Step into the world of shiplap, beautifully curated home goods, and tasty baked treats at the Magnolia Silos in Waco, Texas. If you’ve ever watched HGTV, strolled down the aisles of Target, or perused the cookbook section of your local bookstore, you’ve likely seen the works of Chip and Joanna Gains. They’re the beloved Texas couple who started the TV show Fixer Upper, which became an overnight hit on HGTV. Since then, they’ve gone on to write several books, create a home decor line with Target, and launch their own TV network, to name a few. Their biggest sensation is their Magnolia Market shopping center in downtown Waco. The market encompasses two blocks of the downtown area and has some beautifully curated home goods stores. I had the opportunity to spend a weekend at the Silos with my mom, and we had the best girls weekend together. As a result, I created this Magnolia Market guide for your future trip to Chip and Joanna’s slice of paradise.
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Know Before You Go
I’ve compiled some helpful tips in this Magnolia Market guide to make your trip planning a breeze:
- Shops are open on Monday-Saturday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. All Magonia businesses are closed on Sundays.
- The shops are busiest during the middle of the day, with the crowds peaking around lunchtime on Saturdays. Visiting early in the morning or later in the day is recommended.
- Be sure to sign up for the Magnolia perks program! While you’re visiting the Silos, all in-store purchases are 10% off, and you receive a 20% welcome discount that you can use at a later date.
- Magnolia Table accepts reservations throughout the week for parties of up to six people. If you don’t book a reservation and want to dine there for breakfast, you’ll want to arrive before 7:00 am to avoid a long wait.
- Silos Baking Co. is notorious for its lengthy lines, so again, the earlier you arrive, the better!
- You don’t have to leave the Silos if you’re in need of a bite to eat or a caffeinated beverage. Guests can enjoy an excellent cup of coffee at Magnolia Press or check out the food trucks for a quick lunch.
- If you’re driving to the Silos, there’s free parking along 6th Street, 8th Street, and Webster Avenue. There are also free parking lots surrounding the market near 9th Street and Webster Avenue.
- Like the rest of Texas, the weather in Waco can get scorching hot depending on when you visit. The highs can creep up to 100°F (37°C), so come prepared and keep hydrated.
How To Get There
If you’re local to Texas, the easiest way to get to Magnolia Market is by car. Waco is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Dallas, 2 hours and 45 minutes from Houston, and 1 hour and 35 minutes from Austin.
If you’re visiting from another state, you’ll likely fly into one of the main airports. I recommend flying into Dallas and renting a car to drive the 1 hour and 45 minutes to Waco. Waco has a smaller regional airport, but it’s a tad pricey to fly into.
When To Go
Magnolia Market is open year-round, making it a great place to visit regardless of season. Like most retail businesses, they are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve and Day. The two main factors to consider when deciding on your visit are the events offered at the Silos and the season you prefer to visit.
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Magnolia Market Events
The two big events that are hosted annually at Magnolia Market are Spring at the Silos in March and the Silobration in October. Both events draw massive crowds, so if you want to visit during these events, you’ll need to book your travel arrangements well in advance.
Spring at the Silos
Spring at the Silos is an annual event celebrating the arrival of spring with a lively mix of activities, shopping, and entertainment. Held over a long weekend in March, the event features a curated selection of artisans and vendors offering handmade goods, home decor, and unique items alongside the diverse array of food trucks. Visitors can enjoy live music, participate in workshops, and engage in family-friendly activities.
Silobration
Silobration is the annual fall festival, typically held in October, honoring the anniversary of the Silos. Guests can enjoy live music performances, delicious offerings from the food trucks, and special activities for children and families. The event also includes a nighttime concert and appearances by Chip and Joanna, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Weather in Waco
The weather is the next big consideration that will dictate when you travel to Waco outside of the events. As mentioned above, Texas can get very warm in the summer months. If you’re not a fan of the heat, you’ll want to consider visiting in the cooler months. I’ve outlined what to expect during each season in this Magnolia Market guide:
Spring
Spring is a lovely time to visit Magnolia Market. The temperatures are mild compared to the summer months, with the averages ranging from the mid-60’s°F (around 18°C) in March to the mid-80’s°F (around 29°C) in May. There is the occasional rain shower, but the greenery and blooming flowers make up for it.
Summer
Visiting Waco and Texas in general during the summer months is not for the faint of heart. The average highs often exceed 90°F (32°C) and frequently reach into the high 90’s°F (around 37°C) or even over 100°F (38°C) during the latter half of the season. Texas is also a fairly humid state, so remaining hydrated is critical if you visit during this time of the year. Magnolia Market crowds vary in the summer due to the heat, so you might get lucky and have fewer crowds to worry about.
