Situated between Austin and Dallas, the city of Waco, Texas has previously been best known as the home of Baylor University. In recent years, the town has become a popular weekend getaway destination thanks to HGTV’s Fixer Upper power couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. The Magnolia empire, built by the down-to-earth duo, houses it’s headquarters right in downtown. Although the farmhouse decor and shiplap mecca is a definite highlight, there is much to see and do in Waco! So pack your bags and spend a few days exploring this little gem, nestled right next to the Brazos River!
Things to Do
Magnolia Silos
Yes of course, we have to mention Magnolia while in Waco! Each time we visit there is always something new to check out at the Magnolia Silos compound. For all your shopping needs it’s fun to stroll around the Magnolia Market store. They decorate the store seasonally with changing themes and the most creative displays! No matter what time of the year, it’s always interesting to see what they have come up with.
For more browsing fun be sure to walk around the Shops at the Silos. These six shops have been curated by Joanna herself, each with a different theme such as bath & body, women’s clothes, jewelry, and more. Also stop in for a quick tour of the adorable chapel located nearby!
If the kids are getting rowdy, spend some time on the lawn in front of the silos. Surrounded by food trucks with wide open space to play, this a great area to relax and eat lunch. There is even a cute mini baseball field with a concession stand too.
Tips: Magnolia can get crowded, so it’s best to get there early!
Note: Hours are Mon-Sat 9 am- 6pm. They are closed on Sundays.
Waco River Cruise
What better way to see Waco than by boat? As I mentioned before, the Brazos River runs through the city allowing you to see many sites and beautiful scenery from the water. After a long day of exploring we decided to take a sunset cruise to wind down our evening. We boarded the pontoon boat and settled in for our two hour tour. The kids loved peering over the boat searching for wildlife, while different points of interest were pointed out by our captain. We also learned quite a bit of history as we watched the sun fall below the trees. It turned out to be such a fun and relaxing excursion!
River Cruise Tour | Waco Tours (waco-tours.com)
Homestead Heritage Craft Village
If you are looking for a great activity to entertain the kids, definitely check out Homestead Heritage. This Christian, agrarian community is based on the principles of living simply and self-sufficiency. The people here are also known for their quality craftmanship and pass down their trades from one generation to the next. When visiting the craft village you can tour the pottery house, a woodworking furniture shop, and cheese-making shop.
At some areas the kids can even take part in activities while learning about life at Homestead Heritage. At Heritage Forge we were able to see how raw steel is hammered by blacksmiths into a many different items. The blacksmith explained the process before helping each kid make their own brass spoon using a hammer and anvil. Of course it was not complete before hammering their initials into the handle! Also, visiting the Homestead Fiber Crafts Shop was a definite highlight for the crochet expert in our family. Little C was in heaven admiring all the different textures and yarn colors, all made right here! I enjoyed talking to a lady who was weaving a beautiful rug by hand using a loom. It was so interesting and almost mesmerizing to watch!
The Homestead Gristmill is another area to check out. The restored 18th Century Gristmill is still used today, powered by water to turn large millstones. After learning the history and process of how grains have been prepared using this method for thousands of years you can visit the Gristmill store. Here you can purchase fresh flour and other baking mixes made by Homestead Heritage.
Note: They are closed on Sundays
Cameron Park Zoo
When I first read there was a zoo in Waco, I have to say I was pretty surprised, and my expectations were low considering the small size of the city. However, I have to tell you, this zoo is such a little hidden gem! Each time we go I think I love it even more. Unlike other typical zoo experiences we have had, Cameron Park Zoo is quiet, relaxed, and uncrowded. It almost feels like a private tour there are so few people. It is so enjoyable being able to walk right up next to the animals. Speaking of the animals, there are so many exhibits. I was amazed! From bald eagles, lions, elephants, giant tortoises, to birds, and snakes, all your favorite creatures are here. This makes for a great morning or afternoon activity! Plus, with prices that are lower than your average movie ticket, it really can’t get better.
Tip: The zoo is open 7 days/week, so this is a good activity to do on a Sunday when other places are closed.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
If you or your travel companions are interested in prehistoric life definitely stop by the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Located within 100 acres of wooded land near the Bosque river, this site tells a story from the ice age!
Thousands of years ago Columbian mammoths, standing up to 14 feet tall and weighing 20,000 pounds, roamed across Texas. Back in 1978 a large mammoth femur bone was discovered here, and after further excavation the fossil remains of a herd of 19 mammoths were found. I can’t say that I knew all that much about mammoth life up until this point, so it was fun to learn all about these massive animals. To see the size of their enormous bones up close was impressive! The whole experience of viewing the fossils here is quite unique. Instead of looking at bones through a glass case you are able to see the prehistoric fossils remaining in the dig site! We were able to walk along a platform overlooking the large area where the mammoths were found and observe the bones from above. So fun!
