As promised, I have a full recap of my recent trip to Waco, TX and Magnolia Market!
Months ago, my friend Chelsey and I booked a girls weekend trip and I was SO looking forward to it! Those of you who have been long-time readers likely already know Chelsey, who I originally met through the blog world years ago, and even though she’s no longer blogging (sigh…) we still keep in touch almost daily.
The fact that we’ve only actually met in person twice is amazing to me, because hanging out together is so natural! My bestie from afar…
As for the travel, I’ll first start out by reiterating the fact that I hate flying. Really, I do. My flight down wound up getting delayed, so I missed my connecting flight, and wound up arriving to Dallas almost 6 hours late.
But hey, I made it, so that’s what matters, right?
Waco is about an hour and a half drive from Dallas, so we flew into the Dallas/Love Field airport and rented a car to get us around throughout the weekend. While we did do a good amount of walking, there were definitely places we wanted to visit outside of walking distance, so the car was definitely necessary.
We looked into a bunch of different hotel options but eventually decided on Hotel Indigo, which was perfectly located, and only about a 5 minute walk to the Silos. I didn’t take too many pictures of the hotel itself, but we were incredibly pleased with our stay and would highly recommend it.
By the time I arrived into Dallas on Saturday, the day was pretty much a wash, so I just met up with Chelsey, we grabbed a quick dinner, then drove into Waco to get checked into the hotel. After a long day of travel, the only real thing left for me to do was sleep!
By Sunday, we were refreshed and ready to go. The only problem was…
Almost all of Waco is shut down on Sundays. Womp wommmmp.
We did go into our weekend knowing that Magnolia Market was closed on Sunday, so that was expected, but we were surprised that so many other businesses and restaurants were closed for the day. Thankfully, we were resourceful and wound up packing in a totally full day of activities!
First up was finding some breakfast, and we found a cute little bakery/cafe down the road (within walking distance) called The Olive Branch.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures of our meal, but they served up some delicious omelettes and also had some incredible coffee (I personally recommend the Bakery Blend). Their coffee was all serve yourself and was set up as a cute little coffee bar, which gave you a “bottomless cup” of coffee. We definitely made use of that, and not only enjoyed a couple cups at breakfast, but also grabbed some more to go!
After breakfast, we walked around a bit more and explored, including a trip past Magnolia.
Everything was closed up, but it got us even more excited to head back over the following day!
Eventually, we found ourselves back at the same building we were at for breakfast (which was, essentially, a large warehouse building with lots of retail spaces) and headed upstairs for a visit to Spice Village.
For anyone visiting Waco on a Sunday and in need of something to do, I’d highly recommend checking out Spice Village. There were over 60 different vendors and boutiques all under the same roof, with everything from clothing, to home decor, to baby items, and more!
I kept taking pictures of different pieces I liked and would send them to Jay so he can add them to his list of things I want for him to make ; )
The man said he needed some new projects, so I can certainly help with that!
While there was plenty I could have spent money on at Spice Village, I knew that my trip to Magnolia was coming up the next day, so I kept it simple and grabbed a cute little Waco t-shirt.
It’s the same one that Joanna wears all the time, so we’re basically twinsies now.
After our trip to Spice Village, we looked around again for somewhere that was actually open for lunch and came across Torchy’s Tacos.
HOLY CRAP.
From what I could tell, I believe this restaurant is a chain, but I swear, their tacos are right up there on my list of the BEST TACOS I’ve ever had. No kidding.
We ordered some chips and guacamole to start, which is never a bad idea.
And each got a couple of tacos. I got one of their Tipsy Chick tacos (SO good), and one taco of the month, called the Washington. This was unlike anything I’ve ever had before…smoked pulled pork, grilled onions, fresh cheddar, avocado, chipotle BBQ sauce, and pickles. I’m hungry again just thinking about them…
After lunch, we decided to take advantage of our car and put together our own little makeshift tour of Waco. We did some research and were able to find a few different fun spots to be able to stop at and/or drive by.