Fall
Similar to spring, fall is another excellent time to visit Magnolia Market. As you move further into the season, the temperatures slowly drop into more comfortable ranges that are perfect for shopping at an outdoor market like the Silos. By the time you reach November, the averages are in the mid-60’s°F (around 18°C) with clear skies.
Winter
Winter in Waco is much milder than in most places in the US, making it a pleasant place to visit. There is very rarely any snow, and the average temperature is in the mid-50’s°F (around 13°C) for most of the season. December can be a little hectic at the Silos, with the holiday season drawing in a large crowd of shoppers. However, wandering through the market with the holiday decor all around sounds like a magical way to spend a weekend.
Where To Stay
Waco is not only home to Magnolia Market but also to Baylor University, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to being the birthplace of Dr Pepper! As a result, many accommodation options are available when traveling to this cute city. This Magnolia Market guide would not be complete without providing the top accommodation options below.
Magnolia Accommodation Options
Chip and Joanna expanded their business and opened several vacation rental properties over the past couple of years. These lovely homes allow guests to enjoy a comfortable stay in spaces thoughtfully designed by the one and only Joanna Gains herself.
The Magnolia team’s most recent addition to the accommodation options offered is Hotel 1928. Chip and Joanna have taken hospitality to the next level with this remodeled historic building that they converted into a 33-room hotel. The hotel has two restaurants, a rooftop terrace, an event space, and retail shops that sell Hotel 1928 swag.
Whether you decide to book a vacation home or a room in Hotel 1928, you’ll want to book in advance to secure a reservation. Be prepared to pay a premium because the accommodations are high-end, boutique places to stay. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Pivovar Hotel
When my mom and I visited the Silos, we decided to book a stay at the lovely Pivovar Hotel. It’s located next to the 8th Street Magnolia Market entrance, making it incredibly easy to get to shops right as they open. In addition to the prime location, there’s an onsite restaurant, brewery, beer spa (it’s a thing), and free parking. The rooms are spacious and have an old-world yet modern feel to them. We really enjoyed our stay and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Magnolia Market!
Magnolia Market Overview
Now for the good stuff. Let’s dive into the incredible shopping that is available at the Silos. There are two massive Magnolia shops on the property that sell the dreamy home decor, furniture, and clothing that the brand is known for. In addition to the flagship stores, there are also a few smaller boutique-style stores on the property that sell specialty goods. Lastly, there’s the Little Shop on Bosque, the original Magnolia Market that has been converted into a last-chance discount store. Each shop is meticulously organized, aesthetically pleasing, and staffed by some of the best customer service associates you’ll ever meet. I’ve outlined each store and its offerings below in this Magnolia Market guide, so all you need to do is get ready to shop.
Magnolia Market
No visit to the Silos is complete without exploring the shopping center’s namesake, Magnolia Market. As you step inside the store, you’ll be greeted by seasonal decorations that Joanna hand-selects, elevating the mood of the space. As you wander the store, you’ll be taken aback by the incredible selection of decor, florals, kitchenware, apparel, candles, and so much more. Downstairs, you’ll find the one-of-a-kind vintage items for sale that Joanna carefully selects during her many expeditions to local antique stores. There’s a section that sells a variety of Magnolia branded swag, including t-shirts, magnets, bags, and mugs for those looking for a souvenir from their visit. You’ll be sure to leave this store with a handful of your new favorite home decor items and a smile on your face.
Magnolia Market Guide Tip: While shopping, take a photo of the item and a photo of the bar code. That way, when you check out and ship items home, the sales associate can easily scan the bar code and find the exact item.
Magnolia Home
Be prepared to immediately want to re-furnish your entire house as you pass through the threshold of Magnolia Home. This store is dedicated to the home furnishing section of their brand, and boy oh boy, it does not disappoint. Each corner of the store has fully designed room scenes to help you get a complete idea of how each piece would work together in a space. The Magnolia line offers timeless pieces, including couches, dining sets, bedframes, dressers, coffee and end tables, wall art, and rugs. You will also find additional decor items, vases, glassware, and dinnerware throughout the shop to help you see how everything ties together. If you fall in love with a furniture item, you can order it in-store and have it shipped to your home.
Little Shop on Bosque
Step inside the original Magnolia Market location! Back in 2003, Joanna opened her dream boutique home decor store with encouragement from Chip. They closed the store for a few years while they focused their time and attention on caring for their growing family. After they reopened the shop in 2014, they outgrew the space quickly and migrated into what we now know as the Silos today. They decided to rename the original shop to the Little Shop on Bosque, which now sells items that are slightly damaged and last chance at a discounted price. It’s a great place to find some hidden gems that you won’t find in the other Magnolia Market shops.
Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop
Calling all plant lovers – this is the store for you! Ferny’s is a boutique plant shop with a fun retro vibe, thoughtfully curated by Joanna’s sister, Mikey. You’ll be transported back in time once you glimpse the cool neon sign and funky decor. This shop sells small plants in unique pots, Ferny’s branded apparel, candles, mugs, puzzles, and retro decor. If you’re anything like me, you’ll walk away with a house plant that will remind you of your weekend trip to Waco every time you see it.
Chapter One
Chapter One is a dream store for those who love paper goods (me included). This cozy shop sells various products, including notebooks, journals, pens, sticky notes, planners, calendars, books, cards, and gifts. No matter if you’re a student, parent, working professional, or just a fan of aesthetically pleasing notebooks, you will likely walk out of this store with a new product that brings you joy.
No. 16
As you step inside No. 16, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve wandered into an old-fashioned sporting goods store. This shop is named after Chip’s baseball jersey number, and you get the feeling that the store is inspired by Chip himself. There is a fun collection of items in store, including demo day hammers, playing cards, baseball caps, t-shirts, travel sporting items, and so much more. It’s the perfect store to swing by if you’re a sports lover, someone who enjoys playing games, or just simply hanging outside.
Tried & True
Tried & True is a bags and accessories store curated by Jo’s timeless style. I’m a huge fan of elevated basics and quality clothing and accessories, so this was a dream shop for me. This bright space has classic leather bags hanging on the walls and tables covered in elegant jewelry and other accessories. The quality of each item is unmatched, so you can purchase an item knowing that it will last you a very long time.
Vie Bien Aimee
You’ll likely be able to smell the enchanting aroma of Vie Bien Aimee before entering through the doors of this lovely store. French for “a life well loved,” this shop is home to all their bath and body products. If you’re in need of new skincare products, makeup, soap, makeup tools, and accessories, this is the place to try something new. The store associates can assist you in finding a new product for whatever concern you’re looking to solve with your skincare needs. You’ll walk out feeling (and smelling) like a new person!
Waco Shops Overview
While Magnolia Market has many shops to explore, some local businesses are worth checking out while visiting Waco. I’ve included a list below in this Magnolia Market guide for each trip planning purposes:
- Fabled Bookshop and Cafe: A charming local bookshop serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. They also host several in-person and virtual monthly events for those looking to discuss their favorite reads.
- The Findery: If you haven’t gotten your fill of home goods shopping, then a stop at The Findery is in order. This airy boutique sells various home decor items, furniture, candles, and textiles with a country-chic charm.
- Gather: This cute shop in downtown Waco is known for its selection of kitchen-related products, including mugs, bowls, plates, glassware, and pottery.
- Lone Star State of Mind: Formerly known as Fox & Gray, this girly boutique sells women’s apparel, shoes, accessories, and gifts with a fun southern edge.
- Spice Village: Spice Village is a massive indoor shopping center with a collection of shops under one roof. The boutiques sell everything under the sun, including clothing, toys, home goods, antiques, bath and body products, souvenirs, and so much more.
Where To Eat
I hope you arrived in Waco hungry! Magnolia Market is home to some fantastic places to eat, and you don’t even need to leave the property to enjoy a great meal. There are also some delicious restaurants surrounding the Silos when it’s time for dinner. So, grab a plate, and let’s dive in!
- Magnolia Table: Pull up a chair at Chip and Joanna’s well-known restaurant and be prepared to leave incredibly happy (and full). Once upon a time, Magnolia Table was known as Elite Cafe, a diner that opened in 1919 and was popular amongst the locals. In true Gaines fashion, they purchased the property with the intent of preserving the building’s rich history while creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Today, this breakfast and lunch restaurant serves hearty meals full of flavor in a charming building that makes you feel like you’re home.
- Magnolia Press: Start your day off on the right foot with a phenomenal cup of coffee at Magnolia Press. This cozy shop serves tasty caffeinated beverages, tea, pastries, bags of coffee, and Magnolia Press-themed coffee mugs and accessories. It’s the perfect spot to begin your shopping adventure or simply unwind with an afternoon cup of joe.
- Magnolia Food Trucks: Ready to fuel up after an exciting morning of shopping? Then, swing by the food truck court to grab a delicious bite to eat! The food trucks offer various cuisine options, including pizza, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, popcorn, hot dogs, tacos, snow cones, and waffles. In addition to the trucks, there is a pavilion of picnic tables for guests to dine at. It’s the perfect place to grab a mid-day meal without leaving the market.
