My Waco City Guide is the only one you need to plan your trip to Magnolia.
Waco has been a popular tourist destination since Chip, and Joanna Gaines debuted their show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV. The Gaines have several businesses in Waco, the most famous of which is Magnolia Market at the Silos. In addition to shopping and dining, there’s a beautifully restored church on the grounds.
Waco is a lovely city to visit, so get busy planning a day trip with all my recommendations.
I suggest starting your day with a cup of coffee at Common Grounds or breakfast at Magnolia Table. Next, visit the shops and grounds at Magnolia. Don’t forget to try the cupcakes at the Silos Bakery Co. The classic flavors include cute themed names like Shiplap (vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream icing) and Silobration (vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream icing). After you visit Magnolia, drive outside of town to Heritage Coffee. It’s a beautifully designed coffee shop on a ranch. For the rest of the day, check out the antique stores and boutiques downtown or go on a tour of Waco. For lunch or dinner, I recommend Harvest and Cafe Homestead.
Keep in mind Magnolia is closed on Sundays. Waco is about 90 to 100 miles from the Dallas and Austin airports. You can easily plan a day trip from Dallas or Austin. Here is a link to my Austin City Guide. It’s jam-packed with links to all the best places.
MAGNOLIA AT THE SILOS
Magnolia Market at the Silos (home decor)
Magnolia Home (furniture)
Shops at the Silos (Jo’s shops ranging from bath + body, men’s provisions, bags + jewelry, women’s clothing, and books + paper)
Seed and Supply (garden accessories)
Silos Baking Co. (sweets) *GF cookies
Magnolia Press (coffee)
Magnolia Table (breakfast or lunch)
It is located a few miles from the Silos. The best time to visit Magnolia Table, the restaurant, is between 6 am-8 am. The restaurant is only open till 3 pm.
Magnolia’s Little Shop on Bosque is the original home of Magnolia Market that offers last-chance items at a discount.
SHOP
January Letterpress is a collection of paper goods and gifts.
Brazos River Supply Co. is a men’s store featuring lifestyle items and gifts.
Clasé Vintage & Goods sells thrift and vintage fashion.
Cultivate 7Twelve is a small art gallery offering local art and artisan goods for sale. Also hosts farm-to-table dinners, yoga, dance classes, live music, and art workshops.
Fabled Bookshop & Cafe is an independent bookstore and cafe.
Gather carefully curated items for hosting and entertaining at home.
Harp Design Co. is handmade furniture and handcrafted home goods.
JDH Iron Designs is a metal art design from wall art and home decor to custom projects.
Roots Boutique is a boutique selling clothing, accessories, and unique gifts.
Spice Village features a collection of over 60 clothing and decor boutiques under the same roof.
Wildland Supply Co. is a clothing and gift boutique in downtown Waco.
DO
Fixer Upper Tour of Waco is the best tour in town. See many homes from HGTV’s Fixer Upper and enjoy learning about Waco, Texas.
Cameron Park is over 400 acres of forest and walkable trails overlooking the Brazos River.
Cameron Park Zoo is a natural habitat zoo the whole family can enjoy.
Waco Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk is an excellent spot for a stroll along the Brazos river.
Waco Hippodrome Theatre presents new and classic movies, plays, and concerts, plus in-theater dining in downtown Waco.
Dr. Pepper Museum is where you can learn about the oldest soft drink in the United States and how it started in Waco.
The Mayborn Museum Complex is Baylor University’s natural science and cultural history museum with fun, interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Waco Mammoth National Monument is a paleontological site and museum showcasing the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other mammals.
Waco Downtown Farmers Market features local artisans and vendors offering fresh produce, coffee, and food. Note: only open on Saturday in downtown Waco.
Waco Escape Rooms is a team-based game where players solve puzzles and find clues within one room to escape in a limited amount of time.
Waco Tours explores the hidden gems that make Waco unique with its guided tour options.
EAT
Cafe Homestead is a farm-to-table concept restaurant.
Harvest on 25th is my favorite restaurant in Waco. *GF *V
Helberg Barbecue is a traditional Central-Texas-style barbecue joint.
Mac House sells mac ‘n cheese, grilled cheese, salads, and more.
Mamaka Bowls sells smoothie bowls, smoothies, and juice.
Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria is an artisan pizza restaurant offering Neapolitan-style, thin-crust pies.
Olive Branch Bakery & Cafe sells coffee, pastries, and breakfast and lunch bites in a relaxed, warehouse-style space.
Revival Eastside Eatery is a lunch spot for salads, sandwiches, and burgers in East Waco.
Schmaltz’s Sandwich Shoppe is a local favorite for sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Sironia is a cafe and boutique under one roof.
Union Hall is a community eatery offering 20+ diverse dining options under one roof.
Waffle Chic is a food truck that sells waffle fries.
310’s Kitchen is an open-air BBQ bistro.
DRINK
Common Grounds is located near Baylor University. Really good espresso
Heritage Coffee is a few miles out of town but worth the drive. It’s located in a restored barn surrounded by beautiful pecan trees.
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits offers a unique coffee and craft cocktail experience.
Luna Juice Baris the best juice bar.
Pinewood Coffee Bar is a local’s favorite that also serves draft beer.
Oh My Juice offers cold pressed and fresh made juice, smoothies, salads, and acai bowls.
Thrst Coffee is a coffee cart located in downtown Waco. Pick up a bag of beans to take home or for gifts.
SWEETS
Lula Jane’s is a bakery with limited quantity so go early.
Heritage Creamery is a handcrafted ice cream shop.
Hey Sugar Candy Store is a candy store with old-fashioned ice cream, gourmet popcorn, retro sodas, gourmet chocolate, and a large selection of bulk candy.
Mo Cookies sells cookies.
Nightlight Donuts is a mobile donut truck that pops up all around Waco.
Pokey O’s Waco is an ice cream parlor.
STAY
Hillcrest Estate is a historic home turned vacation rental renovated by Magnolia.
Magnolia House is a historic home turned vacation rental renovated by Magnolia.
Carriage House is a historic home turned vacation rental on the Magnolia House property, renovated by Magnolia on Fixer Upper.
I did not like the Hilton hotel. I think Air BNB is the best option for lodging or stay in Austin or Dallas and drive to Waco for a day trip. The Gaines are planning to open a hotel later this year in Waco.
GETTING AROUND
Silo District Trolley is a free trolley to get around the Silo District in downtown Waco. It picks up in front of Magnolia Market.
Texas travel guides: Austin and San Antonio.
What are some of your favorite places to visit in Austin? Leave your responses in the comment section.
P.S. You May Have Missed: