Staying at one of the many Palestine Texas Hotels. Do not Miss the Railroad – a True Texas Treasure

Article by Asha Patel

When you’re in town and staying in one of our hotels in Palestine, Texas, you cannot miss the Texas State Railroad. This fun, family-friendly excursion will have you and your family talking and reminiscing for many years to come. It’s really a round-trip ticket to the best family fun.

The Texas state prison system established the railroad in 1881. Inmates built the line, which was used to transport hardwood to be used as fuel for the furnaces at the prison-operated iron smelter at Rusk Penitentiary. The furnace supplied the State of Texas with iron products, including the columns and dome structure for the capitol building in Austin. The original construction was a narrow gauge line but was later built in standard gauge in order to join into the main line.In 1906, prison crews extended the rail line to Maydelle and in 1909 reached their final destination of Palestine. Once the train line was completed into Palestine the line was easily accessible to the main lines and commerce in and around the area flourished.

The Texas State Railroad offers both steam and diesel train excursions reminiscent of days gone by. You may board trains at the Rusk or Palestine depots where southern hospitality is the norm. These depots were built with an eye for detail and the elegance of Victorian charm. They are surrounded by beautiful parks offering visitors full-service campground facilities, picnic areas, concessions and a great deal more to enhance a four-season vacation experience. The railroad offers many kid-friendly excursions including the Polar Express train ride in November and December, A Day out with Thomas and The Little Engine that Could Rail Tour.

This historic train travels through the scenic piney woods and hardwood creek bottoms of East Texas where rolling hills, nature and wildlife abound. So venture away from your Palestine Texas hotels and come see what the railroad has to offer. There really is a lot to see and do. And many feature films have been shot here including The Great Debaters with Denzel Washington, American Outlaws with Timothy Dalton and O Brother Where Art Thou with George Clooney.

About the Author

Asha Patel is a hotel enthusiast and describes the features for many Palestine Texas hotels. La Quinta Inn & Suites Palestine provides the best lodging accommodations in Palestine Texas. For more details, visit http://www.lqpalestine.com

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Take a Train in Vietnam: Explore the Country Railroad and Enjoy the Wonderful Sights As You Relax

Article by Eduardo Conway

Travelling by train seems to be one of the best ways to tour the entire city, or sometimes even the entire country. The same thing applies if you visit Vietnam. Vietnam, a wonderful and nature rich country in Asia is popular about the train trips that they have in their country. If in the USA, the way to go around the city is by walking and/or by cab, you will be fascinated that you can ride a train in Vietnam and explore its wonderful sceneries.

There are other options available for tourists like you, but others may seem to be expensive, and another thing is that you won’t see various sights and sceneries unlike taking the train in Vietnam. There are various advantages of riding a train in Vietnam if you are going on a tour with your family, or if you’re exploring the wonderful trees and eco-friendly neighborhood in the amazing country of Vietnam. You’ll find out these advantages as you go along.

Taking a train in Vietnam to enjoy your relaxing vacation can never be more fun. Going around the city through this route can be lengthy – that thing is for sure. This is why it is strongly advised for everyone to relax all throughout the journey. Relaxing doesn’t necessarily mean you just sit in one corner of the train and close your eyes. Relaxing can also be described as spending your entire vacation comfortably, and the way that you wanted to spend it. For instance, trying to stare out the window and enjoy the houses that you see, the green grass and the tall trees that you will pass by. Taking out your video camera or your digital camera to take a snapshot of memories can also be a great idea. Through this, you can save all these precious memories and keep them for your entire life. Another great idea is to bring in your iPod, your mp3 or mp4 player or even a disc man, whichever comforts you the most and just swift along with the music as you explore the cities of Vietnam.

If you are going to take a train in Vietnam on your own, for sure you will like the idea that the train or cabin crews are always there to assist you through your stay. You can ask to have you redirected to your seat and as you pass through the meadows and the clear waters in Vietnam. Talking with the people inside the long train can also be fun! This helps relieve the boredom and even get the chance to know more information related to the history of the country, or even the history of the railroads that you are already following as the moment you speak.

Just a couple of tips for travelers – don’t bring too much luggage as you take a train in Vietnam. This won’t let you relax through the rest of your day. Just bring a bag which includes all your needs – a couple of extra shirts, snacks, money, camera, and even some extra storage for stuffs that you might see along the streets just as you get off the train station in Vietnam.

About the Author

Travelling and taking a train in Vietnam can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. Don