How to Plan a Trip to Magnolia Market in Waco Texas

It goes without saying that a trip to Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas is like a trip to the heart of the farmhouse revival for fans of the show Fixer Upper. My husband called it “Disneyland for the ladies” and he’s not wrong! Joanna’s style has struck a cord with women who strive to replicate the farmhouse look in their own homes.

As a result of it’s popularity, fans from all over travel to the Silos to get a taste of Chip and Joanna’s charming flagships store, Magnolia Market. I had heard from friends who had been as well as online reviews that said it was VERY crowded. I was  prepared to be inundated with people, but with a little bit of thoughtful planning, our trip was actually quite enjoyable.

Here are some tips I learned from our trip that will help when planning a trip to Magnolia Market.

Planning a Trip to Magnolia Market Silos:

Great Things to Know Before You Go

Timing is Everything

TIME OF THE YEAR:

Our trip to Magnolia lined up with Spring Break season in March which had the potential for being fairly busy and crowded. We chose a date that was after Texas schools’ spring break and just two days after the big Spring at the Silos event and found the crowds to be considerably light in comparison to what they were just a week prior. This time of year the weather was close to perfect. For an Oregonian looking for sun, we found it in Waco. Not too hot, not too cold!

TIME OF THE WEEK:

We also chose a time during the middle of the week in order to avoid the weekend crowds. Waco is located just a short driving distance from several major Texas cities, which makes weekend trips to Waco significantly busier than in the middle of the week. It’s also worth noting that Magnolia Market, Silos Baking Co and Magnolia Table are all closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

TIME OF THE DAY:

Our first day at the Silos we arrived at 5 pm. With just an hour before closing there were no crowds to speak of and it was the perfect way to browse the store and get a good feeling for the area. Most of the food carts were closed by this time, so we did a quick walk around and I made some mental notes on things I would like to come back and purchase.

The following day we arrived early, just after the Silos Baking Co opened at 7:30 am. We didn’t have to wait in line to get into the bakery, however, as soon as we got in the door, several groups came in and the bakery started to fill up quickly. By 9 am, when Magnolia Market was just opening, there was already a line to the main entrance of Magnolia Market, but it didn’t take long to get inside, 5 or 10 minutes tops. This was the only line we waited in the entire time! I’m calling that a win! (see above photo)

HOURS:

Open Monday – Saturday, CLOSED Sundays. Silo Baking Company is open from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm. The Magnolia Market is open from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Magnolia Table is open from  6:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Little Shop on Bosque is open from 10:00-5:00.

 

How to Get There

601 Webster | Waco, Texas

From Portland, OR, we flew into Dallas, rented a car and drove the hour and a half south to Waco. Magnolia Market was pretty easy to find using Google Maps Here. Many people are surprised that the Silos are right in the middle of the city. The Silos themselves back up to rail roadtracks. This makes perfect sense when you consider the Silos were originally used as cotton seed storage tanks for the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company, the original name for the Magnolia complex. The nearby train allowed for easy transport of cotton from local cotton gins.

Where to Stay

If you are a die-hard fan, then you will be excited to know that you can actually stay at the Magnolia House featured on an episode of Fixer Upper. Be aware that you are renting the entire house, so if you plan ahead this could be the perfect HQ for your girls trip to Waco! When we were doing our initial lodging research, we landed on a couple of adorable tiny homes in Waco through Air BnB. We almost booked this one, but waited too long and it was no longer available. Here is another cute tiny home we liked. We ended up booking a room in a house through Air BnB and it turned out to be a great first Air BnB experience. If you are looking to book your lodging through Air BnB, HERE is a discount link that will save you $40 when you sign up.

Where to Eat

On the grounds of Magnolia Market you will find a selection of food trucks. Throughout the property there are lots of cute covered picnic tables for setting up your own Magnolia picnic! Currently, the food truck line up includes:

{TIP} If you don’t want to wait in line at Magnolia Table or the Silos Baking Co., you can enjoy a selection from their menus at the food trucks on site. In addition to the food trucks, the Take Away Market on site at Magnolia Table has goodies to purchase.

Places to Park

When we arrived either early in the day or late in the day, we didn’t have any trouble finding free parking right across from the Silos Baking Co. However in the middle of the day, these prime spots will likely be taken. There is also a free trolley shuttle which makes a stop right out front. Here is the map showing the trolley route as well as alternate parking areas nearby.

 

Follow Up Your Trip to Magnolia Market with a Trip to the Magnolia Warehouse

3801 Bosque Blvd | Waco, TX 76710

While in Waco, don’t miss stopping in at Joanna’s original Magnolia location, affectionately called the Little Shop on Bosque. It now serves as a close-out warehouse/scratch and dent shop for Magnolia Market and most items run anywhere from 50-75% off. If you purchase anything from Magnolia Market, you can receive an additional 10% off the same day at The Little Shop on Bosque. You must show your receipt to receive the extra 10% discount. {Tip} There is free parking right next door courtesy of Grace Temple Baptist Church.

In Case You Were Wondering…

Restrooms

• Several restrooms are located outside near the Magnolia Seed + Supply so if there is a line for the restrooms inside, you will find these restrooms quite handy.

Water

• Outside in the back lawn area there were at least two water stations that I spotted, stocked with cups, ready to quench your thirst. If you are feeling especially thirsty, stop over at the Alabama Sweet Tea food truck for a mason jar filled with delicious iced tea!

Pets

• Pets are not allowed on the lawn, however we did see a cute pup inside the store itself! Your furry friends are welcome as long as they are on a leash. {Tip} You can purchase dog treats at the Magnolia Table Take Away Market.

FYI

• Most of the home decor is in the front of the store. Toward the back, just down a few steps is where you will find all the hats, shirts and logo apparel. This is also where Chip’s Corner is located, and where you will find additional cashiers. There was a small table of clearance items just to the left of these registers, but I’m not sure if this is always the case.

Postcards

• If you are like me and enjoy corresponding with friends and family via snail mail, you will be happy to know that you can purchase Magnolia Market postcards! I found wooden Magnolia logo postcards inside the Seed + Supply store and a set of illustrated postcards at the Magnolia Warehouse on Bosque. Pens can be purchasd in the lower level of the grain barn in case you need one. I bought a pen and can vouch, it writes nicely! There is a post office located just minutes away so you can easily send postcards off to your loved ones.

Military Discount

• Members of the military receive 10% discount off their purchases. You don’t even need to ask for it, they will ask you!

I hope you find these suggestions useful when planning a trip to Magnolia Market. I’d love to hear what your experience was like!