I grew up just north of Waco so we’ve always gone there for day trips or stopped when just driving through. It’s amazing how much this little town in Central Texas has changed since then! Waco has experienced a resurgence in the few years since Chip and Joanna Gaines started appearing on Fixer Upper. Waco is now a destination for many of you so I thought I should share a list of our favorite things to do in Waco. These are great for a road trip or a day trip to Magnolia Market and don’t forget about Spring at the Silos or the Silobration in the fall!
BTW, I keep adding to this list so let me know if you have something else for me to try!
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What to do in Waco
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Before Going to Magnolia Market
- Read The Magnolia Story,The Magnolia Table, and Capital Gaines (I recommend the audiobooks.)
- Get a #shiplap t-shirt, #demo day shirt, or a Texas Forever t-shirt
- Make a plan so you can cover the most ground in a weekend. We have a LOT of articles on our blog with lists of the best places to stay, best restaurants, best antique shopping, and more.
- Study up on farmhouse style and make a list of things you want for your house. Hopefully, that will keep you from going overboard and buying more than will fit in your suitcase! Here are a few books with some great ideas. (All available on Kindle so you can read on the plane!)
If you’re driving down to Waco from the Dallas area, stop in Waxahachie for even more vintage and antique shops!
Now enjoy all the fun things to do in Waco!
Things to Do in Waco, Texas
Magnolia Market Silos – I’m just going to assume this is your reason for going to Waco in the first place…lol… Here’s the post where I visited Magnolia Market for the first time back when they were in the little shop on Bosque. And don’t miss the Magnolia Bakery!
Waco Tours – We took this tour last year. Even though we grew up nearby, all my family learned some new things about Waco that day. Plus we got to see many of the Fixer Upper homes and have a little sing-a-long. I saw recently that they have a Waco food tour, too. Maybe on our next trip!
Dr. Pepper Museum – I’ve always loved Dr. Pepper and this was a fun little museum to visit. It’s only a few blocks away from Magnolia Market… within walking distance.
Waco Suspension Bridge – This is the bridge you’ve seen in Fixer Upper. There’s a nice little park with 7 miles of trails here.
Texas Ranger Museum – Actual Texas Rangers, not the baseball team!
Cameron Park Zoo – This is a great stop for the little ones.
Cameron Park – We love mountain biking and hiking at this beautiful park by the river.
McLane Stadium – Baylor University has a HUGE and beautiful new stadium. Check the website for days and you can get a 90-minute tour.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame – Sports greats like Don Meredith, Mike Singletary, Willie Shoemaker, Bob Lilly, Mel Renfro, and lots more. I told my hubby that if he went to Magnolia with me I’d go tour the stadium and see the Hall of Fame with him. (Although he does like watching Fixer Upper he’s not as excited about the shopping trip as me.)
More Fun Things to Do in Waco…
Waco Mammoth National Monument – I honestly never even knew this was there. Now I want to go check out the mammoth bones, too.
The Red Men Museum and Library – For those interested in history, this museum has some interesting artifacts and a library specializing in Texas and Waco history, the Civil War, and World War II.
Homestead Heritage – An agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community stressing simplicity, sustainability, self-sufficiency, cooperation, service, and quality craftsmanship. Chip and Joanna took the kids here on this episode of Fixer Upper.
Heart O’ Texas Speedway – Another fun one for the hubby! Racing every Friday night.
Mayborn Museum Complex – Lots of interesting exhibits. I want to see the Mr. Potato Head exhibit myself!
The Cotton Belt Trail – A 2.5-mile trail along an old rail line.
If you’re looking for more shopping in Waco:
Vintage shopping is one of my favorite things to do in Waco. And there are a LOT of places to shop!
Craft Gallery – This is also where we rent a booth and sell our t-shirts, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and other handmade items.
Harp Design Co – Yep… it’s Clint from Fixer Upper!
Spice Village – 80 different shops under one roof!
Crop-Paper-Scissors – A scrapbook super store.
Sironia’s – Shops & cafe on Austin Ave.
Junque Queens & Junque in the Trunk – I’ve seen both of them at Antique Alley… fun stuff!
The Findery – Another lovely old building that was updated & used.
Appaloosa Trading Post – Waco’s best western store.
Junk Exchange – Antiques and used vintage home decor.
Riverside Relics – More junk!
Treasure City Flea Market – Every Saturday and Sunday.
Cedar Chest Antique Mall – This one’s in McGregor but it’s worth the drive.
