Published: January 09, 2009 12:17 am         

Poetic prose promotes Palestine

PALESTINE — The Palestine CVB uses the phrase “Embrace Nature” in press releases and ads, a phrase chosen a few years ago by the Tourism Advisory Board as part of the promotion plan.

We sometimes use the phrase, “Palestine, TX, a Work of Art” in publicity, as well, along with “Embrace Nature” and “Home of the Dogwood Trails.”

Events under the auspices of the Arts Advisory Board are titled, “Embrace the Arts” Presents ……”, and other catch phrases such as “Step back in time” or “Relax & Rejuvenate” are routinely used for promotion.

Looking at the phrases as a whole, I see they express feelings of connectedness to nature, beauty and the less hectic past, along with a longing for these elements of life.

And that's right on target, because what Palestine offers visitors is just that: a connection to nature; natural and architectural beauty and arts events; and a large number of historic buildings and sites. Our festivals offer an appealing combination to visitors, and the relaxing atmosphere adds to the getaway experience.

To be effective, advertising must appeal to the emotions. If we say “Palestine is Pretty,” that doesn't elicit much of a response. But if we say “Embrace Nature” in one of the oldest cities in Texas; Relax under a canopy of magnolias, dripping wisteria and dogwood; or “Step onto a Steam Train” and step back into another era.

Well, you get the drift. Visitors want to get away from their lives for a while, participate in a new experience, and we can attract them by appealing to those desires.

A weekend getaway is a quick and easy way to fulfill these emotional longings, and to then return refreshed and revitalized, until it's time to get away again.

In the tourism industry, we are hearing buzz about “Staycations,” short mini-vacations to nearby communities or at home.

Sounds like a great idea, and we invite our next-door neighbors as well as our city-slicker neighbors to visit Palestine for the best getaway in Texas.

Call the Palestine CVB for information on what to do, where to go, where to stay and where to dine, and how to find your way around town. Visitor Center hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call 903-723-3014 or click on www.VisitPalestine.com for tourism and convention information.

The Palestine Civic Center is a great venue for meetings, events, parties, reunions, weddings and receptions, and we now book the Carnegie Library Building for events as well.

For rental information, call 903-723-2026. Let us help plan you're next meeting in Palestine.

NEW: CVB Event Coordinator Heather Hrebec is now working out of the Palestine Civic Center, available to show and rent the civic center and the Carnegie. All other operations of the CVB are housed at the Palestine Visitor Center, 825 Spring St.

Upcoming Events:

• Jan. 20 — Anderson County Concert Association Presents “Jade Simmons” Piano Concert; Palestine Civic Center; 903-391-0086, tickets and membership

• Feb. 7 — “Embrace the Arts” Presents Art at the Museum - the Pineneedle Art and East Texas Wildlife Photography of Rachel Burk; Museum for East Texas Culture, 400 Micheaux; 5 to 8 p.m.; 903-723-1914.

• Feb. 7 — “Classic Movies in Reagan Park” Presents “Love Finds Andy Hardy” - Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Lana Turner.

• Feb. 13-14 — “Our Love is On The Line” Valentine's Dinner Train: Departing Palestine Depot; 6:30 p.m. Reception, 7:30 p.m. Departure; Romantic Music and Candlelight Dinner on board the train; www.TexasStateRR.com or 1-888-987-2461.

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Susan Cottle-Leonard is the director of the Palestine Convention & Visitors Center.

     

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