It has always been on my bucket list to go and see everything that Chip and Joanna Gaines have built in Waco. I had been to Waco once before, long before Magnolia had made its mark and honestly, the town wasn't much and still really isn't. However, when you find the pockets that Chip and Joanna transformed you are whisked away to another world.
When to Go and Where to Stay
We were able to tie this quick trip into a business trip, which meant arriving in Waco on a Wednesday afternoon. We were repeatedly warned about the lines there would be to get into the bakery and other shops. I can gladly say that the online line we waited on Wednesday was for the bakery, and that wait was only about 15 minutes. On Thursday as we ventured in and out of the Magnolia shops we didn't wait once. Weren't able to get a reservation for Magnolia Table, but when we arrive around 9:15 a.m. we had a 45-minute wait. Thankfully, there were lots of places to sit even with COVID regulations.
We stayed at one of the two Holiday Inn's in Waco. There are lots of chain hotels, with the closest being the Hotel Indigo, which would be in walking distance.
Lay of the Land
I was a little surprised to realize that not everything is on the same "campus." Magnolia Table (the restaurant) is not where the Silos (the main campus) is located. The Little Shop on Bosque (Joanna's first shop and now a discount store for Magnolia pieces) is also a ways from the main campus. On the Silos campus, there are six brand new shops and a gorgeous church, as well as the new Magnolia home (furniture store) and Magnolia Press (coffee shop) open. I would recommend starting at the Silos, and if you purchase something at the Magnolia Market store keep your receipt as you can use it to get 10% off anything at The Little Shop on Bosque.
Each shop is carefully curated with everything from clothing, to notebooks, to pencils to adorable children's clothing. It was a good reminder that Jo isn't all white shiplap.
As for food, Magnolia Table is some of the best breakfast/lunch food I have had. I wish we could have eaten there multiple times. Even if Chip and Jo aren't your thing go for the food. If you aren't able to get a reservation or want to wait for a table there is a to-go/take-out order window. Silos Bakery Co. at the Silos is where you will find the cupcakes. To be honest they aren't the best cupcakes that I've had. If you are short on time go to the coffee shop or skip altogether. I DO recommend grabbing one of the
Elderflower Lemonades though. They are delicious.
The free parking lot is currently under construction, but there were two church parking lots close that charged $10 to park. There is still a lot of construction going on at the Silos. There is the constant noise of jackhammers and machines, however, we still had an awesome trip.
What We Skipped
We didn't do a Fixer Upper house tour, but if we were to it sounds like Waco Tours is the tour guide to do it with. We didn't stop by Jimmy Don's JDH Iron Designs or Harp Designs.
The Non-Magnolia Things
There is lots more in town other than the Magnolia enterprise.
Spice Village is a must stop. It is a huge warehouse filled with a variety of small shops and boutiques. We ate a celebration dinner at
DiamondBack's Steakhouse and it was incredible, but definitely spending. The food was amazing, and there were so many things on the menu I wanted to try.
Hecho en Waco was recommended by several people and it is close to the Silos. Waco has several museums and other attractions as well. However, Jon and I both agreed that it would be hard to fill up more than two days in the city even if you had added on one of the Fixer Upper home tours.
Overall, we loved our trip. Waco knows its food, and I would love to plan a trip back with a group of girlfriends.
