Insider Tips For Visiting Magnolia Table And Magnolia Silos Waco Tx

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Magnolia Market at the Silos, or just Magnolia Market as the locals call it, is one of the most incredible places in Waco, Texas. This huge, industrial-style complex was once part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company, but is now a huge shopping complex made famous by its two 120’ high silos – and their famous owners from the reality TV series, Fixer Upper.

But visiting Magnolia Market is more than just a place where fans of the TV show can see where it all began; it’s a place where you can shop for boutiques, play games on the lawn and enjoy live entertainment. In this guide, I’ll be sharing my best tips and favorite places in the Magnolia Market, including the Magnolia Table and more!

Video: 10 Things to explore on the Fixer Upper Trail

About Magnolia Market and Fixer Upper in Waco Tx

Magnolia Market was made famous by its celebrity owners, Chip and Joanna Gaines from the reality TV show, Fixer Upper. In case you do not know anything about Magnolia Market, The Silos, Magnolia Table, and Fixer Upper, it is an extremely popular renovation show on HGTV. Chip and Joanna Gaines are a married couple from Waco, Texas, who take the worst house in the best street and turn it into their dream home for their clients. Chip is the demo guy and the builder. Jo is the extraordinary designer. Together, they make a great team and are super cute, sweet, and funny.

Although they had their own renovation and design business before Fixer Upper, the show has elevated them to celebrity status, and they now have a Magnolia Empire that consists of their own home furnishing line, a bakery, restaurants, a magazine, and best-selling books.

Waco, Texas, is where Chip and Jo live and is the setting for the show Fixer Upper. They have helped put Waco back on the map. It is no longer THAT place you heard about many years ago with the cult madness. We only had half a day to spend in Waco, following the Fixer Upper Trail. And we only visited for that purpose, but would love to come back and explore the many fun things to do in Waco beyond Fixer Upper and Magnolia Markets. We enjoyed its young, hipster, modern vibe.

It was my Mum who introduced us to Fixer Upper. She watched it with the girls when minding them once, and they excitedly told us about this lady who designed beautiful homes. When we were preparing to move over to the US from Australia, we’d visit Mum and Dad each week for dinner and a Fixer Upper catch-up. We’d laugh at Chip and wow at Joanna’s modern and elegant design skills. “I want her to do our house one day … when we get one,” I used to say.

So when Qantas started direct flights to Dallas, I planned a one-month road trip with my parents and told them to fly into Dallas so we could visit Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas and follow the Fixer Upper and Chip and Jo story.

Things to do at Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market is not just a place to shop. It has so much more to offer, including places to eat, relax, play, and explore. Here are some of the best attractions in Magnolia Market you should not skip.

1. Dine at Magnolia Table, Waco, Texas

We wanted to start our day at Magnolia Table in the remodelled Elite Café, which Chip and Jo opened in March 2018. “I think that’s the best bacon I’ve ever had,” I said after my first bite. Dad didn’t waste much time eating his after that. We don’t know what they did to it, but it was sensational. The perfect mix of salt, fat, and subtle smokiness. The sausage was equally delicious: made in-house and is flavorful and moist, but not too oily.

And you know how much we love our lattes. Magnolia Table served up creamy coffee that perfectly balanced the flavors. It was one of the most Australian-tasting coffees we’ve had in the US. Because we know Australia does them best! 🙂 All the dishes at Magnolia Table is sourced locally, and you can tell. The signature dish at Magnolia Table is Jo’s Tater Tots sprinkled with chives and parmesan cheese. Although it may not look like it, the breakfast is filling.

When we left, we agreed that it was one of the best breakfasts we’d ever had. Magnolia Table has been touched by the Chip and Jo effect – farmhouse style, sprinkled with class and sophistication. Every element is designed with intention – how does it help create the mood and tell the brand story – even down to the wooden pencils and coloring sheets that come with the kids’ menu. Signs in that elegant black and white typography remind you that you are welcome,

“Where everyone has a seat at the table.”

