There’s More to Waco Than Magnolia

As wonderful as all things Magnolia are, there is more to Waco and we want to share a little of it with you along with some of our fond Magnolia memories. Waco has been a destination and a frequent stop on our way to Austin, San Antonio or Fredericksburg. Recently we stopped for lunch here on the way to the Hill Country and decided to concentrate on the bridge area. There is an old Suspension Bridge in Waco that is very interesting. It was built with cable from the same company that built the Brooklyn Bridge and crosses the Brazos river. Since it once served as a Chisholm Trail crossing for part of it’s history, you’ll find massive longhorn and cattle-driving, horse-riding cowboy sculptures on one side. There is a park on each side of the bridge, pretty landscaping along the river and great views as you walk across it. There are paddle board rentals available and you may even see some ducks. Definitely an area worth exploring and taking an opportunity to stretch your legs.

In the vacant lot where we parked to get to the bridge, there were food trucks and tables set up. We ate lunch at the food truck park which included crab cakes, Asian food, barbecue, etc. It’s a little like a food court in that we were able to get food from different trucks and grab a table together to enjoy it.

Apparently, I’m developing a thing for murals. I’ll share some fun ones we found in San Antonio in an upcoming post, but we saw a special one on a building here in Waco. It had ‘True Love’ in big letters and well, that’s a fit for us, so we decided we needed a selfie there. Once we got closer to it, we realized it was basically the sign for the True Love Bar in Waco, but we still wanted a picture. Haha

While we were there, we checked out Magnolia Market, Bakery and Silos just from the street. Still busy no matter what day of the week. On a few previous trips, we have been to the store, food trucks, Bakery, garden, etc at the Magnolia Market at the Silos. We have also been to Magnolia Table and the Bed and Breakfast. We didn’t want to spend a lot of time today and opted for a change with the bridge area. If you haven’t been to Magnolia Market though, the store is great and they change it up so every time I’ve gone in, it’s been a different shopping experience. Outside are the silos, a pavilion, the huge play yard and covered tables. We’ve grabbed food from the food trucks and treats from the bakery to enjoy in this space. Don’t let the line to the bakery stop you from satisfying your sweet tooth because it moves quickly. You will get an order card in line to fill out and turn in at the counter, then you’ll move down for picking up your selections and checking out. You are out of there and devouring your tasty treat in no time.

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Speaking of lines, there is definitely a wait at Magnolia Table. The 1st time we went, we didn’t want to hang out there for 2-3 hours so we went to the Take Away + Market for a sandwich and I got this wonderful elderflower drink. We made a point to plan for a wait and scrumptious lunch on the next visit. We were told the wait was a couple of hours again but it really wasn’t bad. There was a nice covered area with seating for waiting. They set you up when you put your name in so they can keep you updated of how many parties are ahead of you. While you check in on the countdown, the staff makes it fun and engaging with trivia competitions etc. We were getting close to single digits, on parties ahead of us, and all of a sudden they called us anyway. I guess a spot for two opened up. The food is worth the wait in any case though!

On one destination trip, a friend of mine and I drove over to the Bed and Breakfast. We parked and got out to take some pictures. About that time the property managers, Rob & Marianne Ward, came out to chat with us. You may remember them from the episode of Fixer Upper when they were renovating the houses for the Bed and Breakfast and the caretakers. They took pictures of us and with us. They were just the nicest couple.

Another one of the related places to be sure and visit is the original Magnolia shop on Bosque. It is still open and it’s their sale store now. They sell off the discontinued items or whatever here now. It’s a great place to pick up some still wonderful treasures. I would also throw in Harp Designs and even some of the places that are shopped at on the Fixer Upper episodes if you have time and are looking for the full experience. It’s a fun time and you never know who you will encounter.

I feel like no matter what you think of when you think of Waco, there is more to it than that. For a lot of people it’s Baylor, the games and their college days. Some people may think of unfortunate events they followed in the news. Others will have even more unique thoughts or memories. A vast majority probably think of Fixer Upper and everything Magnolia centric thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines for forever changing the community of Waco, in a wholesome and positive way. We enjoyed adding some new memories on this trip and hope you do the same thing next time you find yourself in Waco.

Big Dog’s Review: Lots of buzz around the central town of Waco since the HGTV series “Fixer Upper” became popular. But, I’ve been coming to and passing thru Waco for many years. I had two cousins that attended Baylor University and we had to go thru Waco on our way to the deer lease every year. Waco is a quite town with much to do. On our most resent trip we took in the old Suspension Bridge that crosses over the Brazos River. The park area around the bridge with its cattle drive statues was interesting. Not too far from there is the Magnolia Market at the Silos. There’s plenty to take in there with shopping, play area for the kids, and food trucks. It’s always fun. Oh, and don’t forget to stop at the Silos bakery or grab lunch at the Magnolia Table. There may be some lines but it’s all well worth the wait. Just for fun check out Waco!

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