Note: The monument is open 7days/week
Where to Eat
Magnolia Press
As I mentioned above, Magnolia can get crowded so if possible it is nice to get there early in the day. Conveniently, the Magnolia Press coffee shop, located right next door, opens before Magnolia Market. We enjoyed stopping by for a latte before our shopping trip began. The menu consists of seasonal specialty lattes, drip coffee, teas, and pastries. Of course part of the fun is seeing the charming interior decor here as well, JoJo never disappoints!
Note: Hours are Mon – Sat 7am – 6pm
Magnolia Food Trucks
After shopping all through Magnolia Market and the Magnolia Shops you are sure to build up an appetite! Grab a snack or lunch at one of the food trucks at Magnolia and take a relaxing break on the lawn. We enjoyed a massive fresh sandwich from the Magnolia Table food truck, which has a menu that features selections from the restaurant.
Other options include:
- Cheddar Box – gourmet grilled cheese
- Little Brisket – pulled pork sandwiches & brisket
- Club Sandwich – Asian fusion
- 900 Degrees Pizzeria – build your own pizza
- Silo’s Baking Co. Airstream – treats from the Silo’s bakery
- Summer Snow – fun-flavored shaved ice
- Luna Juice – fresh pressed juices & smoothies
- Captain Willy Whizzbangs – burgers & fries
- H.O.T Dog House- gourmet hot dogs, bratwurst, & sausages
- Chuck’s Gourmet Popcorn – fancy popcorn
- Alabama Sweet Tea – freshly brewed tea served in a mason glass jar
Cafe Homestead
For a true farm-to-table experience be sure to stop by Cafe Heritage for breakfast, lunch, or dinner during your visit to Homestead Heritage. Only the freshest produce and ingredients are used in each dish here at this casual cafe. You really can taste the difference in the homemade sauces, local cheeses, and garden-fresh vegetables.
Hours are:
Breakfast: Thurs – Sat 8am – 11am
Lunch: Mon – Sat 11am – 3pm
Dinner: Thurs – Sat 5pm – 8:30pm
Heritage Creamery
Who doesn’t love to splurge while on vacation? We are always up for discovering the best sweet treats whenever we travel. Heritage Creamery in Waco scoops up the absolute best and creamiest ice cream! From their crunchy cones and delicious cookies, to the ice cream flavors, everything here is made from scratch at this little shop of goodness. Be sure to check it out!
Dichotomy Coffee & Spirts
Come grab your favorite beverage day or night at Dichotomy! This unique shop serves up specialty coffees in the morning and an array of cocktails at night. Brilliant! Before heading out for another day of exploring we stopped in to grab a quick breakfast. A lavender honey latte and scone was just the perk up I needed. The girls also approved, ordering hot chocolates to start their day. There is also a rooftop deck to enjoy the sunshine.
Hecho En Waco
For authentic Mexican cuisine near the Magnolia Silos head on over to Hecho En Waco. Their signature dishes include the pork carnitas, puntas a la Mexicana, and enchiladas. The enchiladas were fabulous and, of course, paired well with my margarita! There is indoor or outdoor seating on the patio. Don’t forget the chips and guacamole!
Where to Stay
Deerfield Cabins
Some sweet friends of ours joined us on one of our weekend getaways to Waco and we stayed in two of these mini cabins. Each one-room cabin has a custom fold-down murphy bed with a king mattress. There is also a loft with a sliding ladder that has a double bed for kids. The tiny homes also have a bathroom and small kitchen area. It was fun experiencing “tiny home living” together for a short time, ha! The cabins are located about 10 minutes from downtown Waco so it does have a more relaxed, country vibe.
Deerfield Cabins: https://deerfieldcabins.holidayfuture.com/
1700 South 2nd Boutique Hotel
Located just minutes away from the Magnolia Silos, this little condo was perfect when we visited recently on a girls weekend trip. This two bedroom, 2 bath setup worked out great for our mom and daughter getaway with my favorite cousin. With a kitchen and washer/dryer you could easily stay here much longer.
1700 South 2nd Hotel : http://1700south2nd.com/
Waco is such a great weekend destination! No matter who we travel with or why we are in town, we always have a great time exploring each time we are here. It’s nice to take a few days to relax and live the small city life for a bit. Happy Travels!
