Is there a more adorable couple in Texas than Chip and Joanna Gaines? I don’t think so.
In case you’re not obsessed with watching HGTV like I am, Chip and Joanna Gaines remodel houses on HGTV’s Fixer Upper show. The couple resides in Waco, Texas. Their playful banter and beautiful renovations keep me and many others watching every episode. Truth: I’ve even contemplated moving to Waco, as long as they could renovate my new house!
A few years ago, the Gaines family purchased old grain silos and a barn in Waco and set out to make the area a family destination. Joanna moved her home décor store to the site, and the Silos were transformed into a destination for locals and tourists alike.
My family has driven by Magnolia Market at the Silos a few dozen times on our way to my in-laws, but we finally had the time to visit last Friday. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit.
Bring $10 Cash for Parking
Yes, there is a free parking lot behind the Silos accessible from 8th Street, and there is a lot of street parking. Also, you can park downtown and take a free shuttle. However, the church next door offers parking for $10, and we really wished we would have brought cash to park there.
We wound up parking several blocks away. Magnolia Market at the Silos is always crowded. Crazy crowded, unless you get there very early in the morning. We arrived at 10:30 a.m. on a Friday, and we couldn’t believe the crowds.
So if you want to maximize your time there, consider splurging on the nearby paid parking. Next time, we will do that.
Come Hungry
First, there is the Silos Baking Co. The creation and renovation of this bakery was featured on a separate episode of Fixer Upper. The line is always around the block.
But, don’t let the long line scare you. Employees hand out a menu and order form while you’re in line, and the line moves quickly. We spent only 15 minutes in line because the entire process was very efficient.
Drool!
If you just want cupcakes, you can skip the bakery line altogether and line up at the airstream near the food trucks.
Speaking of the food trucks, I was surprised at the amount of choices available and the reasonable prices from each vendor. My husband tried this Frito Pie:
While I sampled Korean food from The Club Sandwich truck:
Luna Juice had fresh watermelon drinks:
I recommend staying for lunch. There are plenty of places to sit down and take a load off your feet. You’ll find many picnic tables and even stairs available to sit on.
Allow Time to Chill
My favorite part about the Silos was the family atmosphere. There is a lawn with cornhole, giant blocks and various balls. My kids dove in and started playing catch with other kids.
To the right of the lawn are kid swings and porch swings that fit several adults.
The lawn also has some comfy chairs. I met up with one of my college friends, and we ended up staying over three hours! My kids didn’t want to leave.
Visit Magnolia Seed + Supply
Tucked in the corner, the Magnolia Seed + Supply section is more than a store. It has fairy garden displays as well as rows of plants.
If you have kids, stop by the teepee.
We also saw baby chicks in the nearby greenhouse.
Bring your Own Water Bottle
This is Texas, and it gets really hot! Stay hydrated so that you can last longer at the Silos.
Food trucks sell bottled water for $1 (again, totally reasonable compared to many places). However, you can bring your own bottle or cup and fill it up at a row of faucets located just past the grain silos.
What about the actual store?
We were having such a good time hanging out that I almost forgot to go into the actual Magnolia Market store! By the time I entered it in the early afternoon, it was packed.
So, if you want to actually shop, I recommend you go early.
Bottom Line for Visiting Magnolia Market at the Silos
I’m glad we finally stopped by Magnolia Market at the Silos this time after driving past it many times. It’s just a short distance from I-35 and right on the way to Austin, San Antonio or Dallas, depending on your direction of travel.
Even if you’re not a super fan of the Fixer Upper show, the location is still a great gathering place. And it’s free to look and play!
Despite the crowds, visiting the Silos was much more enjoyable than I envisioned. We will return on a future trip the next time we are going that way.
Do you have any additional tips for visiting Magnolia Market at the Silos? Please share your experience.
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I was just talking to my hubby about wanting to take a visit there so this post was very timely. I absolutely love them!! Great review. Thank you for sharing.
@Annette I hope you can visit soon and that you enjoy it!
Wow, I had no idea there was so much to do there! I watch the show all the time, but it does not describe the Silo’s like this! Definitely on my travel bucket list.
@Lori yes, it’s a cool place! I read that Chip is going to get his own store inside the grain silos. I was surprised to see that there was nothing inside the actual silos yet.
Looks like so much fun! I love watching the show and think it would be a blast to see the silos. I wonder if there’s ever a time when it isn’t crowded. Lol!
@Kimberly I’ve heard during the middle of the week when school is IN session it’s not as crowded. Of course, that’s when I can’t make it there! 🙂
Ahh I want to go SO bad!! I had no idea it was so big!
@Logan it’s bigger and nicer than I envisioned! I hope you can go soon.
I actually havent seen this HGTVshow.. I pretty much just watch that at the gym. But it looks like such a fun day I love places where parents can eat (and drink) and kids can play! I also LOVE that watermelon!
@MommaToGo Yes, I love anywhere that has space for kids to play while parents eat! So relaxing. I was able to get some good conversation in with my friend while my kids had a blast.
I live an hour away from Waco and still haven’t gone there! I love the show and need to make time to visit!
@alittleheavenly you should go sometime! It’s a lovely spot to chill.
I can’t believe you wrote this up…a friend of mine went on and on the other night about how she’s going to Austin but she’s going to Waco to visit the Magnolia Market. I looked at her cross eyed because I had no idea what she was talking about…sorry, I’ve seen the show only a few times but had no idea what their names were or where they lived. I’ll be sure to tell her about your article since she probably has no idea how crowded the place can get.
If we’re ever in the area, this will definitely be on the list of places to see. Looks like you guys had fun.
@Stephanie–People around here (including me!) are really nutso about the show and the everything the family has in Waco. I’ve seen many people in my area make the 2-hour trip just for visiting Magnolia. I hope your friend enjoys her trip to Texas!
My mom just went a month ago and hasn’t stopped talking about it! Sounds really fun!
@meredithamand I’m glad she had a good time!
This is one place y daughter and I would enjoy to visit. I’m not paying 10.00 to park, we will walk.
@Candy I hope you make it there soon! I usually won’t pay for parking if I can get it for free, but we spent a good 20-30 minutes looking for parking and then walking. 🙂
I have no idea who Chip and Joanna Gaines are (sorry!), but it looks like a fun outing!
You should check out one of their TV episodes online. They do an amazing job at renovating houses! And the real estate market in Waco is much less expensive than where I live. But for now, we will just visit their Silos for family fun.
Least busy days are Tues. and Wed. We were there on a Thurs., and it was busy but not bad.
@LeeAnne, Good to know, thanks! I’d love to go there during the middle of the week. Maybe in the summer.
This is a great post! We will be visiting soon so I needed some good tips before we visit!!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy your visit there. It really has such a great atmosphere.
It looks like you had a wonderful trip! Those cupcakes look delicious!! <3 Someday we will make it out to Texas!!
My kids really enjoyed the cupcakes. I hope you make it to Texas someday! There’s a lot to see and do.