There came a day when visiting Waco, Texas was added to my bucket list. Like many, Fixer Upper became my favorite reality show. Joanna’s effortless style was right in line with mine and spoke to my heart. Did anyone else feel like they were living their dreams vicariously through Joanna when the show aired? I think what drew me into the show most was the comedic personality of Chip. He immediately reminded me of my husband, the random jokes, constant laughter, and inability to be serious at times you need to be, I WAS HOOKED.
When we found out we were pregnant with our second child, we jumped at the opportunity to have an early baby-moon adventure. Believe it or not, it was my husband’s idea to book a trip to Texas and visit all things Magnolia. That is love my friends. You can imagine, there was zero hesitation in planning this adventure.
I quickly realized there weren’t too many places to find information on self-guided tours. While much has changed since we visited on this particular getaway, there’s a tour company, Waco Tours, I wanted to provide an option for those of you who are like us and love to venture out exploring new cities on your own.
If you’re here because you are planning your future Waco trip, I have one piece of advice – don’t hold yourself bound completely to a schedule. Allow yourself the opportunity to speak with locals and stop when a place catches your attention whether it’s a cute shop, a restaurant or a park that is drawing in crowds of people. It’s in those moments that you’ll find local treasures, tangible and memories made, and meet some pretty amazing people.
Having been to Austin, TX before, I looked into flying into Dallas, TX and compared flights into each city. Both are equal distance to Waco and offer cheaper flights compared to flying directly into Waco. Southwest Airlines is our go-to and makes it easy to book one-way tickets to and from different airports. (Plus it didn’t hurt that we had points for free flights.) We ultimately traveled round trip in and out of Dallas.
Consider Priceline for booking a rental car. Enterprise is generally our go-to but you’ll see all options at discounted rates on Priceline and can easily do a price comparison. Enterprise doesn’t charge extra for multiple drivers if you’re married.
After the flights and car were booked, the hotel was next. At the time of our trip, there weren’t any Fixer Upper airbnb or VRBO rental options but you can now find so many! I’ve since been back to Waco after my first trip and stayed at this adorable studio, Dutch Door House. The hosts were amazing and even helped my mother and I get into the rental after hours when the key code wasn’t working for us. They also provided a pack-n-play for my 1 year old, sheets, snacks, coffee & tea, and all essentials needed for a comfortable stay. Although it was small, it was perfect for us & super budget friendly so we could have more fun shopping without any guilt.
If you do want to stay at one of the iconic Fixer Uppers, here are a few options you can check out and also search for additional rentals.
Rock Star Reno, Barndominium, German Schmear House, Shotgun House
Now let’s get into the fun stuff. I’ve listed out a suggestion for a single day in Waco and one for up to 3 days.
If you’re planning well in advance, go ahead and make reservations at Magnolia Table if they will accept them. Hours are 6AM-3PM Monday-Saturday. Wait time is generally 1-2 hours otherwise for breakfast/lunch only. If you’re traveling on limited time, this may not be feasible for your schedule.
Day 1 in Waco, TX
Stop 1: Common Grounds – 1123 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706, 8AM
As featured on Fixer Upper, get a great cup of coffee from the locals. Located next to the beautiful campus of Baylor University. They are known for the Cowboy Special and their “secret sauce” that’s in multiple menu items. Get ready to have a jolt to fuel your day of exploring.
Stop 2: Magnolia at The Silos – 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX, Opens at 9AM
Try to arrive when/before they open as parking is usually plentiful and the lines are sparse. (Weekdays particularly)
I recommend walking through Magnolia to get a good look at everything, it can be overwhelming. Then go out on the gorgeous lawn space, grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks on site or the Silos Bakery. Sit and enjoy the community, music & have conversations with others sitting nearby. It’s interesting to hear where people are traveling from. Offer to take pictures. People will return the favor without you having to ask. Explore the grounds, step into the Magnolia Seed & Supply garden shop, enjoy the music & activities for kids on the lawn then head back inside to make your purchases.
*Tip* Magnolia will package and ship your purchase of $75 or more for FREE.
Had I known that on my first trip, I would have been in trouble.
Magnolia at The Silos was still pretty new when we first went. The lines were long but moved quickly. Upon entering, they had WELCOME lettered on the entrance floor. As my husband and I shopped, I noticed individual miniature metal letters for sale that sparked an idea for a baby announcement. I found letters B A B Y 2, walked back to the front of the store and we took this picture that we’d soon share with friends and family.
Stop 3: Trolley
Hop on the trolley that picks up in front of the Magnolia entrance. They return back to the Silos with multiple stops along the route making it easy for you to see downtown with a FREE tour guide. They provide a map of the stops and information along the ride.
The trolley runs every 15-20 minutes, Monday-Saturday from 9AM-6:30PM.
