With all this being stuck at home, all I can do lately is think about all the travels we are ready to take and those we’ve done in the past — some of which I haven’t shared much about yet! Like how a little over one year ago, we visited Waco and all that is Magnolia while visiting my brother in Dallas. With him living so close, we couldn’t not make the 2 hour drive. And the funny thing is that my dad was really into it. He had all Chip sayings and was ready to go.
A DAY AT MAGNOLIA
So we visited Magnolia last spring and I realized that I haven’t even shared about it! It’s 100% true that here on this blog you will always find good things, shared in an untimely manner. So, here goes our recap of the day visit we had to Waco & Magnolia Market.
Like I said, Waco is about two hours south of Dallas so we drove. It’s a very easy drive once you get out of the city. You’ll know you are very close when you see the Baylor Stadium off the side of the highway.
With no reservations being taken at Magnolia Table, we decided to head there first. I think we pulled up around 10am and the wait was about an hour. I was amazed at how organized they were and honestly taken aback that there wasn’t a line. Once you have your name in, you can head back to the waiting area which is quite lovely. Make sure to bring things to occupy your kids and yourself. I saw one person just sitting reading a book. And restrooms are available and close by if you are stuck waiting for a while. Plus they offer you a sneak at the restaurant too!
VISIT DALLAS
Grab a drink while you wait and watch the kids play with extra large jenga pieces or just play tag on the grass. There’s a semi covered area that was full when we came back and they were playing Fixer Upper trivia in there to pass the time, ran by an employee.
We hung out on the patio area which had plenty of bistro tables with umbrellas while we drank our black coffee (dad) and lavender latte (me).
The wait didn’t seem to bad because the kids were occupied and we were just soaking it all in.
When you walk into the restaurant, there is not a shortage of things to look at. I will say, I was much more impressed with the decor than the menu. And I wasn’t super impressed with the kids options. Also, at the time, Ella was working to be dairy free and there wasn’t too many items that worked for that, but we managed.
Olive demolished the donuts.
I loved my avocado toast.
My dad enjoyed his biscuits and gravy, which was Chip’s recommendation (via the sign outside).
After that, we headed into town to check out the market.
Be prepared for it to be busy. I don’t think the excitement has worn off for Chip & Jo and I don’t think it will anytime soon. We grabbed a sweet tea before grabbing some photos with the silos and then checking out the garden and seed market before heading into THE Magnolia Market. We didn’t even attempt the bakery because the line was so. freakin. long.
VISIT WACO
The silos area is really quite pretty and I’m sure it’s really fun with a band on the stage, but when we went it was busy and quiet.
The market was full of really nicely curated items and I didn’t expect anything less. There was one area where I basically wanted everything. The nice thing though, is that almost all the items are the same as what’s available online. I did like that. But we learned after coming home, and ruining a shirt, that my dad choose the one t-shirt that WASN’T available online for a replacement. Bummer.
Getting around with a stroller was a little confusing. With a sleepy girl, figuring out how to maneuver around the stairs {which were everywhere} did pose to be a little bit tricky. So just be aware. There is an elevator, but just ask because it can be a little hard to find, or at least it was with the way the store was configured when we visited.
After poking around in the store and purchasing a few mugs, bags, magnets, and t-shirts, we headed out. We were lucky enough to find an awesome parking spot right across from the bakery so our walk was minimal. I did hear that parking can be a pain so make sure to check out their suggestions for when you visit.
Overall, if you are a Chip & Jo and fixer upper fan, this is one of those bucket list type trips. Plus, if you don’t go with your kids and dad (no offense dad), you could probably spend an entire day in the city of Waco. There were lots of signs for small shoppes around town and of course, you could look up all the houses as well as the other stores you see on the show. The one place we didn’t go that I would have loved, was the original store which apparently has clearance! haha
But if you are in Dallas, see if you can’t add this one to your visit. You won’t regret it!
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