Railroad (now Union Pacific) leased the building for its general offices and shops for the next 37 years. After the railroad vacated the building for newer facilities nearby, the grand dame lost its luster as it sat vacant for 20 years. After current owner Jean Mollard and family bought the hotel in 1977, it has been lovingly restored — floor by floor — to its former grandeur. It makes a perfect setting for a weekend getaway in small town America, where traffic is at a minimum and decompression from the daily grind is at a maximum.

The hotel’s 86 rooms were turned into 19 modern one- and two-room suites, with full kitchen and living areas, smartly decorated for a relaxing vacation. Some suites have private balconies and thirdfloor rooms open up to an outdoor patio, where guests can relax under the stars or visit with family and friends. During the busy holiday season in November and December, when 60,000 people visit Palestine to ride the popular Polar Express train ride, Mollard and her staff decorate a Christmas tree in each suite and throughout the lobbies — just some of the special seasonal touches guests have come to appreciate.

Downstairs, guests can enjoy casual luxury dining at the Queen St Grille. Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, the restaurant rivals any fine dining experience found in major cities.

Those lucky to be visiting the first Saturday of the month, can make reservations continued page 22 for the First Saturday Brunch Buffet, featuring handmade omelets and crepes prepared by the restaurant’s chef, along with cheese grits, breakfast potatoes, and bacon and sausage. Add The Queen’s Bloody Mary or a mimosa for a special treat.

The Queen — as locals like to call the restaurant — also hosts special dining adventures throughout the year, including a Kentucky Derby Brunch and special dinners pairing spirits with each course, such as TAH Whiskey Dinner, a Craft Beer Event and the Taste of Spain Wine Tasting Dinner. (Check the restaurant’s website for upcoming events.)

For lighter fare, guests enjoy appetizers or a charcuterie board next door at the Queen Bar, which offers a variety of libations and specialty drinks, including the Queen’s Martini and TAH’s Old Fashioned, in a cozy setting.

The Queen shares the first floor with two specialty shops. The Gallery at the Redlands features artwork in a variety of mediums by Texas artists. It is continuously updated with new works, artists, and art classes. The Redlands Boutique is located in the guest registration office and offers a gift selection that includes home fragrances, casual jewelry, and clothing accessories. The hotel can arrange for delivery to guests’ rooms if an item is needed beyond its inventory, such as flowers or other requested gift items.

The Redlands is the perfect place to curl up with a good book. There’s a lending library in the hotel’s basement featuring 1,200 books ranging from children’s to history to novels. Others can binge watch favorite Netflix shows in the comfort of their suites.

There are many sites to see within walking distance of the hotel, making it a perfect destination for girlfriend groups, golf buddies, or couples and families riding the Texas State Railroad.

Surrounded by History

During a stay at the Redlands, guests are surrounded by the history of the city of Palestine, which boasts one of the largest number of historic structures in the state, second only to Galveston.

Across the street from The Redlands on the east side of the hotel is the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church, designed by famed architect Nicolas Clayton. On the north side of the street is the newly renovated Carnegie Library, one of 13 remaining libraries built by steel tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in the state of Texas. Dedicated in October 1914 and used by the library for 71 years before its use as office and event space, the library reopened its doors in June 2023 after a $1.8 million renovation.

The 44-block Main Street district stretches from the Palestine Visitor Center at 825 Spring Street on one end to the historic Anderson County Courthouse, 500 N. Church Street, on the other. In between, visitors find boutiques and antique stores, locally owned bakeries and restaurants, and outdoor art sculptures and murals.

A stay at the Redlands Hotel offers history, art, music, food and wine, and good times. For information call (903) 7292345 or visit www.theredlandshotel.com.