I posted a picture of our “new” Freedom on Facebook in March 2022. As we are awaiting our new adventures it is unfair to move forward and not mention a great trip we did have last December.

Tommy’s love for trains well, a specific train started in January of 2021 as he began his “Christmas Wishes List” for the upcoming season!

The Polar Express Train was the number on item on the list! Now there are several styles of trains in the world of train collectors, and with Tommy all things are not created equally!! LOL There is a certain train and more specifically a certain box that it should arrive in – Help me!!

To make Christmas even more special we decided to give him a real train ride. The Texas Railroad has a train set up to provide people with the ultimate Polar Express experience! The train is located in the piney woods of Palestine, Texas. We set up camp on December 3rd at the Rusk Depot Park. I booked here because my assumption was that the train ride went from Palestine to Rusk and we could get off at the trailer if we needed to. I also thought that the destination North Pole was this depot with Christmas decorations galore and Tommy would love that. Boy was I wrong... we had at least a 30 minute drive there and back when we could have just stayed in Palestine. Thankfully the campground was beautiful, nestled in the woods. We enjoyed trails, bubbles, corn hole and relaxing with good friends. Even though the Rusk depot is no longer in use we did get to explore the grounds and take some photos with the train cars that still remain on the property! – Enjoy.

Being Christmas season there were a few other attractions in the surrounding area that we took part in: A Drive through lights display in a near town and the Grinch’s Lair that we discovered at the old jail house in Palestine. The renovations escaped us to the world of the “Who’s” including a Who-Ville candy shop! Upstairs we had a one-on-one encounter with the Grinch himself! Black walls, black lights and neon signs led you up to his lair!

Unsure how scary it would be and how Tommy would react, we did give them a heads up to ease into the visit… As you can guess, Tommy did so well and just went with the flow. He seemed to enjoy seeing the Grinch, even though he did not get his humor!! He made a good Grinch! Also, upstairs was a post office where you could write a letter to Santa! He also added his name to the “naughty” list – entirely by accident of course!

Bring on December Five!

The long-awaited day to get our golden ticket. We rode The Polar Express in first class. The coach was set up like a living room. Comfortable seating, souvenir mugs and I ordered Tommy a keepsake book to follow along as the staff read the story of The Polar Express on the way to the North Pole! Many families dressed in their pajamas to enjoy the live theater show on the rails. Tried to talk Heath into some matching onesie Christmas pajamas, but even I could not un-see that!! LOL

The conductor came in and punched our ticket. We were served hot coco and cookies as the movie portrayed!

Once we reached the North Pole, we picked up Santa and he made his way through the coach giving everyone the first gift of Christmas! A silver bell! I have to admit the North Pole display was a little bit of a disappointment, I was just expecting something more “grand” but that’s my over the top love of Christmas too! The experience for Tommy was unforgettable!

I have included a link in case you are wanting to share this experience with your little ones or big ones! It truly was a lot of fun. The railroad offers many event/holidays specific train rides that you may be interested in. The Polar Express does book up quick!

https://texasstaterailroad.net/home/events/polar-express/

God Bless -