Stop 4: Spice Village – 213 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Get off the trolley at this stop. If you don’t have lunch reservations at Magnolia Table, you can eat at Olive Branch Bakery & Cafe for tasty local fare, located on the first floor of Spice Village. *If you do have reservations at Magnolia Table, you will want to map out the drive time from where you parked so plan accordingly.
After lunch, head upstairs and shop among the vendor booths where you’ll find a mix of antiques, vintage finds, screen printed shirts, etc.
Keep an eye on the time & remember the trolley runs every 15-20 minutes. Head back to Magnolia after you finish shopping.
Stop 5: The Findery – 501 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706
After you get off the trolley, drop off your purchases in your car and head to The Findery, walking distance from Magnolia and on the same street. Two stories of vintage and new inventory for your home. One more block away from the main storefront is The Findery’s warehouse with even more goodies. Vintage and reclaimed overload! Ask an associate for directions if you want guidance on getting to the warehouse. As you leave The Findery from the back door, turn around and look at the mural wall. It makes for a great photo opp.
Stop 6: Head back to your car but be sure to snag a cupcake & afternoon pick-me-up of coffee from the Silos Bakery if you haven’t already. If the weather is nice, I highly recommend getting it to go and heading to the next suggested stop.
Stop 7: Jacob’s Ladder at Cameron Park
After climbing nearly 100 steps to the top, you’ll have beautiful panoramic view of the Bosque River. If you have little ones with you, there is a park and open space for them to run around and burn some energy without fear of them breaking inventory in the shops. Enjoy that baker cupcake and coffee with the views if you haven’t already.
If you want to save Jacob’s Ladder for the morning of your second day, you can also enjoy the miles of trails along the river and wooded trails throughout the park. I think my husband and I ended up hiking around 5 miles and saw beautiful scenery along the way.
If time allows before sunset and dinner, head to The Waco Suspension Bridge, 101 N University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76701, for views of all bridges down the river. There’s also a walking trail if you’re not already worn out.
Stop 8: Dinner
We ate at Ninfa’s Mexican restaurant as it was recommended by a local. A quick google search will give you additional options for dinner.
DAY 2 – Antiquing & Fixer Upper drive-bys
Stop 1: Shop on Bosque – 3801 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710.
If you’re an early riser, plan to do a drive-by of the original Magnolia store, aka The Little Shop on Bosque, to gain perspective on where Joanna started and where she is now with her business venture.
Stop 2: Harp Design Co. – 808 N 15th St, Waco, TX 76707 – Opens at 10AM
If you’re on a ladies trip, snag a t-shirt for your man/kid(s) from here. The shirts are SUPER soft. It’s fun to see Clint Harp’s homemade goods in person.
Stop 3: Milo Biscuit company, located at 1020 Franklin Ave, Waco TX. We enjoyed their fresh breakfast when their food truck was parked in the Silos common area. Now, they have a storefront serving up Lunch, Brunch, Happy Hour & Dinner fare.
Stop 4: Austin Avenue Antique Shops
Cameron Trading Co. , Moon Rein by Christi, Papillon Antiques, and La Grange are a few that I visited on my second trip back on a mother-daughter trip.
Stop 5: Laverty’s Antiques & Furnishings – as featured on Fixer Upper, 600 N 18th Street, Waco, TX *Check to see if they are open first as they have limited hours due to their travels for vintage pickin’
Stop 6: The Junkey Money – 2223 La Salle Ave Waco, TX 76706
You’ll find additional shops on La Salle, hours vary if the owners are traveling to vintage pick for their shops.
If you want to drive by some of the Fixer Upper houses from season 2, you’ll pass through Woodway, TX and can view a few on the way to the next stop.
Stop 7: Cedar Chest, 31707 West Highway 84 McGregor, TX
Stop 7: Magnolia House – 323 S Madison Ave, McGregor, TX 76657
Chip & Joanna’s first Bed & Breakfast
Finish up the day driving by some of the other Fixer Upper homes if time allows as you head back to Waco.
Day 3: Homestead Heritage & Cafe Homestead to eat, 608 Dry Creek Rd Waco, Texas 76705
If you happen to be leaving out of Dallas, TX, plan to leave out late and allow time to stop by Homestead Heritage on your way. It’s in northern Waco, TX and on the way to Dallas.
Thanks to my mom’s research, she found this amazing treasure in Waco. Cafe Homestead is one of the Gaines’ favorite places to visit. It’s also the location of the Blacksmith Joanna commissioned to make a dinner bell for one of her families on Fixer Upper.
Explore the grounds of Homestead Heritage to understand what is involved in true Homesteading. You’ll appreciate locally grown, locally sourced, and locally made food and homegoods like never before.
It’s my hope that these suggestions help you with your trip planning for your Magnolia Venture. I’d love to hear from you after your trip!
Safe travels.
xo, Amanda
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