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Updated: April 2, 2018.
Magnolia Market at the Silos is a place where visitors have the unique opportunity to see a show they’ve grown to love come to life. HGTV’s Fixer Upper launched Joanna and Chip Gaines into the national spotlight. Since the show’s success, they’ve expanded on their initial Magnolia Market concept which began as the Little Shop on Bosque and turned it into the beautiful 2.6 acre property that it is today.
We recently returned from another trip to Magnolia Market at the Silos and had a wonderful time. The property, located in the heart of downtown Waco, is home to the Market itself, Silos Baking Co., food trucks, a garden, Magnolia Seed + Supply, the big green lawn, and much more. There is so much to see and enjoy everywhere you go on the beautiful Silos grounds. Each time we visit, I leave feeling inspired.
If you’re planning a visit soon, I hope you find this little guide helpful. Enjoy your trip; it’s worth the drive!
Where to Stay in Waco
During one of our visits, we stayed at the downtown Hilton Waco. It’s a very convenient place to stay because it’s less than a mile away from Magnolia Market. Also, they have a Trolley system that provides free transportation to and from Magnolia, and there is a pick up location across the street from the hotel. Click here to book a room at the Hilton Waco
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During another trip, we stayed at the Homewood Suites by Hilton about 10 minutes away. With two little ones, we were looking for a hotel with a suite with extra space and a kitchen. Homewood Suites provides free hot breakfast each morning and provides a free evening meal on select evenings. Click here to book a room at the Homewood Suites by Hilton
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Another option is booking a home through Airbnb. With Airbnb, you rent someone’s home, apartment, or room. During our most recent trip to Waco, we stayed in a tiny house in a relaxing country setting in Crawford, Texas. It was such a fun, little Airbnb adventure, and the property was beautiful! The property has four tiny houses, a luxury two-room casita, a two-bedroom cottage, king and queen suites, and a large Gathering House. It’s perfect for individuals, families, or large groups. Our daughters loved the playground and going on hikes each day. The property is only about 20 minutes from Magnolia Market. To learn more about this and other Waco-area properties, you can sign up for a free Airbnb account here and get $40 toward your first trip. Search Gathering Oaks Retreat in the Airbnb search box.
You can also choose to stay in one of the homes featured on Fixer Upper. How fun would that be?! When searching Airbnb for homes to rent in Waco, take a look at the descriptions. You’ll notice several mention being featured on the show. Click here to sign up for Airbnb and receive $40 credit toward your first stay.
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Where to Park at Magnolia Market
There are a couple of options for free parking near Magnolia Market. First, there is a free parking lot located on 8th Street near Webster. This lot is a convenient option because you can walk straight into the back side of the grounds near the food trucks.
Another option is to park in the Hilton Waco parking lot less than a mile away and ride the Silo District Trolley for free. There are signs that show where to park for the trolley, and then it drops off right in front of the Magnolia Market store and bakery. There are other free parking locations along the route as well.
When to Go to Magnolia Market
During one of our trips, we arrived around lunchtime on a Tuesday during the first week of March. It was pretty crowded, but we were able to find parking in the free parking lot on 8th Street near Webster. The only line was to get into the bakery.
I really wanted to try a cupcake before leaving town the next day, so we went back the next morning around 8:15am. There was no line and only a few people there. It was actually a wonderful time to go because the bakery and lawn were open, but the store wasn’t open yet. We enjoyed walking around and were able to take some great pictures. Our toddler had a blast running around lawn and basically had it to herself. Once the store opened at 9am, it started to get crowded but nothing like the lunch crowd from the day before.
I’ve heard that weekdays near the time they open or close are the best times to go to avoid crowds. Just know you may miss out on the food trucks as their hours vary. After a couple of visits, here’s how I’d plan our next trip:
1/2 Day Visit to Magnolia Market at the Silos
- Arrive at 8:30am. Visit the bakery and enjoy some coffee and treats on the patio.
