If you are a fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of Fixer Upper and the founders of Magnolia Network, you might want to visit their hometown of Waco, Texas, and experience their amazing empire.
One of the main attractions is Magnolia Market at the Silos, a shopping and dining destination that showcases its signature style and vision. Here are some tips on how to plan your trip and make the most of your visit.
The cheapest season to visit Waco, TX is in May and June, and the best time to visit Waco for ideal weather is from March 12th to May 20th, or from October 1st to December 9th
Located in downtown Waco, this shopping complex features a collection of boutiques selling home decor, gifts, garden supplies, and apparel curated by the design duo. You can also enjoy a cupcake or a lemonade at the Silos Baking Co., or grab a bite from one of the food trucks on site.
The more than 2-acre property also has a lawn where you can play games or relax at a picnic table, as well as an outdoor stage where live music and events are held. Magnolia Market attracts more than 1.6 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas.
Where to stay?
There are plenty of hotels near Magnolia Market, but if you want to stay in a place that has been designed by Chip and Joanna themselves, you can book one of their vacation rentals on Airbnb. They have three properties available:
The Magnolia House, The Hillcrest Estate, and The Carriage House. Each one is beautifully decorated and furnished with cozy details and modern amenities. However, they are not cheap and are not pet-friendly, so keep that in mind if you have a budget or a furry friend and prefer a more affordable and convenient option, you can stay at a hotel, Here are some recommendations which are also budget-friendly.
1. Hotel Indigo Waco - Baylor
This hotel is a great choice for travelers who want a convenient hotel near downtown Waco. The rooms are modern and spacious with amenities like Wi-Fi, TVs, fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers.
The hotel also has a pool, a gym, a business center, and a restaurant and bar. The hotel is within walking distance of Magnolia Market at the Silos, Baylor University, and the Waco Convention Center. The average cost is $111 per night, which may depend upon the season.
2. La Quinta Inn & Suites - Baylor
This hotel is another option for travelers who want a downtown hotel that is comfortable and affordable. The rooms are cozy and clean with amenities like Wi-Fi, TVs, fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers.
Some rooms also have whirlpool tubs or kitchenettes. The hotel also has a pool and hot tub, a gym, a business center, and a free breakfast buffet. The hotel is close to Magnolia Market at the Silos, Baylor University, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. The average cost of La Quinta Inn & Suites is $97 per night. However, this may vary depending on the season, the room type, and the availability.
Where to eat?
One of the highlights of visiting Magnolia Market is eating at Magnolia Table, the Gaines' restaurant that serves delicious breakfast and lunch dishes made with fresh ingredients. You can enjoy classics like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs benedict, sandwiches, salads, and soups. You can also try some of their specialties like lemon lavender donut holes, avocado toast, or Joanna's famous buttermilk biscuits with strawberry butter.
Magnolia Table is located about 10 minutes away from the market by car, so you'll need to drive or take a shuttle. It's also very popular, so expect long wait times, especially on weekends. You can use their app to join the waitlist online and check your status.
If you don't want to leave the market area, you can also eat at Magnolia Press, the Gaines' coffee shop that offers a variety of hot and cold drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. You can sip on a latte, a chai tea, or a cold brew while enjoying the cozy atmosphere and the vintage decor. You can also grab a bite at one of the food trucks parked at the market. They have options like pizza, burgers, tacos, crepes, cupcakes, and more.
Things to do?
The main attraction at Magnolia Market is shopping at the Silos. There are six new retail shops that sell different products curated by Joanna Gaines. You can find books and paper goods at Chapter One, men's provisions at No. 16, bags and jewelry at Tried and True, women's clothing at Reverie (in-store only), bath and body products at Vie Bien Aimée (in-store only), and kids and baby products at Juniper and Crew (in-store only).
You can also shop at Magnolia Home, which sells furniture and home decor items from Joanna's own line. You can find rugs, pillows, lamps, mirrors, art prints, candles, and more. You can also shop online if you can't find what you're looking for in-store.
Besides shopping, you can also explore the other attractions at the market. You can visit the garden store and buy some plants or seeds for your own backyard. You can relax on the lawn area and play games like cornhole or wiffle ball. You can admire the historic church that was relocated and restored by Chip and Joanna. You can also take photos with the iconic silos or the Magnolia sign. Also, You should definitely visit, Dr Pepper Museum
It is a museum dedicated to the nation's oldest major soft drink. The museum is housed in a former bottling plant that dates back to 1906 and features three floors of exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Dr. Pepper and other soft drinks. You can see memorabilia, advertisements, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of how Dr. Pepper was invented and how it became a national icon. You can also visit the soda fountain and gift shop where you can sample different flavors of soda or buy souvenirs.
Other attractions to see in Waco are:
1. Waco Suspension Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Brazos River and was the site of a lynching in 19162.
2. Cameron Park Zoo, is a zoo that features animals from different regions of the world and a natural habitat exhibit for Texas wildlife.
3. Waco Mammoth National Monument is a site where fossils of Columbian mammoths and other Ice Age animals were discovered.
4. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum that showcases the history and artifacts of the Texas Rangers, the oldest state law enforcement agency in the US.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Magnolia Market, and found it useful for planning your trip. Waco is a city that has a lot to offer, from history and culture to nature and shopping. You will surely have a memorable and enjoyable time in this beautiful and friendly city.
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