You’ve probably heard all about The Silos at Magnolia Market down in Waco, Texas. Chip and Joanna Gaines have turned the property surrounding two old grain silos into a home goods shopping mecca that draws visitors from all over the country. Residents of Dallas and Collin County are lucky enough to have this attraction practically in our backyards, making a day trip to Magnolia Market totally doable.
After visiting The Silos a few times, I’ve discovered a few things that can help you make the most out of your day trip to Magnolia Market in Waco.
>> RELATED READ :: 7 Out-of-This-World Tips for Visiting Space Center Houston <<
1. Leave Early
It took a little over two hours to drive from Allen, Texas, to Magnolia Market in Waco. It may take you longer depending on traffic, construction, and if you need/want to make a stop along the way. Magnolia Market is known to get very crowded during peak times (afternoons, evenings, and weekends), so planning ahead and getting your day started early can help you avoid some of that.
We left a little after 6:00 a.m., and arrived at the perfect time to grab breakfast at Magnolia Table.
After that, we had plenty of time and space to peruse all the shops without having to wait in lines or fight crowds. There really is a lot to do, and you don’t want to miss out on anything, so get an early start!
2. Stop on Your Way to Waco
One of my favorite places to stop along I-35 as you approach Waco is the Czech Stop. It serves a huge variety of authentic kolaches and other baked goods. There may be a line, but it typically goes quickly and is definitely worth the wait if you can swing it.
3. Make Reservations for Magnolia Table
The wait time at Magnolia Table varies and can sometimes be quite long. We didn’t have much of a wait when we had breakfast there, but it tends to get busier as the day goes on. You can make a reservation on the website as well as see estimated wait times for walk-ins and view the menu. The reservations fill up quickly for busy days and times, so the further in advance you book, the better.
>> RELATED READ :: Seeking a Staycation? A Round-Up of Hotels with Indoor Pools in Dallas-Fort Worth <<
Here are a few more tips for enjoying your time at Magnolia Table:
- Get the bread basket because it includes a variety of pastries to share, all of which are delicious.
- The portions are quite large, so take that into consideration.
- Order food to go at the take-away entrance and market on the side of the Magnolia Table. You can browse the small market of t-shirts, mugs, and more while you wait for your table or to-go order.
- Magnolia Table is not at the same property as the other parts of Magnolia Market, but it’s 5 – 10 minutes away (by car) from the Silos and easy to find. Be sure to plan whether you want to go there before or after shopping at the Silos.
4. Try a Lemon Lavender Cupcake
There are so many amazing treats at Silos Baking Co. that it can be hard to decide what to try. Let me just solve that problem for you: You must try a lemon lavender cupcake!
It may sound a little weird, but this flavor combo is subtle and totally works. Trust me! The cinnamon rolls are another favorite of ours, along with “The Prize Pig” bacon and cheddar biscuits. Silos Baking Co. also offers gluten-free and vegan cookies.
>> RELATED READ :: Fun & Fresh :: A Roundup of Farmers Markets in Collin County <<
5. Visit Other Waco Attractions
There’s a lot more to do in Waco than you might realize. Waco is home to museums, parks, and other attractions that are perfect for families.
The Dr. Pepper Museum is right around the corner from the Magnolia Market property (within walking distance), and houses many pieces from the original bottling facility along with a soda shop and amazing gift shop.
Waco also has the Mayborn Museum — a highly interactive natural and cultural history museum that will keep kids busy for hours. The Mayborn Museum participates in the ASTC Travel Passport Program which offers reciprocal admission benefits. Check out this full list of things to do in Waco that aren’t Magnolia Market.
Hike Jacob’s Ladder in Cameron Park. It’s a short, steep climb that kids love racing to the top, where you’ll find a playground and wildflower field. It wouldn’t hurt to pack a few bandages for any boo-boos along the way.
Don’t Feel Pressured to Buy Everything
Magnolia Pro Tip: Soak in the inspiration, but don’t drown! There is inspiration everywhere you look at Magnolia Market. Indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between is beautiful and cozy. It’s natural to want to bring all of that home with you, but realistically, most of the items for purchase were priced above what I was willing to pay.
Luckily for me, the Hearth & Hand line at Target offers budget-friendly options. The products are not the same, but they are a similar style. Many of them are even half the price of the products at Magnolia Market!
The one thing I did purchase, however, was candles! They had candles burning in the Magnolia Home store, and I fell in love with the scent the minute I walked in. I bought the Stay a While Candle and the Fresh Start Candle.
A day trip to Waco is the perfect way to have some girl time or a fun family outing. Magnolia Market is a refreshing change of scenery that will have you leaving with your tummy full of goodies and your mind full of great ideas. What could be better than that?
Check out these sample itineraries for visiting The Silos and maps and lists of things to do both at Magnolia and in Waco in general.
Have you taken a trip to Magnolia Market? Share your tips in the comments!