- Shop the Market when it opens at 9am.
- Explore the grounds and relax on the lawn.
- Visit Magnolia Seed + Supply.
- Grab a bite to eat after 11am from one of the food trucks. Enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables.
- Take any last photos before heading out.
As of the time that I am writing this, the Market hours are Monday through Saturday 9am to 6pm, and the bakery is open Monday through Saturday 7:30am to 6pm. Both are closed on Sunday.
The food trucks’ hours vary. Almost all appeared to be open when we went during lunchtime, but they were not open the next morning when we arrived around 8:15am. After a quick check on several of their websites, it appears some open at 10am and some at 11am during the week with extended hours on the weekends. If there are particular ones you’re interested in trying, check their hours on their individual websites before arriving.
15 Things to Do at Magnolia Market
1. Of course, the Market provides a fun shopping experience. It’s full of beautiful products that made me wish I had an extra thousand dollars to spend. From home decor pieces, flowers, and candles to handbags, t-shirts, and hats, the Market has a little bit of everything. We had to walk around several times to attempt to see it all. Each time we’ve been, we’ve noticed new products and new displays. Everyone there was super friendly, and there was even a guestbook to sign near the front door.
Note: There is a FedEx Office Shipping Station downstairs in the Grain Barn, and shipping is covered for purchases over $100. For purchases under $100, shipping is $7. Price of package materials is not included.
2. The lawn is a great place for kids to run around and play football, cornhole, soccer, or tag. Our daughters love the lawn!
Note to parents with little ones: There is a changing table in the restroom located outside as well as one in the restroom located inside. Also, if you are using a stroller, there is an elevator that will take you downstairs to the grain barn area.
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3. The swings are another fun addition to the outdoor area and are a perfect place to relax.
4. Check out the stage and snag a picture under the Magnolia sign.
5. Grab a bite to eat at the food trucks. Because the food really is outstanding, I highly recommend visiting the Market hungry. We’ve tried a Guac This Way Gourmet Grill and Uncle Rico Mac Daddie from Cheddar Box, and both were delicious. Stop by the Alabama Sweet Tea Co. for an ice cold glass of sweet tea served in a cute glass jar.
6. Enjoy your meal at one of the picnic tables. There is plenty of seating at one of the many tables or benches.
7. Explore the beautiful garden and see what’s growing.
8. Take a look around Magnolia Seed & Supply, an adorable little shop in the garden that you don’t want to miss.
9. Peek inside the greenhouse. You can’t go inside, but you can see what they have growing from afar.
10. Find the teepee. We had no idea there was a teepee tucked away in the corner of the garden area, but we saw it this time. Our toddler had so much fun sitting on the little mushroom seats inside.
Related post: Road Trip Tips – Traveling with a Baby and Toddler
11. Take a picture in front of the Willys Wagon. The vintage Jeep is the perfect place for a photo.
12. Enjoy a sweet treat from Silos Baking Co. We tried a couple of cupcakes, a cinnamon roll, and a chocolate chip cookie, and they did not disappoint. The icing on the cupcakes was some of the best icing I’ve ever tried.
13. Relax on the Silos Baking Co. patio before the Market opens at 9am. With the bakery opening at 7:30am, we were able to enjoy a treat and explore the grounds before the crowds arrived later in the day.
14. Take a picture under the #MILESTOMAGNOLIA arch.
15. Connect with family and friends. The wonderful thing about Magnolia Market at the Silos is it’s more than just a beautiful place to shop. It’s a place to relax, soak up some sunshine, enjoy delicious food, and spend quality time with family and friends.
As we were walking back to our car, our two year old kept saying how much fun she had and how she wanted to go back. On our way home, she fell asleep three hours before her usual nap time and slept two straight hours. She had a blast on our little trip to Waco, and we all look forward to going back again.
Enjoy your trip!
Planning a trip to Waco, Texas soon? Check out this popular post: 15 Other Things To Do in Waco During Your Magnolia Market Road Trip.
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