Best Places to Eat
Eating is one of our favorite things to do in Waco! These come highly recommended by my family and friends. Let me know if you have some to add.
The Magnolia Table – Chip and Joanna’s new restaurant is now open! We plan to go in July and I’ll share pictures and write about our trip when we get back. I’m excited since we grew up eating at the Elite Cafe!
Cafe Homestead – I heard this is one of Joanna’s favorite places to eat.
Chuy’s – Tex Mex. Known for their “big as yo face” burritos.
Torchy’s Tacos – Torchy’s has “fancy tacos” according to one of my friends. They’re not my favorite tacos but they have fun names and the salsa, guacamole, and queso are to die for! I’m happy just eating chips and dip there!
Ninfa’s – More delicious Mexican food.
Health Camp – Don’t let the name fool you! A classic, old-fashion burger joint serving burgers, shakes, and malts.
George’s O – Voted the best chicken fried steak in Waco for 12 years in a row! Don’t let the decor scare you off… the food is great!
Newk’s Eatery – My sister-in-law recommends the chicken salad.
Double Dave’s Pizzaworks – Hand-tossed and specialty pizzas. Buffet. This one gets my nieces’ & nephew’s votes!
Poppa Rollo’s Pizza – Serving pizza since 1969!
Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ – Barbeque by the pound. We always buy a bottle of Sissy Sauce and Rudy’s Rub while we’re there. Couldn’t get that in California! THIS IS OUR FAVORITE BBQ!
Vitek’s BBQ – Get the “Gut Pack” or the “Spud Pack”. Chip took the kids here on this episode of Fixer Upper.
+ Food trucks at university and Franklin near Spice Village (especially Xristos, the Greek truck!)
Ralph, the owner of Craft Gallery, has listed his favorite restaurants over on his blog:
Coffee Shops
Common Grounds – Near Baylor.
Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits – On Austin Avenue.
And with all those things to do in Waco and places to eat you’ll need a place to stay for a couple of nights! Luckily, my dad lives nearby but here a few places even closer.
Where to Stay
Hotel Indigo – Baylor – Walking distance to Magnolia Market!!!
Quality Inn and Suites – Also near the University. A 4-minute drive to Magnolia but a little far to walk.
La Quinta Inn – If you’re on a budget… there are cheaper hotels than this but I wouldn’t recommend them. Most don’t have very good reviews. This is about 1.5 miles from Magnolia.
Magnolia House – Of course, if you want the FULL Magnolia experience you need to stay here. I have a feeling it will be booked solid for a while and you will have to rent the WHOLE house. Perfect for a girl’s road trip!
We went into much more detail on places to stay in Waco, including how to stay in a Fixer Upper home, in THIS article.
How to Get to Waco
Another question that people often ask me is how to get to Waco. There is an airport there but it’s pretty small. We usually fly Southwest Airlines to Dallas Love Field but you could also fly to Austin. Rent a car and it’s a couple of hours drive either way on I-35.
If you can’t make it to Magnolia Market, there are a couple of great websites where you can buy her home decor online:
- Pier One – furniture, decor, rugs, pillows
- Target – home decor, vases, stems, dinnerware, silverware, kitchen, home office, gifts
I hope this list of things to do in Waco helps you plan your trip. If you have a list of more things to do in Waco, please leave them in a comment. I’d love to know all about your Magnolia Market road trip and what you enjoyed doing in Waco!
Hit the Next Page button above to go to our next article about things to do in Waco.
Originally published February 10, 2016.
‘Til the next road trip,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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debbie says
love the plans, certainly looks like a trip that you may need a UHAUL as your vehicle…just in case.
ducttapeanddenim says
lol… unfortunately, I’ll be flying!
WACO ART GALLERY says
Don’t miss out on all things Waco fine art! We’re Waco’s premier fine art gallery. Purchasable merchandise made by ALL Waco artists + rotating fine art exhibitions that change once every month on First Friday.
We also have an original Banksy street art installation until November 12, 2018.
Located in the heart of downtown Waco, next to the Hippodrome.
712 Austin Ave.
Waco, TX 76701
Visit our website for more: http://www.cultivate712.com
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks! I’ll have to check y’all out next time I’m there.
A Wacoan says
Oh Man. So many gems you really need to seek out!
Shopping-
Sironia’s (historic building with great shopping and a cafe, near many of the neighborhoods features on Fixer Upper–been there forever and is AMAZING)
Junque Queens
Redneck Chic
Junque in the Truck
The Findery (near the Silos)
Allapaloosa Trading
Restoration Crown
Eats-
Ninfas (ninfarita anyone?)