- Silos Baking Co.: No trip to the Silos is complete without stopping by the Silos Baking Co. This former cotton oil mill turned flower shop turned bakery now serves the sweetest treats on the Magnolia Market property. They’re known for their delicious cupcakes but also serve cookies, baked goods, and seasonal treats. The Silos Baking Co. is one of the most popular spots at the market and therefore has some pretty long wait times. If you don’t want to miss out on items selling out, I recommend arriving earlier in the day, bringing your sweets back to your room, and saving them for later.
- Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria: When it’s time for dinner, you’ll need to leave the Silos since all Magnolia businesses close by 6:00 pm and most of the dining options close before then. Moroso Wood Fire Pizzeria is the perfect option for a casual yet fun dinner in Waco. The menu has small plates, pizzas, pasta, salads, and a few main entrees, in addition to a healthy wine list. It’s a quick 10-minute drive from the Silos and a comfortable spot to grab a slice after a long day of shopping.
- DiamondBack’s: For a more upscale dinner in Waco, you can’t go wrong with DiamondBack’s. This dimly lit Texas chophouse has wood-lined walls, relaxed seating, and an expansive menu. It’s known for its steak cuts, but it also serves pasta, seafood, sushi, soups, salads, and amazing desserts.
Where To Drink
Ready for a nightcap? I personally love ending my evening with a beverage, especially when I’m traveling to a new destination. I’ve compiled some fun establishments in Waco to check out in this Magnolia Market guide.
- One Day Bar: A vibrant spot to grab a classic cocktail. Grab a cozy booth indoors or a spot on one of their outdoor patio seats on a warm Texas day.
- Segovia Wine Bar: Fancy a glass of wine? Segovia Wine Bar has an extensive wine list and a light dinner menu in a relaxing industrial setting.
- Sloane’s: Sloane’s is a no-fuss relaxing bar that serves cocktails, beer, and nonalcoholic options. What makes them stand out is the Goldfish they have available. Who doesn’t love a cheesy, salty snack?
- Pivovar Brewery: Attached to Pivovar Hotels’s lobby is a restaurant and brewery offering traditional Czech beers on draft. A crisp glass of one of their lagers will surely quench your thirst after a long day wandering the market.
Weekend at Magnolia Market Itinerary
Ready to explore the Silos? I’ve put together the ideal weekend itinerary in this Magnolia Market guide to maximize your time while enjoying this adorable city.
Friday
Once you arrive in Waco after your travel day, you’ll check into your hotel and prepare for the day ahead. Your first stop is Magnolia Press for a 1905 latte and a pastry to fuel up before hitting the shops. After that, you’ll begin exploring the Magnolia boutiques and stores to get a feel for the items sold in each shop and assemble a shopping list.
If you’re hungry for a bite around lunchtime, stop by the Magnolia food trucks to sample one of the many tasty offerings available.
You’ll end the day with a delicious meal at Moroso Wood Fired Pizzeria. It’s the relaxing environment you’ll crave after a busy travel day. If you’re up to a late-night cocktail, swing by One Day Bar for a refreshing beverage in a lively space.
Magnolia Market Guide Tip: If you find a vintage item sold in Magnolia Market or Magnolia Home, don’t wait until the end of your trip to buy it. I mistakenly saw a cute decorative dish in Magnolia Home on our first day and figured I would buy it the following day. When I went back to buy it, it was gone. Learn from my mistakes, folks!
Saturday
Start your day off right by swinging by Magnolia Table for your breakfast reservation. An order of Jo’s buttermilk biscuits is an absolute must when dining at this famous eatery (you’ll thank me later). Park your car back at the hotel or one of the free parking options around town before venturing out on foot.
Your first stop of the day is Silos Baking Co. Hopefully, the line isn’t terribly long while you wait for your sweet treats. Once you’ve secured the cupcakes, it’s time to check out some of the local Waco shops that I noted above before heading back to Magnolia Market. If you didn’t complete your shopping yesterday, today is your final day to do another lap and purchase any last-minute items.
Once the shops close, it’s time to end your evening with a fantastic steak dinner at DiamondBack’s and a nightcap at Segovia Wine Bar.
Sunday
It’s time to say farewell to Waco on your final day of the weekend. If you have a little time before driving to the airport, you can shop at one of the open local shops. All Magnolia businesses are closed on Sundays, so getting all your shopping in on Friday and Saturday is essential. Hopefully, you have an extra cupcake from the Silos Baking Co. to help with the inevitable Sunday scaries after a fun weekend spent at Magnolia Market.
Final Thoughts
Spending a few days exploring the shops at the Silos is a terrific way to spend a weekend with your girlfriends or your mom. My mom and I had a blast shopping at the market and local boutiques and purchasing our new favorite home decor items. Anytime I look at the pieces that I bought together during that weekend, I can’t help but smile. I hope my Magnolia Market guide helps you plan an unforgettable weekend in Waco, Texas.
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