Waco Travel Guide
You want to know what's funny/cool/crazy? Is that a little over 5 years ago I wouldn't even have the need to write a travel guide on little ol' Waco. I grew up going to Waco often because I have family that lives there...spoiler alert - it's Chip and Joanna Gaines. Yep, you read that right! They are my aunt and uncle, so when you see them as TV stars, I see them as the same old dorky uncle and gorgeous aunt who I used to play with her Pocahontas-like hair every time I saw her ;).
The things I remember about Waco were going to Common Grounds Coffee as we pulled into town, going to Chip and Jo's new "fixer upper" house (they used to flip and sell their own homes almost every year), feeding the cattle with Chip and eating Bush's Chicken for dinner more often than not haha. There was hardly anything to do there! Sure, there were a couple antique shops and a few other shops that are still thriving in Waco today, but just a couple years ago Waco was not what it is today!
Because I visit Waco all the time, I get asked by a lot of my friends and coworkers what the must do's are in this Fixer Upper city. So, I'm going to give you a list of everything that my family and I do every time we drive through Waco!
Shopping
The main reason anyone would be in Waco is to visit Magnolia Market, and I don't blame them! I LOVE visiting the Silos. There is always so much activity there from shopping at the silos, to the food trucks on the lawn, photo ops, a play area for kids, and the bakery. It's easily somewhere you could spend an entire day! They are also adding on a whiffle ball field among many other things on the Silos grounds.
Magnolia Food Trucks - Cheddar Box is my absolute fav. Get the mac and cheese with whatever grilled cheese you get! You might want to share it with someone because it is super filling.
Magnolia Bakery - My favorite cupcakes are strawberry, lemon, and the classic. But don't forget to ask what their seasonal flavors are because those aren't always around!!
Roots - I love to shop here when I'm in Waco! They have the cutest clothes and accessories - I never come out empty handed.
Simply Irresistible - This is an array of antiques, home decor, clothing and individual vendors here. There are unique finds and I even found our guest sign in book for our wedding here!
Spice - I'm not quite sure how to describe this shopping center, but it is basically a large shop with tons of different vendors/smaller shops inside of it. I like to think of this as a souvenir shop, gift shop, home decor shop, apparel shop, and find something you never knew you needed type of shop. I went here to look for bridesmaids gifts, home decor, and even outfits for specific occasions. The options are limitless!
Take a stroll down Austin Avenue where you can find cute coffee shops, candy stores, and a range of local shopping and restaurants!
Food and Drink
Magnolia Press - Magnolia's newest addition is the Magnolia Press. A coffee shop and place for you to rest your feet in the air conditioning, or on their outdoor patio! I love the 1905 iced cofee (it's made with whole milk so if you want it a tad healthier ask for nonfat!), and anything you get as a snack will be delicious.
Common Grounds - one of my favorite coffee shops! Get the Iced No Bull, you won't regret it.
Magnolia Table - This restaurant you guys, is incredible. Get there as early as you can and get your name on the list because they are on a first come first serve basis. The pancakes are amazing, the biscuits are flakey yet soft, the hash-brown bites make you want to become a potato, and the lemon lavender donut holes are phenomenal..... pretty much if you're on a diet go ahead and throw it out the window when you eat here! They have lunch options too (The burger is my personal fav), I just really love breakfast and you can't go wrong with anything on their menu!
VTek’s - Best Barbeque in town! Get the Gut Pak - it's the Gaines/Braun family fav ;)
Cafe Cappuccino - If Magnolia Table is full or the wait is too long, this is a great option for breakfast/brunch/lunch!
Torchy’s - If you're from out of state this is a must! This is a taco joint in Texas and they have the best queso EVER.
Hecho en Waco - great Mexican spot.
Milo's has been a long time vendor of Magnolia and they have opened up a restaurant in Waco! Their food is so good. Literally can’t go wrong with anything you order!
Union Hall - A variety of food choices in a dining hall type setting! Great for families who can’t decide where to eat ;)
Milk Bottle Cookies - I know the owner of this bakery and DANG are her cookies the bomb.com!
I hope this guide was helpful and allows your trip to be stress free because you already know where to go!!! If you go I want to hear all about it :)
