Let’s face it, EVERYONE is obsessed with Fixer Upper and all things that Joanna and Chip Gaines are doing. I love their creativity and I absolutely LOVE Joanna’s decor ideas. Every time I watch a Fixer Upper episode I swoon over everything that she does in that house…EVERY house. I’ve tried convincing my husband that we should move to Waco just to get Joanna and Chip to fix up our home, because, of course, they would pick us to be on their show! Ha!
About a month ago a really good friend of mine asked if I wanted to go to Magnolia Market with her. Well, duh! Of course I would go! I’ve been wanting to make a trip down there and just had not made the time, so this was the perfect opportunity to make a quick road trip to Waco, TX. I had a short 1hr 45min drive, my friend on the other hand had a 4hr 30min drive, which probably turned out to be 5hrs.
Since this was my first time going it was all a learning experience, and I will be much better prepared when I return in a couple of months. I thought I would share my experience and provide tips to make the most of your trip to Magnolia Market. I’ll also share a few other cool places to shop at while in Waco, TX (some of which are in walking distance to Magnolia). Here we go…
Tip #1: Arrive early
We went to Magnolia on a Saturday. Being that it was a weekend, I guessed, that it was probably one of their busiest days. On Saturday they open at 9AM. I knew I wanted to be there at least an hour before they opened, because I anticipated a line to get in. I arrived there at 8:10AM and I was the third person in line at this gate, so I had no problem getting in and shopping. As I stood in line, the line began to get longer, but everyone in line by 9AM got it right away without waiting. Anyone that arrived between 8AM and 10AM DID NOT have to wait in line and were let into the store right away. Shortly after 10AM the line progressively got longer and then there was a wait. We left the area at 4PM and there was still a line of people waiting to get in.
Tip #2: Prepare to Walk
Like I said, I arrived early so I had no problems finding parking in the Magnolia parking lot.
Parking is located to the right immediately past the store. They had a very small chalkboard sign that said “parking”. I barely saw it and noticed it just as I was passing it. I reversed and there were plenty of parking spots available, but I could easily see this parking lot filling up fast. There are plenty of off-site parking lots available. See below. There is also plenty of side street parking too. The side street parking by Magnolia is reserved for Handicap Parking. Of course, always make sure that it does not say “parking ONLY for…”. You might have to walk a block or two, but you should not have a problem finding parking somewhat near by.
Tip #3: Have a little patience (and bring a small stroller)
I took my son with me on this trip, so I needed a stroller; otherwise, I would have had a two-year to keep up with while shopping. In hindsight, maybe I wouldn’t have spent so much money if this were the case. LOL! They store was a little smaller than expected, and didn’t really accomodate strollers very well. I took our small umbrella stroller because I figured it would be tight quarters trying to get around others with a stroller. It worked out perfectly, and I only got in a couple of people’s way. I got in and out of the displays and rows of decor easily with my small stroller. You might have a little trouble getting around if you have a bigger stroller than the one pictured 2 pics below. There were a lot of people, as expected, but I managed to get everything I was looking for and just took my time looking around. I wish I had taken more pictures inside!
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| This is the soon-to-be Magnolia Flour. Maybe when I return it will be open. |
Tip #3: Bring an extra pair of hands
As I said before, I took my 2 year-old with me. I knew I was going to purchase a few things, but I didn’t anticipate having to carry them out all at one time. I asked if I could come right back to get the rest of my items and they said they couldn’t hold them for me, and they also did not have anyone to help me out to my car (keep in mind I was in their parking lot). The only option given to me was to take my car to the loading area, of which would require me to lose my parking. I wasn’t about to let that happen because we still had other places to visit around Magnolia. I made do. I placed all the bags on the stroller handles, let Mason hold a planter, and I carried the heavy lantern to the car while trying to push the stroller. I’m sure I looked crazy trying to do it all!
Tip #4: Enjoy Everything
Make sure you take time to enjoy everything at Magnolia Market. We had a couple of hours to spare while waiting for my friend to arrive, so Mason and I enjoyed sitting in the outdoor area of Magnolia. They have a garden area that will soon be the Magnolia Garden House. It’s beautiful! They also have the lawn area that is very family friendly. They have soccer balls, footballs, hula hoops, corn hole, and jump ropes for families to enjoy. Jo and Chip thought of it all! Did I mention there were food trucks?!
Here are the food trucks that were there:
We had a small pepperoni pizza from 900 degree Pizzeria and it was pretty yummy!
Next time, I think I’ll try Luna Juice Bar and some gourmet mac n’ cheese from Cheddar Box.
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| Stage is a work in progress. I can’t wait to see what they will do with this. |
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| Lawn made out of artificial turf. This was pretty early so there weren’t a lot of people playing yet. |
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| Magnolia Garden |
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| This was their previous store on Bosque that came with them to the Silos. They are currently renovating this to be a Garden House. It’s so tiny compared to the new building. |
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| The crowd got larger as the morning went on. |
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| Of course we had to get a picture in front of this photo worthy wall! |
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| Soaking it all up with my little one!
Here are a few of the goodies I scored on this trip. There were plenty of other things I wanted, but I figured I would save those purchases for a later trip. Link for each item below picture.  Lantern (not available online)
 Planter Box (not available online)  Mason Jar Tote with Steel Handle  Other Places to Visit in Waco, TX
The Findery– I loved all of the home decor in here. Some of what they offered looked very similar to items in Magnolia Market. I also loved that they sold a lot of items from some of my favorite small kid Instagram shops such as: Rags to Raches, Freshly Picked, Wild and Free, and Swankaroo.
Spice Village– This place was great! They have over 80 different shops all on the 2nd floor of an old historic building. They offer everything from clothes, home decor, baby necessities, toys and food. A must visit while in Waco.
Harp Design Co. – If you watch Fixer Upper, then you know this place. They have a shop in Waco that you can shop at too.
 This is how good our trip was. He had so much fun at Magnolia playing, it wore him out.
I hope some of these tips help you make the most of your trip to Magnolia Market and Waco, TX. If you aren’t within driving distance to Magnolia Market, you can always order their awesome stuff online! I can’t wait to go back for more fun! If you have any questions, shoot me a comment below.
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