Food trucks at university and Franklin near Spice Village (especially Xristos, the Greek truck!)
Health Camp (a Waco staple, don’t let the name fool you)
Poppa Rollos Pizza (another Waco Institution!)
Coffee (both are a MUST)-
Common Grounds (near Baylor)
Dichotomy (Austin Ave)
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks! I’ll be back next month and I’ll have to check some of these out… I remember Ninfas!
Rachel says
When we went to Waco, we asked some locals about the best BBQ place and they suggested Uncle Dan’s. It did NOT disappoint!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll add that to the list. I’ll be there in a few weeks and then I’ll have a hard time trying to decide where to eat!
A Wacoan says
Uncle Dan’s is awesome! Try Vitek’s too! A Waco staple, been around since the 20’s I believe.
ducttapeanddenim says
OK, that’s two for Uncle Dan’s just today… I may had to try that next month!
Carm says
I am moving to a little town just southof Waco in December. Have been making many trips to our home there and love going in to Waco. Just returned and if you are planning to visit the silos soon be prepared for very long lines just to enter the complex. I am going to wait until December or January. Hope she has more items than at the last store! Have fun and be patient. Another good spot for mexican food is Manny’s on the river.
Melanie Joseph says
This was awesome…..Im actually interviewing for jobs and Waco and this will be a huge help if/when I have to head down for face to face meeting. Great job…thanks for sharing!
ducttapeanddenim says
I really like the Waco area. Just beware… summers are HOT and HUMID. But you’re in NJ, right? Isn’t it pretty humid there? Let me know if you move. I visit Waco a lot when I come to visit my family.
Denise Bryant says
Thanks for sharing this list. Looking good forward to going to Waco this year.
Troy Rash says
We just opened a shop next door to Lavertys .. Lavertys is often shown on FIXER UPPER as a good source for fun stuff. Our shop name is Junk Exchange. We are friends of Robelyn. Ask her about Troy & Rod..
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to swing by next time I come down.
Sue Miller says
I would love for you to come and visit north Waco’s newest Gettin place. Funky Junky Gettin Place on 133 N. Lacy (Hwy 77 N.) Waco, TX 76705. Home of the flying pig!!!
Briss Mann says
My son, Colby, who lives in Waco has just been chosen to be taped for an episode of House Hunters!! Filming will take place in the next couple of weeks!! Can’t wait to come to Waco to see all of excitement during the taping!!
ducttapeanddenim says
That’s so exciting! Can’t wait to see that one!
Another Wacoan says
The owners of Common Grounds have also opened Heritage Creamery right next door to the coffee shop all ice creams are made from local ingredients and are made fresh with a new variety of flavors every couple days! There are also many beautiful murals around downtown waco for photo opportunities! Another place I would recommend is the Hippodrome theatre on Austin Ave. It has been reopened to show many new films and frequently hosts showings of popular movies such as footloose, the princess bride, Disney movies, and more. The Hippodrome is also a dinner theatre so you can eat and have a few cocktails while watching your favorite movies!
ducttapeanddenim says
oooooo….. we’ll have to try the Creamery. Thanks for letting me know!
A local Waco fan says
Sounds like you covered most of our attractions , but you missed all of the great wineries we have in the area! Kissing Tree Vineyards is a must see with the most georgeous historic building and large variety of tasty wines, Waco winery has a beautiful vineyard, Valley Mills Vineyards has good complex reds, and there is also the Bare Arms brewery, and Balcones distillery! We also have a fabulous farmers market every Saturday from 9-1 with all kinds of local finds! So much to see and taste in Waco!!
– local Waco fan
Angie says
I’m planning a trip to Waco in May and would love to find out if there are any possibilities of meeting the Gaines ? Book signings or events scheduled irnif they are ever in their stores to meet people . Overall, very excited to visit Magnolia Farms and visit all the many businesses listed here. Sounds like a great community! Meeting Chip & Joanna would be the icing on the cake for me!
ducttapeanddenim says
I don’t know of anyone who has met them at Magnolia. But you could contact them and ask if they are making any appearances while you’re there. Here’s the phone number: 254-235-6111
Kathy Downey says
I will be in Waco tomorrow Thursday Nov. 16th and wondered if Chip or Joanna would be there for any book signings. Thanks!
