Planning a trip to visit Magnolia in Waco, Texas? We've got your detailed itinerary of what to see, do, and eat during your visit so keep reading....
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Not in the mood to read? Watch our travel vlog from our time at Magnolia!
There’s a lot of hype around Chip and Jo and the incredible businesses they’ve created over the last few years. For good reason though!
We recently stopped by all of their different spots around Waco, TX and to say it lived up to the hype would be an understatement. We thoroughly enjoyed our time walking around the Silos, eating the delicious food at Magnolia Table, and sipping on coffee at the brand new Magnolia Press coffee shop.
We’re going to walk you through all that we tried and give you our suggestions of how to have the PERFECT day at The Silos.
*If you're looking for suggestions around Waco, Texas outside of Magnolia, checkout our blogpost HERE.
What we tried
Chris: French Toast and coffee
Sara: Farm Breakfast
Magnolia Table opens at 6:00am and we’d recommend getting there as early as possible. We arrived around 7:30am to a half-full restaurant, but by 8:00am there was a line out the door (and it wasn’t even the weekend!).
I think we were most skeptical of trying the Table because how often do you really experience a fresh take on traditional breakfast foods? Well, somehow Magnolia managed. Even if we had to wait in line for a table we still would have felt the wait was worth it! The food truly tasted homemade and fresh and they gave an original take on a few of the items we tried. The French toast and tater tots were our favorite!
If you don’t feel like waiting in line at Magnolia Table, a food truck from the restaurant can be found at the Silos with select dishes from the menu found at the main location.
*Note: Check the Magnolia Table website before you go to see estimated wait times.
What we tried
Chris: Drip coffee
Sara: Latte
After a big, carb filled breakfast you’ll probably be feeling a bit sluggish so we suggest heading to the newest addition at the Silos, Magnolia Press Coffee Co.! Like everything Chip and Jo create, this coffee shop is top to bottom beautiful complete with baked goods from their bakery and espresso drinks made by some of the friendliest baristas.
On the inside Magnolia Press feels like a cozy old study or library with the largest leather couch I’ve ever seen, large booths perfect for conversations with friends, and long tables with lamps that resemble university library desks. The whole feel is cozy without being stuffy thanks to the bright tile accents and abundant natural light pouring through the windows.
If the day is nice, head out back to enjoy the patio that looks west towards the Waco skyline. The patio has lots of umbrellas to keep you shaded on even the hottest Texas days. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to France rather than sitting in middle of Texas.
It’s a one block walk between Magnolia Press and the main Silo grounds. We’d recommend starting your time at the Silos by walking the grounds, taking in Jo’s gardens, and grabbing all the beautiful photos.
Most of your shopping will be found in the Market towards the entrance of the Silos, but more garden specific items can be found in the garden’s gift shop. Magnolia Market is two stories and has rotating seasonal displays as well as the evergreen kitchen decor, t-shirts, and books that can be found there as well.
While you’re roaming the grounds and doing a little shopping, be sure to pay attention the beautiful detail the Magnolia puts into the retail displays and art displays found all across the area. The team does a truly beautiful job creating an experience rather just a mall.After some shopping and photos, it’s time to eat (again)!
Did you know the Silos have regular food trucks on site? It’s true! With plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters to chose from, you’ll be sure to find something tasty to enjoy while lounging on the main lawn or at one of the many picnic tables.
You’ve probably seen pictures of this famous little bakery. Glass cases full of beautiful cupcakes and cinnamon rolls lined up and ready to be devoured. As you walk past the bakery you get hints of the delicious delicacies that await you on the other side of the door.
If it’s a busier time of day you can expect to wait in line for a bit. The line does move fast but if it’s a hot day you’ll be spending a majority of the time waiting outside. Like everywhere else at Magnolia you’ll be greeted with friendly, professional staff who will walk down the line with pencils and papers for you to fill out your order. Once you’re corralled inside and make it to the front of the line you’ll hand over your order card, pay, and proceed to the other side of the counter to wait for your order. Once you pay you’ll have your long anticipated baked goods in a matter of seconds.
Before you head to Waco to visit the Silos, we want to give you a few basic tips:
Going early will allow you to beat the crowds and the heat if you’re going during the warmer months of the year.
Magnolia was created for families and friends to slow down for the experience. Grab those pictures then put the phone away. Take time to sit on that beautiful couch at Magnolia Press or at one of the beautiful picnic tables along the yard at the Silos. Stroll through the gardens and take the day slow. Magnolia does a beautiful job creating a farm feel inside of city limits and, after all, a part of the charm of “farm life” is the slower pace.
