If you’re a fan of the television show “Fixer Upper” then you know what we’re talking about when we say we went to the Silos!
Deep in the heart of Texas in a small town called Waco is the home of Chip and Joanna Gaines and their four darling kids. Waco is where their Magnolia empire began being built. Their television show premiered in 2013 on HGTV and ever since then they stole our hearts and have made us laugh uncontrollably (thanks to Chip).
Like most of Americans who love the Fixer Upper show, we tuned in every week to see what crazy thing Chip Gaines would do next and what gorgeous farmhouse designs Joanna Gaines would come up with this time. After each compelling episode, we’d wish more and more to have a house renovated by this dazzling couple.
When Chip and Joanna Gaines bought property with old silos and transformed it into our farm-style dreams, we immediately knew we had to go visit. As avid Fixer Upper fans and lovers of Texas, we set the date to go visit this Magnolia phenomenon. With this fifth season of Fixer Upper being their last, it made it even more important for us to visit.
October 2017 was when we could get off work to go to Waco, Texas to Magnolia Market. And guess what, it ended up being the same exact weekend of their annual “Silobrations” celebration!
Silobrations
Silobrations is an event they hold once a year to celebrate the anniversary of their Magnolia Market at the Silos property. The Silos were an abandoned cotton oil mill in downtown Waco. In addition to their regular shops, they have 80+ street vendors come in to sell unique home goods, paper goods, kids stuff, bath and body, apparel, jewelry, and more! Tons of food trucks line the lawn to offer yummy and delicious treats. And each night they have a concert typically comprised of Christian bands who the Gaines love. All the events are free except for the concert.
If you plan to visit during Silobrations, it’s a good idea to park off site and take their free trolleys to the site. Know that it will be very busy there so the earlier you go, the better to beat the inevitable crowds. If you want to go to the concert, buy tickets as soon as they go on sale because they sell out quick and tickets are limited.
Things to do at the Magnolia Silos
The things to do there that are offered everyday (not just at Silobrations) are relax on the lawn area, check out their seed supply store, shop their home goods store, and indulge in some treats at the bakery.
The seed supply store offers seasonal produce and flowers, gardening tools, pots, and have gardening lessons.
The Magnolia Market home goods store is huge! Get everything from candles, plates, decor, jewelry, shirts, hats, signs, and everything home decor. Joanna wears many of the shirts on the show so it was fun to be able to buy shirts she’s worn that represent Magnolia and Waco. It’s a great place to buy gifts for the family or any friends who love the farmhouse decor style.
Zach got a hat!
Lining the lawn outside are some fun and unique food trucks. Some of the trucks that are commonly there include Milo, Co-town Crepes, Cheddar Box, Viteks, 900 Pizzeria, Luna Juice, Club Sandwich, H.O.T. Dog House, Common Grounds coffee, Chuck’s Gourmet Popcorn, and Silo Baking Co. What an eclectic bunch!
Lastly: the Silos Baking Co! It ain’t any old bakery. This is the bakery that made the absolute sweetest and most moist cupcakes we’ve ever eaten. Seriously! They offer cookies and drinks too. But do not leave there without a cupcake. It will be life changing. Chip’s favorite is the Nuts and Bolts cupcake. We loved the Strawberry one.
Don’t Leave the Silos Without
Don’t leave here without completing the following guaranteed-to-be-fun tasks:
-Take a picture under the #milestomagnolia sign
-Eat a cupcake from the bakery
-Buy a shirt to represent Magnola back home
-Relax at a picnic table or on the lawn and people watch
-Take a Silo Selfie like Steph!
Visit Waco
The Silos can be visited year-round. Waco is a very small town so one day there is plenty. However if you desire to stay longer, consider staying at the one of the two Magnolia Stays. One house you can rent is the “Magnolia House” which was renovated on season three episode four which sleeps 8 people. The other is the “Hillcrest Estate” which sleeps 12. These book out far in advance so plan your trip early and know that a two night minimum stay is required.
For ideas on other things to do and places to visit in Waco, checkout these two blogs:
Magnolia Market at the Silos Details
The Silos property is open Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays)
Hours of the Market: 9am-6pm
Hours of the Bakery: 730am-6pm
Address: 601 WEBSTER AVE, WACO TX 76706