Nicole Hills says
Thank You for sharing. My mom and I are coming in May and I can’t wait! This information is great to have!!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks — have a great time!
Tonya Howard says
You should come visit our shop. FUNKY JUNKY GETTIN PLACE. We have been in business 1 year this month and are growing and growing. We have 14 plus vendors including out 3 in The Boutique. We have everything from metal art, furniture, jewelry, clothing, outdoor pieces, one of a kind pieces, to all kinds of home decor. We are the home of the flying pig – you can even take a picture with or on the pig!!
Our hours are Wed-Fri 10-6
Sat 10-4
And sun 1-4
You can check out out FB page!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks, Tonya! I’ll check it out next time I’m there.
Diana says
The whole city of Waco is hopping right now. People are not making fun of Waco anymore! Another great place that has been in business for 23 years is Craft Gallery Home Decor. They have 150 shops of antiques, clothes, home decor, and everything. A “don’t” miss!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for sharing, Diana. I feel the need for another trip to Waco!
Linda says
Favorite hotel for 3 years now: Springhill Suites in Waco, Marriot
Lake Waco Wetlands, place to visit and support efforts to preserve and educate. In partnership with Baylor University.
Hippodrome: downtown, great retro experience unlike any I’ve had to see affordable movies while dining if you choose! Also concerts.
Wako Roll: constantly delicious sushi and sushi rolls by BEST BUY (also an award winning team of employees)
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks! I’ll have to check those out.
Paula says
Planning a trip in early April, any suggestions on times and days are the best to be at the Silos? Joanne and Chip events scheduled for week if the 9th(April). Thanks, I have enjoyed all the comments, suggestions and replies here.
ducttapeanddenim says
Paula, Have fun on your trip! That’s a good time of year to go to Waco… before it gets too hot! I would suggest going on a weekday as early as you can. Maybe hit Magnolia Market as soon as it opens, then go to the other shops later. None of them are as busy as Magnolia.
Cheryl Lawson says
This is so helpful. Thanks for putting all these ideas together for the rest of us who are still hoping to get to Waco someday. I’m going to bookmark this post in my “Travel” file!
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks! Hope you have a great trip.
Delores Clark says
We invite you all to come by & check out Kandi Jo’s Resale Shop & our neighbor Rusty Willow Mercantile both located at 2911 Primrose Dr in Waco. (Very near the traffic circle & Magnolia Table) Check out our FB pages to see the type of items we carry. At Kandi Jo’s we have many home décor items as well as furniture project pieces. Hours are 10-5:30 seven days a week. Hope to see ya here!!
Kelly Moorhouse says
Mary Avenue Market is just across the street from the Dr. Pepper museum at 6th and Mary. In the center you will find Hecho in Waco. Good Timber furnishings ( beautiful hand made wood pieces made in Waco) Fox and Grey ( clothing boutique) PiePeddlers homemade pie shop and Iron Willow ( local made metal art for 15 Years) this is a great new center worth the effort to get to! You really need to check them out.
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks! I’ll check it out next time I’m there.
Cynthia says
Any campgrounds close?
ducttapeanddenim says
There are a few RV campgrounds in town that are convenient but not very pretty. We’ve camped at Meridian State Park (which is beautiful!) and Lake Whitney but neither in a few years. There’s also Mother Neff State Park and Midway Park.
Ms. Russell Giles says
Hi— one major venue that has not been mentioned here is The Cameron Trading company. Mark ARnold is the owner with his disarming British accent. He has been a museum curator and has his pulse on trends. The Gaines and many other decorators purchase many things from his shop! Stop in and you won’t be disappointed! The address is 618 Austin and phone is 254-756-7662. Just down from the Hippodrome—- defiantly worth a look. Enjoy!
ducttapeanddenim says
I’ll check it out on our next shopping trip!
sm says
Need a some suggestions….
I have been offered a teaching position in Waco and in Aiken, SC. Not sure which job to take. Looking for a smaller vibrant town, with a sense of community, friends to be made, and things to do. Pay in both areas are low ($59K-$63K) considering I have 15 plus yrs experience. Any suggestions or thoughts you may have to share would be greatly appreciated.
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks for your question. I don’t know if I can answer it well because I’ve never been to SC. You can live very inexpensively in Waco but housing is going up in this area, too. It has a great sense of community. But it’s also close to large metropolitan areas. You can get to DFW, Austin, San Antonio, and even Houston within a few hours. Depending on where you’re teaching there are also lots of smaller towns around Waco. Hope this helps.