Magnolia Market Day Trip
Magnolia Market (of Fixer Upper fame) is a fun side trip if you’re visiting Texas.
Just after Christmas, we took a trip to Austin to visit my stepson where he’d been living for just under 3 months.
My husband surprised me by adding a stop at the land of Chip and Joanna Gaines. Thanks, sweetie! Prior to him telling me the surprise, I had no idea how close it was to Austin or the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport (DFW).
To get to Magnolia Market, we flew into DFW, rented a car, and hit the Silos on our way to Austin. Actually, on our departure day we stopped by again on the way to the airport. It was a two for one treat!
What’s Nearby?
You can read more about our hike at the Hamilton Pool Preserve, or if you’re hungry, check out vegan and gluten-free eats in Austin.
Magnolia Market Operating Hours
Currently, their operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. They are closed on Sundays.
For up-to-date information, here is a link to the Magnolia Market website.
When we arrived Friday afternoon, we had maybe an hour and half before it closed.
Parking Behind the Silos
I’m sure it’s no surprise that this is a busy place. Who doesn’t love the show, the decorating, the story? It’s a popular destination.
Fortunately, there is free parking off of 8th Street that is connected to the property. There are other paid parking lots offsite, but why do that?
Silo District Trolley
Another way to get around is the Silo District Trolley.Â
It’s free. You can catch it anywhere on the line and hop on or off whenever you want. It circles around the area.
If we had had more time, it would have been a fun way to see the town.
Eating at the Magnolia Market
Silos Baking Co.
The first thing I noticed before we parked was the line for the Silos Baking Co. It curved around the corner and down the street. Yikes!
I’ve heard it’s really good, and it’s best to arrive early. Since I’m vegan and gluten-free, it wasn’t a big driver for me, but I’m sure it’s delicious.Â
Magnolia Table
Their sit-down restaurant, Magnolia Table, is NOT at the Silos. It’s at another location (not too far away) where they serve breakfast and lunch.
The website says they have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, but I didn’t see anything marked as such on the online menu. I’d be interested to know what their vegan/gluten-free options are. If you have any info on this, please let me know in the comments!
Food Carts
There are several food carts on the property including one for Magnolia Table.
My husband had wanted to try their Lemon Lavender Donut Holes the first time, but they were sold out of them (remember, it was late in the day).
Of course, when we went back Monday morning before our flight home, we made sure we got some. I couldn’t resist a nibble or two…or three. Anything flavored with lavender is so yummy!
Iced Tea
All of the other food carts were not open yet that morning. I was disappointed because I had gotten a big iced tea (half sweet) at the Alabama Sweet Tea cart on Friday.
Oh, man! That was heavenly tea served in a BIG canning jar with a reusable straw! I give them 6 out of five stars for deliciousness and sustainability.
And I’m a tea snob. I grew up drinking my mom’s sweet tea, and I hate it when places bring out a glass filled to the brim with ice and already watered-down tea. What’s the point? You might as well drink water.
Anyway, they know how to make good tea at this place, and I had my heart set on a refill when we went back, but they just weren’t open yet. I was sad. So sad.
Mindful Shopping at Magnolia Market
OK, back to Friday. Although it was late in the day, we had a short wait in line to get in the store. I guess their busiest time is around lunchtime, so I’m glad we went when we did.
Since it was just after Christmas, everything was beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Christmas Ornaments
The Christmas ornaments were very tempting (and they were on sale), but I didn’t cave in.
I’ve collected ornaments since I was 18 years old–so I have quite a few. I really didn’t need another one.
Er… I keep telling myself that anyway.
I really enjoyed walking around the store and seeing Jo’s stylish accents, though.
Chip’s Corner
I loved Chip’s Corner too, but I didn’t find anything to bring home.
That’s a good thing; I am trying to be a more mindful consumer, and there wasn’t anything I needed.
Though, it’s well worth the trip for the decorating eye candy!
Green Spaces
Kid Stuff
If you have kids along, the center of the property is great for letting them run around and play games like cornhole or have potato sack races. There are also lots of picnic tables to eat at and hang out.
Magnolia Seed + Supply
If you walk to the side of the silos, there’s a charming little garden to take a stroll in as well as a cute shop for outdoor supplies called Magnolia Seed + Supply.
More Fixer Upper Goodness
Jimmy Don
We had a great time at the Silos, and as we were leaving, I noticed that across from the parking area, Jimmy Don was moving in. He does the metal work on Fixer Upper.
Laverty’s
We even had time to find Laverty’s not too far away, but sadly they weren’t open. I was soooo bummed.
If I get to go back, I’m going to make sure I can go there. It’s one of the places Jo shops at, and I would love to go treasure hunting there.
Successful Magnolia Market Day Trip x 2
It was really fun hitting the Silos, and you could easily make a day trip out of it from Austin or Dallas/Ft.Worth. They really thought of everything to make it an enjoyable visit.
If you go, let me know how it went!
A Place to Stay
If you are planning on staying in Waco, take a look at the map for accommodations. I nearly always use Booking.com to make my reservations.
Until next time…
Be sure to pin for later:
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be
returning to see more, thanks for the information!
Thanks for the wonderful article
Thanks, glad you liked it! It’s a fun place.
I like the report
Thank you! 🙂