Discover a Hidden Gem of Southern Charm and Antiques Just Ninety Minutes from Dallas

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Discover a Hidden Gem of Southern Charm and Antiques Just Ninety Minutes from Dallas

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.

Take a walk through historic downtown Mineola

Building with neon signs and marquee in Mineola, Texas



Visit Mineola during city-wide festivals

Gazebo with Christmas decorations in Mineola, Texas

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.

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Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.