There’s an emphasis on community at Magnolia Table. The ‘good ole days’ where people gathered around the table for conversation and hearty, yet delicious meals made with love from the garden. A circled message on the menu invites you to leave your phones in the leather pouches hanging on the wall beside the table.

The conversations flowed for us, particularly with the staff. The staff were enthusiastic and authentic in their engagement and spent time talking with us. It was a delightful way to start our day in Waco, and indicative of the kind of people Chip and Jo are. We fell even more in love with this Fixer Upper dynamic duo and were so inspired by their innovative and visionary spirit.

A couple of nights before we visited, we watched the renovation of the Elite Cafe into Magnolia Table on Fixer Upper Season 5. It was so cool to see its transformation, knowing we had been part of the finished product!

2. Check out The Silos

The Silos represent what great visionaries Chip and Jo are. If you watch Fixer Upper, you would have seen the transformation of the run-down silos into an entertainment and retail space.

At the moment, there is nothing in the Silos; there are six boutique shops built around it on the block of land. According to a police officer securing the property, Chip plans to turn the inside of the Silos into a man cave so he can offer something to his male Fixer Upper and Magnolia fans. I was surprised by the number of men wandering around looking like they were having a fantastic time – my Dad included!

Surrounding the Silos is a wide open green space. Jo has added her small touches to it, with a section for games and a container filled with soccer balls and corn hole equipment. You’re invited to play and pack up after yourself when you’re done. Corn hole is one of Savannah’s favorite games, so we played it for a while. Once again, the objective is to bring families and friends together to experience good ol’ fun. There’s also a space off the green grass with picnic tables and swinging chairs.

If you arrive early, you’ll more than likely get a chance to sit in it and enjoy the ambience. If you’re hungry, the perimeter of the Silos has a number of food trucks offering a variety of options.

3. Purchase Some Seeds at Magnolia Seed & Supply

At the back of the Silo is a garden to wander through with a small log cabin to purchase Juniper and Magnolia seeds. I hope you can replicate something similar at home. I’m dreaming of it when I finally get a home … one day. Jo and Chip have inspired me to maybe move in that direction.

For now, we were happy smelling the flowers, drinking water from the old horse trough and then sitting on the wooden mushroom logs in the old naked tipi.

4. Visit the Magnolia Bakery (Silos Baking Co)

Jo’s cupcakes are legendary. So much so that queues can be over two hours long. Thankfully, we only had a five-minute wait. Magnolia Bakery is organized with efficiency and a bright smile. Minute details make all the difference in the Magnolia world. As you join the Magnolia Bakery queue, you’re handed an order sheet to make the process flow. By the time you reach the front of the queue, you are ready to pay and collect.

The girl’s cupcakes were light and fluffy. If you are a cupcake lover, you’ll be happy to wait for these. My only disappointment was that there were no gluten-free cupcakes when I visited. There were gluten-free cookies, but I don’t like cookies. My mouth watered, and my eyes cried looking at those cupcakes.

The bakery building is worth looking at without the cupcakes. The European-inspired design feels like you’ve stepped over into France. It’s minimalistic and inviting and has gorgeous views of the Silos in the background. There’s a small garden area to the side for you to rest and eat. Try to nab the wooden stools under the sign for a great photo opportunity.

And in between the bakery and the silos is this great hashtag photo opportunity for your Instagram. I love the girls in this one.

5. Shop at Magnolia Market at the Silos

When I finally get my own place, I’m driving to Magnolia Market to buy all the furnishings. I might just bring Jo back with me to put it all together!! The Magnolia home store is a wonderful store. It’s filled with the style and essence of Jo. Chip’s essence is not ignored either. He has his own section dedicated to the men called Chip’s Corner.

I generally don’t have patience to shop, but I loved browsing through all the homeware pieces in the store. It’s the kind of home decor you’ve seen on the show and ranges from kitchen items to rugs and wallpaper. The steel wall plaques on display by Jimmy Don were the most eye-catching pieces in the store for me. There are also T-shirts and hats in the store with the Magnolia Table. I couldn’t help but pick up a tank I have admired Jo wearing many times on the show.

