If you’re looking for a fun girl’s trip destination, head to Waco, Texas to visit the Magnolia empire!
Waco was a town that could use a little TLC, and Chip and Jo did just that. Starting in 2015, they put their whole hearts into giving a little facelift to their small sleepy Texas hometown. Magnolia Market is the result of their endless efforts and continues to draw millions of tourists around the world each year!
My sister lives in Dallas and we have taken several girl’s trips to Magnolia, so I’m excited to share all the best places to go and things to do!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book a stay or tour through the link provided, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
Fun Things to Do on a Girl’s Trip to Magnolia Market
Table of Contents
- The Best Places to Eat at Magnolia Market
- The Best Places to Shop at Magnolia
- Best Things to Do at Magnolia Market
- Best Places to Stay Near Magnolia
The Best Places to Eat at Magnolia Market
Magnolia Table
Yes, Magnolia Table is a must and yes, there will be a wait. They do take reservations, but they fill up quickly on the weekends and during the holidays.
The first time we visited, we didn’t make reservations. We arrived around 11 am on a Saturday morning and the wait was 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Thankfully, if you don’t have a reservation, they now have the option to join the online waitlist.
If the wait is long, take the opportunity to go visit the Little Shop on Bosque. The shop is located about 10 minutes away, and since it’s a small shop so you won’t need more than an hour to browse around. By the time you are back, your table should be ready!
While you’re at Magnolia Table, be sure to order the biscuits with strawberry butter and homemade tater tots.
The lemon lavender donut holes were also a favorite. If I’m being honest, everything on their menu is to die for. The dishes are the down-home comfort food you would expect in Texas.
If you want a fun souvenir or gift for your girlfriends, purchase a few copies of JoAnna’s Magnolia Table Cookbook before your trip to give to them during your meal!
Not only is the food divine, but the attention to detail in the restaurant’s design is impeccable. Love and thought are poured into every corner and detail.
From the leather phone pouches at each table to the monogrammed plates and napkins, to the homemade salted caramels tucked inside the check.
And if it’s your birthday, like it was for my sister, then let them know and they’ll bring out a hot chocolate chip cookie.
Joanna’s rich modern rustic style is evident everywhere you look, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The staff is also friendly and full of Southern hospitality. Members of the Gaines’ family are often known to stop by, so keep an eye out!
If you are too pressed for time but don’t want to miss out on Magnolia’s home-cooked goodness, you can also order from the Magnolia Table Take Away + Market next door.
You’ll find a cute little gift shop here as well where you can pick up some swag and goodies. I heard a rumor that you can purchase the famous biscuit mix here but I couldn’t find it during our visit.
They have also conveniently opened a small Magnolia Table cafe next to the silos with walk-up ordering. The menu is limited, but it’s still delicious and you can enjoy your meal at the outdoor picnic tables.
Tips for visiting Magnolia Table:
- Magnolia Table is open for breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday from 7 am-3 pm. They are open for dinner Thursday-Saturday from 4-9 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
- Magnolia Table is located about 2 1/2 miles from the Silos in an industrial area just off the freeway.
- Parking is limited at Magnolia Table, but guests are constantly coming and going. If there aren’t any spots, just wait for a few minutes and one is sure to open up.
- If you want to avoid the hassle of parking, for a few dollars you can take the LaSalle Circle Shuttle bus from the Silos to Magnolia Table. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes from 9 am-6 pm, Monday through Saturday.
Magnolia Press Coffee Co.
Magnolia Press Coffee Co. is a darling neighborhood coffee shop within walking distance of the Silos.
In addition to fresh brews, teas, and hot cocoa, the menu also includes mouthwatering homemade pastries. Try the Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll, Spinach Artichoke Croissant, Snickerdoodle Donut Holes, or a slice of rich chocolate cake!
Of course, the shop’s interior design is also a big draw. The furnishings and cabinetry were all custom-designed by Joanna and made by hand here in Waco.
I especially love the oversized community tables, they give off a cozy home vibe!
Silos Baking Co.
Let’s be honest, Joanna has the Midas touch. Everything she touches turns to gold. That is no exception when it comes to her heavenly cupcakes piled high with whipped buttercream frosting.
The Silos Baking Co. is located at the entrance of Magnolia Market. During Season 4 of Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna transformed this humble 100-year-old cotton oil mill building into a bustling bakery.
Today, Silos Baking Co. specializes in gourmet cupcakes, cookies, and baked goods straight from Joanna’s personal recipe file!
They don’t have indoor seating, but this cute Instagrammable spot is located just outside the Silos Bakery where you can take a seat while indulging in a sinfully delicious cupcake.
We’ve visited during the weekend before and found a line snaking around the Silos Bakery with hungry customers waiting to satisfy their sweet tooth.