First, we stopped by their bed and breakfast, Magnolia House, which you may remember seeing on one of the Fixer Upper episodes.
It was so cute! The couple that lives in the house in the back was actually walking out as we were standing out there taking pictures, and they were very friendly. We were hoping they’d invite us in for some sweet tea, but ahh well…maybe next time.
After that, we drove a little farther into McGregor, Texas to visit the Cedar Chest Antique Mall. I believe this has also been featured on an episode of Fixer Upper, and it was filled with all sorts of fun and unique pieces.
I think one of my favorites, actually, would have to be this children’s school workbook which, if I remember correctly, was actually from the 1930’s. It was just so cool to look through and see what children were learning way back then!
After visiting at the antique mall for a little while, we may or may not have casually driven past Chip & Jo’s farmhouse…
We so badly wanted to be able to just walk up to their door with a fresh quiche and invite ourselves in but, ya know…that probably wouldn’t go over so well. Combined with the fact that there’s no getting past their security gate.
Seriously. I thought I was obsessed with them before our trip. Then we went AND I read their book during my travels and, all I’ll say is…this world needs more Chip’s & Jo’s <3
After riding past their farmhouse, we also drove past a few houses which we believed to be former fixer uppers from their show, including this one from their original pilot episode.
By the time we finished with our little makeshift tour, it was close to 5pm, so we headed back to our hotel. We went back and forth on what to do for dinner, but considering Hotel Indigo had their well-rated Brazos Bar and Bistro right downstairs, we decided to just go that route.
We grabbed a couple of seats at the bar and ordered some drinks while watching the football game and chatting away.
For dinner, we each ordered a salad (I ordered something that had the most amazing, candied pecans…OMG), and then we split some chicken nachos. Everything was delicious!
This was the end to our Sunday, and then we rested up for another busy day ahead…and I’ll share that recap coming up in part 2!
Bri says
So cool to see you were in my neck of the woods (Dallas)! I have never made it down to Waco but I want to go so badly to Magnolia Market. It’s a quick day trip so I don’t know why I haven’t already.
Torchy’s is AWESOME so good call on that. Next time you’ll have to try their queso, it’s out of this world! I was just there this weekend, $3 mimosas ;)
Kate says
I’m in Dallas too (just moved here) and had no idea about Torchy’s- looking up the location and GOING!
Kayla says
I am such a bad flyer too…did the sea bands work for you? I know you had mentioned that you bought them. After you talked about them, I went out and bought them for our trip last week and I think they worked well for me…or it is just all in my head. Haha. Either way, I was better than usual on our flights, despite the turbulence and just feeling yucky. So sorry you had a delay and then missed your connecting, I would have been a ball of nerves even more than usual. What a great first part of your trip! It sounds like it was lovely!! I totally would have gotten that t-shirt also just to be twinsies with Joanna ;) Hope you’re having a great week! Xoxo
Courtney says
Ugh, NO, they did not work at all for me!! Had to grab some Dramamine at the airport before my connecting flight! :(
Kayla says
Oh no!! I am so sorry they didn’t work :( :(
Leah says
SO JEALOUS!!! Looks like an amazing trip!
Jessica says
You were definitely right to go to Torchy’s – yes it’s a small chain but their tacos are fabulous (and their margaritas too!!!).
Courtney says
OMG they were so good! I want them to come up to NY now!!
Brigid says
Curious as to why you chose Waco, TX for the girls’ weekend? Was it because of Chip and Jo???
Courtney says
Haha, yes it was! :)
Joy V. says
Ack! I used to follow Chelsea’s blog – I miss it! Glad to see she is doing well! :)
Kate says
I just moved to Dallas and really want to make a trip down to Waco (we drove by on the way back from San Antonio). How fun that you can drive past the farmhouse! Also am going to find a Torchy’s near me ASAP.
homeia says
It sounds like it was lovely! Thanks so much!
Jen says
Oh boy. Thank you lady. Lol. Now I’m obsessed with fixer upper and chip and jo. Stayed up super late to watch their show. I’m in love.
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