And my sweet girls plotted together to buy me a beautiful notebook and a sweet-smelling Magnolia candle for Mother’s Day. It made my day.

6. Drink Coffee at Magnolia Press

If you need a coffee to refuel, then the Magnolia Press coffee shop does some excellent coffee. The point of Magnolia Press is to pick up a coffee and enjoy it as you browse the store. It looks like an industrial library, and even though the idea is to grab a coffee on the go, you’ll want to sit around for a while and admire the decor – or sit outside on the patio.

7. Shop for Women’s Clothing at Reverie

Reverie is a women’s clothing store that has boutique, contemporary pieces. It’s the kind of fashion you would see Joanna wearing on Fixer Upper.

8. Shop for Jewelry at Vie Bien Aimee

Vie Bien Aimee is a shop selling artisan bath and body products. You can find some moisturisers, face creams, and other skincare and beauty tools.

9. Shop for Accessories at Tried and True

Want some accessories to go with your new clothing? Head to Tried & True, which has bags, hats, jewelry, belts, and other accessories.

10. Get some Stationery at Chapter One

Need a birthday card? How about a new journal? Head to the Chapter One store to find stationery sets and arts and crafts goods.

11. Shop for Men’s Clothing at No. 16

As well as offering men’s clothing, you can also find other manly goods such as camping items and woodworking tools.

Opening Hours

Magnolia Market is open Monday – Saturday from 9.00am – 6.00pm. They are closed on Sundays. It is located in downtown Waco, just 2 miles from Cameron Park Zoo.

Other Fixer Upper Locations in Waco

If you’re also a fan of the show and want to see more Fixer Upper locations in Waco, here are some other places nearby to explore.

See Discounted Items at Little Shop on Bosque

Although not in the Magnolia Market complex, Little Shop is worth checking out. It’s the discounted supply store where you can find discounted Magnolia items. It’s housed in the first retail shop by Chip and Jo before they rose to fame.

Harp Design Co

Everyone knows Clint Harp from Fixer Upper. He creates feature woodwork pieces for the homes Chip and Jo renovate. He has his own store and workshop in Waco, Texas. He also now has his own DIY TV Show!!

I love seeing how Fixer Upper has helped so many other people thrive in their own business. What a wonderful story and positive ripple. Next door to Harper Design is Clint’s House, which was also renovated on the show in season one, episode 11. You can take pictures and admire the featured door, which Clint made. It’s eye-catching. Clint has turned this into a Bed and Breakfast you can rent when you visit Waco.

We picked up a beautiful map from Harper Design with the words Wander written over the top. And a wooden heart-shaped bowl for Savannah.

Magnolia House

Magnolia House is the Bed and Breakfast Chip and Jo renovated in season three of Fixer Upper. It’s about a 20-minute drive southwest of Waco in the downtown McGregor area. We stopped in on our way down to San Antonio. We were surprised by how small the block of land is compared to what it looks like on TV.

You also see the Carriage House down the back that was fixed up on the show for the managers of Magnolia House. It’s a charming home. You can rent it out, but it is usually booked months, if not a year, in advance. Apparently it’s okay to pop over and take a few photos!

JDH Designs

You can also visit Jimmy Don’s workshop, who does all the metalwork designs for the show. It’s located about 20 miles west of Waco, so it was too far of a diversion for us.

The Brazos River

Wander over the pedestrian Waco Suspension Bridge, which spans the Brazos River, the longest river in Texas. You’ll see the bridge and river in many of the B-Roll shots of Fixer Upper. But, the bridge has a story of its own.

It was part of the Chisholm Trail, a trade route trod by millions of heads of cattle in the 19th century. On the northern shore of the bridge near Indian Spring Park is a herd of larger-than-life bronze cattle sculptures.

If you feel the braided steel cables and stout brick tower look familiar, then cast your minds eye towards the Brooklyn Bridge. The cables were furnished by John A. Roebling from New York, who built the Brooklyn Bridge. There are a few food trucks scattered around the foreshore of the river.

