Travel is good for my soul. The excitement of getting away to explore somewhere new or even visiting a well-loved city away from home refreshes me like little else can. Recently my mom and I traveled the short 8 hours (ok maybe that isn’t so short) to Waco Texas and let me tell you I am already envisioning a girl’s trip back. So here is a round-up of a few of my favorite things to do in Waco, TX.
Shopping:
The Spice Village is like walking into a street bazar where everywhere you look there is something new to touch, smell or see. The Findery is housed in the former home of Percy Medicine, now re-
imagined, it is the home to multiple vendors ready to style every part of your life. If you are interested in antiques or rare re-purposed finds there are so many great options. Cameron Trading Co., Cedar Chest Antique Mall, and Laverty’s Antiques & Furnishings were just a few of the Antique stores we checked out for those that love the re-purposed/re-loved finds Junque in the Trunk andJunky Monkey were well worth the visit. Harp Design Co. has been featured on Fixer Upper for years and if you are in the market for some beautifully handcrafted pieces look no further.
Eats:
For our trip to Waco we honestly did not focus on food, but prior to hitting the road I did a significant amount of research on the local eats. If we were using the wait at Moroso Wood Fired Pizza as an indicator for how good the food was going to be we were in for a treat and we were not disappointed. Other local options that were on our list were Milo All Day, Common Grounds, and Heritage Creamery. If you are open to a short little drive outside of town to Eddy, TX I would highly recommend checking out Kissing Tree Vineyards. The menu changes each weekend, but everything we had to eat was delicious as were the wines we enjoyed. We also lucked in to visiting on a night when they were featuring live music.
Sights:
Waco is the birth place of Dr. Pepper soda and you can learn more about this history as well as the science behind making soda by visiting the Dr. Pepper Museum. For the outdoor lover Cameron Park features breathtaking views from both Lovers Leap as well as Emmon’s Cliff, but if the goal is to get your heart rate up check out the 100 steps to the top of Jacob’s Ladder. Cameron Zoo is an award winning natural habitat zoo, perk if you are a member of the Sedgwick County Zoo you qualify for a discounted admission if you bring your membership card. When in Waco you really must visit Baylor University.
Magnolia:
Ok let’s be honest the reason that my mother and I traveled to Waco was for all things Chip and Joanna. Was the worth the trip ABSOLUTELY.
Home to Silos Baking Co., Magnolia Seed and Supply, and Magnolia Market, Magnolia Market at the Silos feels more like you have entered the most perfectly crafted backyard, rather than roughly two city blocks in the heart of Waco, TX. The green lawn invites you to sit and enjoy a picnic lunch from one of the many food trucks that can be found along the perimeter of the property, or waste the day away playing one of the provided yard games. Or wander towards the gardens where you will find Magnolia Seed and Supply with everything to make your garden feel perfectly curated.
Magnolia Market is everything you would expect if you have any knowledge of Joanna Gains and her style. I had heard that everything you touched in the store was overpriced, but honestly I did not find this to be the case. If you are looking for rustic farmhouse chic (is that a thing?) you will find it here, but even if that isn’t your style you are sure to find something you can’t live without.
Silos Baking Co. yes the line was out the building and around the corner for a cupcake, but I doubt we waited 15 min for our treats. My personal recommendations the Prize Pig a bacon cheddar biscuit and any or all of the cupcakes.
If you are planning to enjoy breakfast or lunch at Magnolia Table, they do not offer dinner service, be sure you arrive early or ready to wait, reservations are not an option. If you do have to wait spend your time in the Take Away shop or at the coffee cart. I kept it simple with a Farm Breakfast, but there was nothing simple about the house made tater tots, they were little balls of potato bliss.
I am already dreaming of my next Waco adventure.
