Like many people, I adore Chip and Joanna Gaines. I’ve probably watched every episode of Fixer Upper, I’ve read their book “Our Magnolia Story”, and I love shopping their Hearth and Hand collection. I guess you could say I’m a pretty big fan! So when Mitch and I planned a trip to Austin TX, I knew I wanted to make a stop in Waco.
Before you too plan a trip to Waco to see Magnolia Market, the Silos, and everything Chip & Jo, here are 5 things you need to know!
1. It’s a perfect day trip
While you certainly could spend multiple days in Waco, if you are really going there just to see everything Magnolia, you can definitely do it in a day!
Mitch and I spent a 2 full days exploring the city of Austin (guide here) before spending the last day of our trip in Waco. We woke up early on a Tuesday morning, picked up a rental car, and made the 1.5 hour drive north to Waco. We spent the late morning and early afternoon in Waco, before driving back to the Austin airport for our flight home.
It was such a fun way to end our trip!
Waco is only a 1.5 hour drive from Austin or Dallas, making it a great day trip from either city.
2. The best time to visit is mid-week
As you can imagine, Magnolia Market has become quite the tourist destination and is busiest on the weekends. If possible, try to plan your trip to Waco mid-week to avoid large crowds. Everything Magnolia (the silos, market, restaurant etc.) are closed on Sundays. Definitely don’t plan to visit on a Sunday!
The least busiest days are Tuesday and Wednesday. We went on a Tuesday and while still lively, it was not very crowded. The day we were there it was cold and rainy, so I’m sure that likely also contributed to the fewer crowds.
3. Don’t miss Chip & Jo’s Restaurant
While most of the stuff you’ll want to see and do is all in the same place, Magnolia Table is 2.5 miles from the silos. It’s just a short drive, but worth noting! The restaurant is only open from 6am – 3 pm and is closed on Sundays. Be sure to check before you go if these hours have changed.
You will not want to miss eating here! It is such a cute place with tiny details that make it extra special, like the adorable mini booklet at every table with conversation starters and the sweetest, most friendliest staff.
I’ve heard there can be a 3 hour wait for a table. Luckily, we got to the restaurant early and didn’t have to wait. I imagine Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest. Be sure to get there early any day, as the wait supposedly gets longer throughout the morning!
The amazing service we received at Magnolia Table and the whole experience just confirmed how wonderful the Gaines are.
I also LOVED the food – Jo’s amazing biscuits with strawberry butter were my favorite!
4. Save room for sweets
If you’re heading to Magnolia Market right after Magnolia Table, be sure to save a little room for dessert.
My favorite treat was the Silos Cookie from the Silos Baking Co. right near the Magnolia Market.
Chip and Jo also recently opened Magnolia Press, a beautiful coffee shop right near the market. It opened in November of 2019, making it the newest addition to the Magnolia empire in Waco.
5. Don’t worry about fitting your finds in your luggage
I had the best time exploring and shopping in Magnolia Market! The store is filled with beautiful home goods that fit the modern farmhouse vibe that Jo has made so famous.
I can’t explain how much fun I had shopping here! Mitch said I looked like a kid on Christmas morning! And I really got excited when I found out…
Most things in the store can be shipped directly to your home, and for free if you spend more than $100.
No need to try to fit everything in your luggage!! When you go up to the counter with all the items you would like to purchase, just let the cashier know you would like to have them shipped. If the item is available in their warehouse, they can ship it.
It’s definitely worth the day trip!
If you love Chip & Jo, this place is definitely worth going to. It’s not just a shop or a couple of restaurants. There is so much to do during a day at Magnolia Market. In addition to everything I’ve already mentioned, there are games to play on the lawn, a Seed & Supply store, and food trucks. Since it was cold and rainy, we didn’t get to spend a lot of time outside, but we still really enjoyed the stop!
It’s really cool to see a piece of the empire the Gaines have built, right in their home town of Waco, Texas.
If you have any questions about visiting Waco & Magnolia Market let me know in the comments. I would love to hear from you!
Be sure to also check out my Austin, TX guide!
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