Places to eat near Magnolia Market

Unfortunately, we only had half a day, so we didn’t have time to explore the other things to do in Waco that don’t involve Fixer Upper. But if you have more time, these are a few eateries nearby that you should check out.

Common Grounds

Common Grounds is a café that Jo has visited before on the show. It is in the Baylor University area and was full of students on laptops studying for their final exams. The Cowboy Coffee is Jo’s favorite and made famous because of the show. I’m not sure what it is. It has a secret sauce and is labelled as sweet, so I stayed away from it. I like my coffees strong and bitter – no sweetener allowed.

There’s a lovely outside seating area, a small porch in the front, and plenty of comfy couches inside. There’s a backyard stage turning it into an indie concert venue with bean bag chairs.

Heritage Creamery

Next door to Common Grounds is an independently owned and locally operated ice cream store, Heritage Creamery. Everything is 100% all-natural and made in their shop using fresh, top-of-the-line ingredients with no additives or preservatives.

We popped in there to grab the girls an ice cream while we sat in the back garden of Common Grounds enjoying a coffee.

Tips for visiting Magnolia Table & Magnolia Market

1. Arrive early. Magnolia Table, especially on the weekend, can have up to 4-hour wait times. The restaurant opens at 6am. I’d arrive not long after that. Better yet, make a reservation in advance.
2. After breakfast at Magnolia Table, head straight to the Silos and Magnolia Bakery, which can also have lines up to two hours long.
3. Start lining up for the bakery immediately. You can easily wander around the Silos and Magnolia Market at any time.
4. If you’re afraid of the traffic circle out the front of Magnolia Market, come off the I 35 and turn onto the frontage road – check name – and enter the parking lot from the back entrance.
5. There are plenty of warnings about the traffic circle out the front (roundabouts). We have them everywhere in Australia, so we weren’t worried about it. Americans aren’t that used to them, so often don’t know how to drive on them! There are warnings not to try to cross it on foot if you park outside of Magnolia Table.
6. Parking is limited at Magnolia Table, another good reason to arrive early. You can take the free LaSalle Circle Shuttle bus from the Silos to Magnolia Table. It runs every 30 minutes or so from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. That way, you can park once and still visit Magnolia Table.
7. While you are waiting for your table at Magnolia Table, take your photos and visit the gift shop.
8. You will get a text when your table is ready, so have a phone with you. It comes in handy if you do have a four-hour wait. You can go into Waco and visit the Silos while you wait.
9. Wednesday is the quietest day at Magnolia Table and the Silos in Waco.
10. Everything looks smaller than what you see on TV. So be prepared. I thought the Silo area looked much bigger on TV, with less around it. Same to Magnolia House. We were expecting it to be on a large block of land.
11. You can stay in a number of the Fixer Upper homes that have been converted into B&B’s
12. Bring your camera. Capture the beauty of Chip and Jo’s designs, the delicious food, and Silo Selfies.
13. You might want to read some of the Magnolia stories before you visit:
    • The Magnolia Story
    • Capital Gaines: Things I learned doing Stupid Stuff
    • Magnolia Table: A collection of recipes for gathering.

They are on my reading list. I am subscribed to the quarterly Magnolia Journal which I love. Mum now has my stack to take home to her.

Where to stay in Waco

We continued on to stay at the Emily Morgan Inn in San Antonio, so we don’t have personal experience with accommodations in Waco. From our research and professional travel judgment, we can recommend the Hotel Indigo Waco: We love the Hotel Indigo brand; You’re guaranteed boutique sophistication that fits with community personality. This is the closest hotel to Magnolia Market, just a 10-minute walk. following. You can also use the map to search for places to stay in Waco

Final Thoughts

Waco has definitely been transformed because of Chip and Jo and Fixer Upper. We loved strolling through the market and seeing all the visitors out and about, playing on the grass, enjoying picnics and listening to music. It’s wonderful to see and look at how many local people have been employed and the spillover effect for other local businesses.

Waco is a vibrant, thriving area with a lot of cool things to offer. We’d love to return and explore more, but for now, we feel content having been able to explore Magnolia Market.

Tours of Waco, Texas & the Fixer Upper Trail

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