If this is the case when you visit, just head over to the Silos Baking Co. Airstream located in the adjacent food truck park.
We were the second in line at the Silos Baking Co. Airstream and walked away with our strawberry and s’mores cupcake, which we inhaled approximately 3 minutes later.
The Silos Baking Co is open Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm, and is closed on Sundays.
Food Truck Park
The food truck park is a collection of 8 permanent food trucks that include everything from pizza to sandwiches, burgers, waffles, juice, and even gourmet popcorn.
In the center, you’ll find picnic tables and a covered pavilion where you can relax and enjoy your meal of wood-fired pizza and sweet tea served in Mason jars, or grilled cheese and tomato soup,
*Related Post: Waco is located only about an hour and a half from Dallas and is easy to combine for the ultimate girls trip! Click the button below for our travel guide.
Other Places to Eat in Waco:
- Revival Eastside Eatery: Delicious fresh food with a religious-themed menu, like the The Prodigal Sandwich or the Golden Calf burger.
- Twisted Root Burger Company: Killer burgers served in a fun atmosphere. Try the old-fashioned custard shake!
- Viteks: A favorite BBQ joint among locals.
- Torchy’s Tacos: One of Chip and Jo’s favorite spots, try the Green Chile Pork Taco.
- Heritage Creamery: Located on the Baylor campus, you’ll find a cute van serving up sweet treats using all-natural high-quality ingredients. Try the Snickerdoodle and Brown Butter Texas Pecan Ice Cream Sandwich.
- Common Grounds Coffee Shop: Also located at Baylor University, this coffee shop has a charming ambiance with outside seating and a backyard stage for local performances. The coffee beans are internationally sourced and locally roasted. Try the raspberry coffee cake too!
- George’s Restaurant and Bar: If you’re a fan of Pat Green, the Texas Country artist, try a bite to eat at the restaurant that he named a song after. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is lively! The original location is right off of I-35.
- Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits: Enjoy the best view of historic downtown Waco from this rooftop patio and bar.
- Milo All Day: This trendy spot serves up homemade Southern comfort dishes. It originally started as a food truck but became so popular that they opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
The Best Places to Shop at Magnolia
Magnolia Market
The Magnolia Market is filled with curated seasonal collections and beloved staple items.
The displays are beautiful and you will no doubt want to buy up a good portion of the store. If you are traveling light, they offer free shipping on purchases over $100.
Just be prepared for a little sticker shock, and keep in mind that some of the basic items can be found on Amazon, or their Target Hearth and Hand line.
But don’t let me discourage you from buying that one-of-a-kind treasure you may fall in love with. It will remind you of your trip every time you look at it!
Magnolia Home
The Magnolia Home store reminds me of an elevated version of IKEA. You’ll find a showcase of fully decorated rooms where you can draw inspiration for your own home.
Little Shop on Bosque
Before your trip, I highly recommend reading Chip and Jo’s book The Magnolia Story (which would also make a great gift for your girlfriends!). In it, you’ll learn all about the Little Shop on Bosque which signifies the humble beginning of what Magnolia Market is today.
For years, Joanna had dreamed of opening her own home decor shop. In 2003, Chip helped her open a small boutique on Bosque Blvd which she named “Magnolia”. He even made the metal lettering for the store’s sign and it is still there today. It was their first baby and their first step on the road to what Magnolia is today.
The Little Shop on Bosque now serves as a scratch-and-dent store with discounted and overstock items from the Magnolia Market store.
It’s a great place to score a deal, you can often find items marked down 20-75% off. As a bonus, you can receive a discount at the Magnolia warehouse with your receipt.
The store is located a few miles from Magnolia Market. You can take the free trolley, or free parking is available at the church next door.
As I mentioned before, this is a great place to come and kill some time while waiting for your seat at Magnolia Table.
Shops at the Silos
The Shops at the Silos are a collection of six boutiques with unique products and cute window displays.
Each shop has a theme, including souvenirs, dinner entertaining & hosting, vintage sports, trendy accessories for weekend getaways, skincare & beauty products, and a holiday shop.
In the center of the shops, you’ll find a lawn with tables and chairs where you can sit and relax.
You’ll also see the Old Church sitting on the north end of the lawn. The doors are generally open and it’s worth stepping inside to sneak a peek.
The building material for this church actually came from an old historic church in town. It’s cool to see new life being breathed into one of Waco’s oldest structures.
Best Things to Do at Magnolia Market
Hang Out At the Silos
The Silos are the main fixture in the Magnolia complex and an identifying landmark. As of now, they are empty but Chip has plans to turn it into a man cave of sorts. It will be the hangout for all the husbands and boyfriends while the women shop.
However, the sprawling lawn in front of the Silos is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The lawn is scattered with cornhole boards and striped bean bag chairs.
