Magnolia was created following the success of HGTV’s television show ‘Fixer Upper’ starring the Gaines’- interior designer Joanna and contractor Chip. Their brand has since expanded into a small empire in the heart of Waco, Texas. In this post we’re going to explore the logistics of getting to Magnolia, what to do while you’re there, and where to eat! Read on for more info on how to spend a day at Magnolia.
Please note: ALL Magnolia associated businesses are closed on Sundays!
What to Expect
Magnolia is a small compound spanning about 2 blocks. Something to note is that you don’t need to leave the area to visit the different Magnolia stores EXCEPT if you’re visiting Magnolia Table or Little Shop on Bosque- but more on that later. Everything is very walkable, there are multiple patio areas with plenty of shade, plenty of restrooms throughout, water stations, turf for corn hole and/or to let kids run around, the baseball field with the statues of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, food trucks, coffee shop, bakery and more! This family-friendly compound was very cozy and charming, and it was way too easy to spend hours here. I didn’t want to leave- I’m visiting again ASAP!
Getting There
Waco is located halfway between Dallas and Austin- two of the largest cities in Texas. It takes approximately 1.5 hours (~100 miles) to reach Waco from both cities. I recommend staying in either city and making a day trip out to Waco by car!
Waco does have a small airport (Waco Regional Airport) if you’re not interested in visiting Austin or Dallas!
Where to Stay
When I visited Magnolia, I was visiting from Austin and I WISH I knew this beforehand, but you can actually stay in one of the homes that Chip and Jo have flipped! How cool! Click here to book your own fixer upper stay!
Chip and Jo have also renovated a hotel- Hotel 1928. Stay is this cozy, thoughtfully designed boutique hotel located 0.5 miles from the Silos!
Parking
One of my biggest concerns is always ‘what’s the parking situation?’ so let’s address it! The parking at Magnolia Market was awesome! There was a free gravel lot about a 3 minute walk from Magnolia Press and a 10 minute walk from the Silos themselves. There is also free street parking right in front of some of the shops if you can find a spot!
Obviously the earlier you go on the weekends and throughout the week, the parking will be easier to find.
There is also a paid lot right behind the silos that was going for $20/day the day I visited!
What to Do
Magnolia at the Silos is home to many shops, restaurants, experiences, and more! Find home decoration and design pieces at Magnolia Market, become inspired by viewing fully decorated home scenes at Magnolia Home, browse the boutique style shops, eat lunch of one of the MANY food trucks, and more all within a 2 block complex!
Take a tour of the infamous Castle featured on Fixer Upper: The Castle! There are a number of other tours available sharing fun-facts and history of multiple locations around Waco. Click here to check them out and get tickets- there’s a tour for everyone!
Don’t miss out on Magnolia’s Little Shop on Bosque! Just a 10 minute drive from the Silos, this Magnolia shop sells slightly damaged and last chance discounted items! Hello?!
Unfortunately, as of this post, it’s closed until further notice. But click the link below to stay up to date on future hours! If they’re open, you don’t want to miss out!
Where to Eat
The Gaines’ restaurant, Magnolia Table, is located a short 6 minute (2.4 mile) drive from the silos. Open 7am.- 10pm. daily, EXCEPT Sunday, Magnolia Table is an aesthetic sit-down restaurant within the Magnolia brand. Click here for more info!
Tip: Make a reservation, especially if you’re going on a Saturday. It’s a pretty popular spot!
Magnolia Press is a cozy coffee and pastry shop located within the Silos complex. Grab a cup of coffee and your choice of pastry and relax in one of the many seating areas inside, or stroll your way through the rest of Magnolia! Click here for more on what Magnolia Press has to offer!
True to Texas, Magnolia does not lack in the support of food trucks! There was everything from Italian cuisine, to barbeque, to grilled cheese, to snow cones, and to sweet tea. Almost anything you could crave for lunch could be found on site! Click here to discover the variety of food trucks on scene at Magnolia!
Renovated on Season 4 of Fixer Upper, Silos Baking Co. was transformed from an old flower shop into a charming bakery. Satisfy your sweet tooth by grabbing one of the many cookies, cupcakes, or pastries offered at this quaint little shop!
Fun Fact- Chip used to buy Joanna flowers at this flower shop when they were dating- so cute!
There you have it! How to spend the day exploring Magnolia and all it has to offer! I hope you enjoy your time at the Silos!
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