Ojai, CA
01/30/2024
Waco, TX
03/29/2023
Silos at Magnolia
How to spend a weekend in Waco, Texas
When many people think of Texas, they think of BBQ and cowboys. However, when I think of Texas, I think of the Magnolia show called Fixerupper. On the show, Chip and Joanna Gaines take run down homes and remodel them into some of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen. Their style and show is what made me want to go to Waco. Visiting the Magnolia Silos quickly became an item on my bucket list and I am so happy I finally got to experience it for myself! I cannot wait for you to experience it too!
Friday
You can get to Waco from either the Austin airport or the Dallas airport - either one is about a 1.5 hour drive. We decided to go from Austin simply because the tickets were cheaper at the time. We got to Waco around dinner time, so we stopped by Rudy's BBQ. The food was delicious and the place had plenty of seating. The store even has a gas station and serves vintage soda pop!
We then went to explore downtown Waco. We stumbled upon an Irish pup called Barnett's Pub that had a large outdoor area with cornhole and live music so we enjoyed the rest of the night there.
After that, we decided to call it a night and headed over to our AirBnb. We got lucky and had the privilege to stay in a home remodeled by Chip and Jo Gaines in Season 3 of the Fixerupper called the Baby Blue Cottage. Personally, to say this was an awesome experience is an understatement. It was so cool to watch the show and knowing the work that was put into the place, to then be able to see the home in real life! Those who are fans of the show would understand my excitement.
Saturday
I had been trying to make reservations for the Magnolia table for months but unfortunately was unsuccessful. When we arrived around 9am for breakfast, we had to wait 1 hour to be seated which wasn't too bad. However, people who came about 20 minutes after us were told the wait for 4 people was going to be 2.5 hours! CRAZY RIGHT?! The restaurant is very popular and beautiful, so I can see why the wait was so long. The good news is that if you are not able to get a reservation or you do not want to wait in line for a seat, you have the option to go to their "takeaway" area on the side of the restaurant where you can get the same food, but to-go. The shop also sells souvenirs and items from the Magnolia brand. They have a cute seating area where you are welcome to enjoy your food. The only differences are outdoors vs. indoors and you do not get a waiter like in the restaurant. Just FYI - Magnolia table is located away from where all of the other Magnolia related buildings are (about 10 minute drive) and anything Magnolia related is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
After breakfast, we wanted to go to the Farmer's market but I had a terrible headache so we went to rest instead. I am going to have to go back to be able to see it next time! After a nap, we then headed over to the Famous Silos.
There is free parking located on the corner of 9th and Webster. Our first stop was Magnolia Press. I got a matcha latte and then we explored the Magnolia home store that is attached to the coffee shop. I was in love with everything and wanted to take one of each item home but sadly my wallet and suitcase would not let me. For those who travel, the good news is that if you purchase items that you cannot take with you, for a fee they can deliver them to your home.
We then walked around to explore the area. It was BEAUTIFUL! There are many shops to look at and a small pretty church on site. After grabbing a few goodies to take home to our loved ones, we then headed closer to the silos. On the way, we noticed a small baseball field and thought, that's cute! They probably wanted a place for families to play with their kids.
To our surprise, we later learned that it is the area where Babe Ruth played in the past, so Chip and Joanna wanted to preserve it! Isn't that neat?! You can even take pictures with the statues of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
The cupcakes were SO GOOD. They have the Magnolia bakery building that is located to the side of the silos, but there was a long line. Here's a hack - I recommend getting the cupcakes from Maggie's Cupcake truck instead. It is literally the same cupcakes they have in the building without having to wait in the long line. If you are curious, you can always just go check out the store itself without having to wait in the line.
I wanted to check out the Dr. Pepper Museum that is located in Downtown Waco where you can make your own custom Dr. Pepper drink, but we were running out of time so we decided to skip it. Yet ANOTHER reason for me to have to go back. We headed over to Stay Classy Waco for some appetizers and drinks. The place has a cute retro vibe and we tried an expresso drink from their happy hour menu that was good. They sometimes have live bands on the weekend and have a speakeasy in the back called "The Lewis". Sadly, we did not get to experience the Speakeasy because it was closed at the time. You guessed right - yet another reason for me to go back to Waco!
Thank you Stay Classy for having us! We hope to come back for the Speakeasy - I mean, "The Lewis".
We then headed over to Milo's All Day for dinner. The place was very cute, had plants all over, and had great customer service. If I could redo the night, I would have gone to dinner first, then ended the night at Stay Classy, but it is okay. We live and we learn! Don't make the same mistake as us when you plan your trip!
Sunday
On Sunday, we had to pack up and say goodbye to the beautiful Fixerupper. I loved how the place looked but it was super creeky due to all the wood in the house. So if you plan to stay here, I would advise to bring ear plugs to sleep peacefully.
Before hitting the road back to the airport, we stopped by the coolest coffee shop ever. Common Grounds is a coffee shop located in Waco right in front of Baylor University, and is open on Sundays. They host concerts in the back area, have indoor & outdoor seating, and have a drive-thru. Concerts and Coffee? It does not get any better than that if you ask me! We tried The Almbre from the Cowboy menu and The Irish Stew from the seasonal menu. If I'm completely honest with you, they were really good - even better than the Magnolia Press drink I had the day before. I could see why the won "Best of Waco" in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Thank you Common Grounds for having us. We are big coffee fans and LOVED your coffee. We hope to come back again soon.
After our caffeine fix, we headed over to the airport. On the way, we kept seeing a fast food chain called "P. Terries". All of the restaurants had a fun retro look to them and there were SO many of them along the road so we decided to give one of them a try. Let me tell you, we were NOT disappointed. The burgers were actually really good! They even give you a complementary treat for your furry friend.
With our bellies full and happy hearts, we headed back to the airport to return our car and hop back on the plane home. Overall, I enjoyed the trip and cannot wait to come back! For everyone who likes watching the Magnolia Network (and no, I am not sponsored to say this) YOU NEED TO GO AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF, it is really nice and you will not regret it. Waco is great for a girls weekend, a couple's trip, or a trip with the family.
Weekend Itinerary in Waco
Friday
- Dinner at Rudy's
- Drinks at Barnett's Pub
- Rest at Baby Blue Cottage Fixerupper Airbnb
Saturday
- Breakfast at Magnolia Table
- Farmer's Market
- Midday pick-me-up at Magnolia Press
- Explore Magnolia Home
- Enjoy Magnolia Bakery cupcakes and Silos on the lawn
- Experience the Dr. Pepper Museum
- Dinner at Milo's All day
- Drinks at Stay Classy
Sunday
- Check out of airbnb
- Coffee at Common Grounds Waco
- Lunch at T. Perry's
- Head home
-Out of Office.
With love, Erica
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