Let me guess, you are most likely drawn to Waco because of Magnolia Market – I mean, who doesn’t love the charismatic couple Chip & Jo who have aided in converting a sleepy Texas town into a HGTV version of a “Disneyland dreamland for adults” at the Silos. There’s a reason we are seeing an average of 30,000 visitors a week, reports the Waco Tribune (an annual total of close to 1.6 million people, that’s more than the Alamo in San Antonio) woah.
And you really cannot visit Waco without experiencing the fixer upper culture that Chip and Jo have implemented here. There’s a reason we are the number 2 place in the nation for tourism according to TripAdvisor.
My husband and I moved to Waco about 2 years ago, and we get the hype. The dream of purchasing “The worst house in the best neighborhood,” for an outstanding price… we still use that phrase as a prime factor in purchasing our future home. And we would be lying if we said we didn’t binge on the HGTV show ‘Fixer Upper’ as soon as we moved to join my sister in Waco to see what the fuss was all about.
However, there’s so much more to Waco than the nationally known restored Silos, the bakery and even the real estate. Which is not to say that everything the Gaines have done is overrated, they have transformed Waco in a beautiful way, and nothing about The Silos, Magnolia Table, or the Magnolia real estate should be overlooked or underappreciated. The Silos Baking Co. is a staple I still love to indulge in years later, the cupcakes, cookies and cinnamon rolls are truly mouth watering and SO worth the visit. Even if to simply admire the beautiful decor of the bakery inside and out.
Silos Baking Co.
Magnolia Table
Where even the bathrooms are gorgeous and believe it or not, smell amazing.. good job chip + jo.
Check out the customized day schedule that I personally use when my family and friends come to visit
As I mentioned, we’ve been here for two years now, and for all of the visitors who have come to visit us, I have a particular order and reason of the when and where I like to take our family and friends. And as a result, I thought I would create an itinerary that could be used for others. I truly just want to give the best Waco experience in the most wonderful way I can. And each time I do, I always come home smiling, reflecting on how nice it has been to have all of this in my backyard. Because at the end of the day, I get to say, “I live here.” And that’s pretty cool.
Here are a few of my favorite spots that seem to always charm those who have visited us, always leaving long lasting memories and a roll full of beautiful insta-worthy pictures for years to come
SHOPPING
Spice Village
Roots Boutique
COFFEE/DRINKS
Common Grounds
I personally am not a coffee fan, but my sister could have an “iced cowboy” or the “no bull” every day if she could. I am a wedding and event planner here in Waco, and I even had one of my brides have Common Grounds cater her wedding – it’s that good. Not to mention they also host concerts and open mic night in their venue space in the back which makes it feel like you are at a huge bonfire with live music and great people.
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits
Oh My Juice
The Backyard Waco
FOOD
Slow Rise Slice House
Cajun Craft
Baris
A quaint, family owned Italian restaurant that I cannot recommend enough. The chefs use only fresh ingredients and the prices are outstanding for the amount of food you receive. The first time my sister took me here, I found out you could BYOB, which meant we could all split a bottle of wine over our Italian meal, plus the atmosphere is easy and fun for any time of day and any type of occasion! The bread rolls are huge and the tortellini with pink sauce is my go-to, absolutely every single time. Weekends can produce huge, long lines, but we’ve always found it to be worth it!
Milo All Day
Hecho En Waco
(For more food recommendations, check out my free itinerary!)
ICE CREAM
Pokey O’s
Heritage Creamery
SIGHTS
Waco Suspension Bridge
SAIL THE BRAZOS
Waco River Safari
Koehne Park at Lake Waco
According to Waco Tribune, “Magnolia is making a HUGE change with a budget of $10.4 million dollars to renovations and additions before the end of the year. They plan to add a whiffle ball field, more shops, gardens, and relocated historic Waco church to the 4.9 acre site.”
THIS JUST IN:
“Replacing the parking lot will be a “retail village” arranged around a green lawn, with eight buildings, five of which would be marked for retail space, two as bathrooms and one as an information center. The green would be anchored by the relocated Second Presbyterian Church building, which now sits at 510 N. 13th St.”
So for those who have already been to Waco, plan on visiting Waco, or even currently live in Wacotown, there is so much more to see here in the next few years. I have a feeling this is really, only the beginning.
B In Transition 
Killer article! Well done.
Thank you, that means a lot!