Hello and a happy New Year to you all!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with family & friends.  I thought it would be fun to kick off 2020 with a post about my recent travels back to Waco, Texas.  Two years ago, I wrote about my very own Fixer + Upper tour and visit to the Magnolia Silos, here.   Just a couple months back, I was in Texas for a long weekend.  I have a daughter that lives in Austin and since Waco is just a quick 1 ½ hour drive away, I made it my priority to head back for a day.  There were some new places I wanted to see, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to “get r done”.    

As I am sure you are well aware, Waco is now famous for being home to HGTV stars Chip & Joanna Gaines, of Fixer + Upper fame.  And although they chose to end their popular home renovating series a couple years ago, Waco is absolutely bustling with tourists, and it has become a major destination spot!  I noticed that there are many new storefronts and food establishments that have popped up around town since my last visit in December of 2017.  I had a few “must-see” places on my list and thought I would share my latest experience with you!

Magnolia Table Restaurant

The last time I was in Waco, the restaurant had been built but the interiors were still being finished and it was not open yet.  So grabbing a meal at Magnolia Table was my top priority this visit.  I knew wait times would be very long, and I was prepared for that. 

When we arrived at 11:00 that morning and put our names in for a party of two, the wait time was 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Larger groups were even longer waits, with parties of six or more close to four hours.  When we checked in, they asked us if we wanted table seating, community table seating, counter seating, or first available.  We chose first available and ended up at a counter.  The service was great and our waitress, Stevie, was very attentive. 

What surprised me most was how quickly our food came out after our order was placed.  And not just ours, everyone’s!!!  And yes, I was watching.   It is pretty incredible actually.  Although you cannot see into the kitchen area, my guess is they have a very efficient system in place and do not want to keep people waiting for their food after the long wait to be seated.  Our meals were very fresh and hot, as well as delicious. I had zero complaints!  Both my daughter and I ordered Jo’s biscuits & gravy.  We were also given some of Jo’s strawberry butter for our biscuits and it was SO, so good!

Was it worth the wait?  As a fan, yes, it was.  And let’s be honest, that is who is patronizing Magnolia Table.  The entire establishment is gorgeous and remarkably clean & tidy, despite the busy crowds.

While we were waiting, I was asked a couple of times if I would snap a group photo for someone.  And I could hear people all around me talking about Chip & Jo, their enterprises and the show.  I met some ladies on a girls-only weekend trip and a couple of mother-daughter duos.  Everyone was happy to be there, and no one seemed bothered by the wait.  Chip & Jo have thought of everything and built a lovely waiting area, complete with strands of lights and plenty of seating, and there is a coffee bar you can order from to pass the time. 

There is also a “Take-Out” area with a small menu, as well as a variety of Magnolia merch to buy. 

Magnolia Table is located at 2132 S. Valley Mills Drive, in Waco.   They are open from 6:00 – 3:00, Monday thru Saturday; closed Sundays.     

Chip & Jo’s future hotel

The next place I wanted to sneak a peek at is the Grand Karem Shrine building in downtown Waco, just a few blocks away from the Magnolia Silo’s.  Chip & Jo purchased the nearly 100-year-old building last year, and will renovate it into a hotel, which they plan to open in 2021. 

I wanted to have a look at it and snap some exterior “before” photos of the historic dwelling.  I am certain that the next time I visit Waco this will be open and at full capacity. The Grand Karem Shrine building is located at 701 Washington Avenue in Waco.

Magnolia Press

A month before my trip, the brand-new Magnolia Press opened, just down the street from the Silo’s.  Since I am not a coffee drinker, I had my daughter order something because I wanted to go inside and take some photos and have a look-see. 

I spotted these hand prints just before entering the shop. Isn’t that fun?

It is a lovely addition to the Magnolia empire, meticulously designed and decorated.  There is a welcoming outdoor seating area in the back, with plenty of space to sit back and relax. 

Oh, and they even have their own Magnolia Water.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Gaines’ are still growing into their space and will soon open a furniture showroom.

I highly recommend a stop at the restrooms too. As you can see from my photos, even this space is incredible! Just look at the detail. #Dreamy

Magnolia Press is located at 418 8^th Street in Waco. 

Silo’s Baking Co.

Ok, so this part is a repeat but yeah….totally worth repeating! The first time I visited the Silo’s bakery, I fell in love with the Prize Pig biscuit.  Bacon, onion, and cheese in a biscuit….oh my! Seriously, these little babies are amazing!!! On my second visit, they had already sold out by 11:00 in the morning and I was devastated!!! 

Since we had just eaten at Magnolia Table, I was not hungry by any means, in fact I had leftover biscuits and strawberry butter for later!  But I DID want to grab a couple of Prize Pig biscuits to take back to Washington with me and I was keeping my fingers…and toes…crossed that they still had some left.  And they did!  We snagged a couple of cupcakes for that evening and they were even better than I remembered.

Be sure to grab a cupcake…..or two….because they really are SO very good! You will be thankful you did.

  The Silo’s Baking Co. is located at 601 Webster Avenue in Waco. 

Buc-ees

Full disclosure, this is NOT part of the Magnolia experience, but it IS part of the Texas one!  Raise your hand if you like a good road trip! Well, if you’re road trippin’ you will need snacks. And a clean restroom.

The first time I visited Texas, my daughter told me we HAD to stop in at Buc-ee’s and I didn’t think too much about it.  I mean, how excited can you get about stopping to fill the gas tank, using the restroom, and getting some hydration?  But Buc-ee’s isn’t your typical roadside service station.  It is something you must experience if you are in Texas.  The saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas” definitely applies to Buc-ee’s.  After going to the bathroom and filling your gas tank, take a walk around this place.  They literally have something for everyone, from a fresh fudge shop and a Brisket sandwich station, to a wall of soda fountains, and a huge selection of beef jerky.  

 Then throw in the housewares area, clothing section, and isles of endless snack possibilities, and I dare you to leave there without a little something. Or a big something.  Side note: I do love the cake balls from the bakery…..just sayin’.

Buc-ee’s is on my must-see list every time I visit Texas.  Just watch for the signs along the interstate and look for Buc-ee the beaver.  Locations vary; see website for additional info and photos.   

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