An Hour And A Half Outside Dallas Is An Underrated City With Southern Charm And Antiques

Dallas is a popular city that is well known all over the world. While there are plenty of amazing things to do in this metropolitan wonderland, some Lone Star State natives and visitors alike might want to escape Dallas' city life and go somewhere with a more relaxed pace. Thankfully, Mineola, located only an hour and a half away from Dallas, can offer just that.

Texas' long history is well displayed in Mineola, including its railroad history. You can drive there, but you can also take an Amtrak Texas Eagle train from Mineola to Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. There are parking lots so that you can leave your car at these train stations to make Mineola an even easier getaway. Thanks to a lengthy remodeling project, Mineola's Historic Depot now looks much more similar to how it did when it was built in 1906. After getting off the train, you'll easily find the Historic Mineola Train Station and Museum. Visitors here get to move a model train through a recreation of 1930s Mineola and check out vintage train memorabilia.

The train station is within walking distance from some of Mineola's favorite pastimes. The city is popular for its antique shops, such as Karen's Korner, In Time's Past, and Thrifty Vintage. A relaxing stroll through these shops reveals that even knick-knacks and household items can teach us about history. Shop at Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe for a quirky mixture of the old and new. Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe also hosts haunted walking tours of downtown Mineola every Saturday night. This is an exciting way to learn more about the town's historic buildings and even use paranormal investigative equipment. Buy tickets on the shop's website.

Right across the street from Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe is a rather large antique: the Lake Country Playhouse and Select Theater. This 100-year-old building puts on live plays, new and classic films, and special events. Check the calendar to enjoy some of these festivities or simply make its historic facade part of a walk through downtown Mineola. Perhaps do dinner and a show by eating at neighboring restaurants. Enjoy quintessential Texas cuisine at CowBurners BBQ & Taproom and then check out the lengthy list of dessert options at Bryan's Cheesecakes.

Mineola is a small town, but it hosts a handful of fun annual events. On the first Saturday of December, experience holiday magic in Texas at Mineola's Christmas parade, complete with a Santa Claus for kids to meet. Even if you visit Mineola after the parade, you can still enjoy the city's impressive decorations and lights throughout December. Plus, keep Mineola's shopping scene in mind during this time of year so you can pick up some one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts as you enjoy the festively decorated streets.

Every September, Mineola puts on the Iron Horse Heritage Festival. With local handcrafted items for sale, food, and live music, this festival brings out the best of the East Texas community for an afternoon of family-friendly activities. The 2024 Iron Horse Heritage Festival even had a dachshund race and a pie-baking contest. Go to the Mineola Chamber of Commerce calendar for exact dates and other events throughout the year. Overall, let this town filled with underrated Texas small-town charm surprise you no matter when you visit.