This gathering space also hosts events throughout the year, including musical performances, pop-up shops, holiday activities, and their annual “Silobration”. Check the Magnolia website for details if you want to plan your girl’s trip around one of the events.
I recommend downloading the Magnolia app before your trip. It has a map and updated information about the restaurants, shops, and upcoming events.
Katy Ballpark is also a fun addition to Magnolia. This Wiffle ball field is located kitty-corner to the lawn and is open for the public to use. The ballpark is named for Katy Park which once stood on this lot. It was the home of a historic baseball field where legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig once played!
On the opposite corner of the lawn, you’ll find the garden and a greenhouse. The garden is filled with seasonal blooms and produce that is used for Magnolia Table and donated to the Salvation Army. You’ll also find the Magnolia Seed + Supply store for all your gardening needs.
Parking at the Silos and Magnolia Market can be a little tricky. A free parking lot is located on the corner of 9th Street and Webster Ave.
Free street parking is also available in the surrounding area along 6th Street, 8th Street, and Webster Avenue. If all the free spots are taken or you want a closer spot, there is a church lot just across the street that charges $10 cash.
The Silo District Trolley is also a great option. You can park at one of the many free lots and take the trolley to various locations around town, such as Magnolia Market, Magnolia Table, and the downtown shops and museums.
Take a Fixer Upper Tour
If you’re visiting Magnolia, you’re most likely a fan of Chip and Jo’s HGTV show, Fixer Upper. While in Waco, you definitely need to book a tour to see some of the most popular homes from the show.
On the tour, your knowledgeable local guide will tell you some fun insider stories as you drive by various homes from the show. You’ll also pass by other notable locations from the show and important landmarks around town.
However, if you are short on time you can drive around and find the Fixer Upper homes on your own.
As you’re driving around, you’ll notice that Waco is a hodgepodge of older run-down homes scattered among beautiful historic homes.
My favorite cluster of beautiful stately homes can be found on 15th Street just east of Waco Drive on the way to Harp Design Co.
As for the homes featured on Fixer Upper, below are a few of their addresses.
Where to Find Fixer Upper Homes in Waco:
- The Magnolia House is the Bed & Breakfast that was renovated in season 3 and is located about 20 minutes south of Waco. Address: 323 South Madison Ave, McGregor TX,
- The Mailander House is a historic 1910 home that was restored in the first season. Address: 2410, 1403 N 5th St, Waco, TX
- The Shotgun House is a fan favorite from season 3 for its unique layout and challenging design. It recently sold for close to a cool million and is located within walking distance from the Silos. Address: 624 S 7th Street, Waco, TX
- The Unstately Manor ( 2304 Landon Branch Rd, Waco, TX) and Windsor Avenue ( 3201 Windsor Ave,Waco TX) homes from season 2 are located near each other.
- Visit Clint’s former shop at Harp Design Co. and next door you’ll see his home that was renovated in season 1. Address: 822 North 15th Street, Waco, TX
- For even more homes, here is a complete Map of Fixer Upper Homes in Waco Texas according to season.
Take a Day Trip to Homestead Heritage
Homestead Heritage is an agricultural Christian community located about 10 miles north of Waco.
I love their motto, “The art of work is the work of art”. Visitors are invited to tour the many shops located in the Homestead Craft Village settlement.
You’ll find a blacksmith shop, pottery house, flour mill, woodworking shop, gardens, and more.
The settlement is meant to be an educational experience. Visitors can sign up for hands-on workshops and the craftsmen are available to answer any questions.
In addition to learning, many handmade products and goods are available for purchase.
There is also a restaurant on site called Cafe Homestead. They offer a true farm-to-table experience with dishes made of organic ingredients grown right on the farm.
The village is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am-5 pm. Check the website for the restaurant and crafts barn hours and other visitor information.
Visit Other Attractions in Waco
While visiting Magnolia Market is the main attraction, there are also a few other noteworthy spots to check out while you’re in the area:
Baylor University:
Waco is home to the beautiful campus of Baylor University. Walk the grounds and stop by the bear habitat to visit their mascots, Lady and Joy. The habitat is free to visit and the bears can be seen between 9:30 am-6 pm daily.
While you’re there, grab a scoop of hand-crafted ice cream from Heritage Creamery, or a mug of freshly ground coffee from Common Grounds Coffee Shop. Both are cute shops often frequented by Chip and Jo.
The Spice Village:
The Spice Village is a collection of 60 stores located under one roof. From boutique clothing and jewelry to locally handcrafted goods, you’ll find a variety of unique gifts and souvenirs.
The Mammoth National Monument:
The Mammoth National Monument is a museum and paleontological site. It is here that the fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths have been uncovered.
It is the largest known concentration of mammoths that have died due to a recurring event, most likely a flash flood.
Entrance to the park is free, but you’ll need to purchase tickets for a 45-minute guided tour of the Dig Shelter.
Cameron Park:
If you want to explore the outdoors, head to Cameron Park. Take in the views of the Bosque and Brazos rivers at Lover’s Leap.
Jacob’s Ladder is also a popular spot that features a steep wooden staircase originating from the early 1900s.
The Cameron Park Zoo is also located here.
Dr. Pepper Museum:
Dr Charles Alderton first put Waco on the map for his accidental invention of Dr Pepper.
Tour the three-story Dr. Pepper Museum and learn interesting facts about how the oldest major soft drink in America came to be.
Did you know the soda was originally called ‘The Waco’ and Waco, Texas was the only place you could enjoy this drink?
You’ll find hands-on exhibits and demonstrations, as well as an old-fashioned soda fountain where you can order a Dr. Pepper sundae.
You can also visit the soda fountain free of charge during regular museum hours. Check Groupon for discounted tickets.
Waco Suspension Bridge:
The Waco Suspension Bridge is a great spot for a photo op. Take a stroll along the banks of the Brazos River on the 5-mile riverwalk and grab a snack from one of the food trucks located on the river’s shores.
This trail was originally part of a trade route for cattle in the 19th century. A herd of bronze cattle was sculpted and installed on the north shore of the bridge as a nod to its history.
Another interesting side note is that the cables for the bridge were furnished by the same engineer who designed the Brooklyn Bridge.
You can even take a river cruise down the Brazos River on a pontoon boat where you can see several other notable sites in Waco.
BSR Cable Park:
For a fun and unique way to cool off in the summer, try wakeboarding or surfing at the BSR Cable and Surf Park.
Best Places to Stay Near Magnolia
Fixer Upper Home
If you want the full Magnolia experience, you can spend the night in one of the Fixer Upper Homes featured on the show.
Many of the homes have since been listed on Airbnb and VRBO, including the Mailander House, German Schmear House, and Clint’s home. Here you can find a list of 9 Fixer Upper homes for rent in Waco.
Hillcrest Estate & Hillcrest Cottage
You can also rent out the gorgeous Hillcrest Estate and Hillcrest Cottage hosted by Magnolia.
Hillcrest Estate is a sprawling 12-bedroom historic home that has been thoughtfully renovated with Joanna’s touch.
Hillcrest Cottage was originally Hillcrest Estate’s carriage house. It has since been transformed into a cozy little one-bedroom cottage. It might be too small for a girl’s trip, but keep it in mind for a future romantic getaway!
Hotel 1928
You will love every luxurious detail at Hotel 1928! Chip and Jo have turned this century-old building into a gorgeous upscale boutique hotel.
The rooms are absolutely sumptuous and it’s only minutes from Magnolia Market, perfect for a girl’s weekend!
I hope these tips and recommendations are helpful while visiting Magnolia Market, enjoy your girl’s trip! For more fun girl’s trip recommendations, see our guide 11 Best Girl’s Trip Destinations in the US.
*CLICK THE BUTTON TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THIS GUIDE
Other posts you might like:
- 8 Things to Do in San Antonio
- 6 Unique Places to Eat in Dallas
- 5 Reasons Why You Need to Visit El Paso
Pin it for later:
My husband and l are here inWaco for our 50thwed anniversary and what’s surprise!! Bad virus’s every where and everything is closed but the best ever was that l was able to see the Magnolia and Silo area on the last day it was opened.I wanted to be able to meet you and Chip but due to all the problems lam sure that will not be possible now. The scare of all the virus is upsetting most people and keeping everyone home. We came from Wilmington NC & lam so happy to have shopped at the silo and get some gifts for my grown daughters.Again l want to let you and your familyknow how l love to watch all you do to help people like you do and how you have helped the city of Waco loveTwanda &Gary Blake from N.C. We Are leaving to go home on Friday on a flight Inthe afternoon
I’m glad you enjoyed your time in Waco despite all the closures! Hope you have a safe trip home and stay healthy!
We just went to magnolia today, and this was SO helpful! It was so nice to know what to expect! Thank you for writing such a great post, I truly appreciate it!!
Hi Brittany! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment, it means so much! I’m so glad it was helpful and that you enjoyed your time at Magnolia!
What a fabulous post! We are heading to Waco on Thursday and this really helped us breakdown what we to do and how to do it! Thanks so much!!
Thanks, Stefanie for your kind comment! I’m glad it was helpful and I hope you enjoy your trip!
Googled magnolia market for an upcoming trip and this is just a little treasure trove of info. Looking forward to our road trip.
I’m so glad it was helpful, enjoy your trip!