Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Magnolia Market
Posted in: I'm Moving, Neighborhood AdviceAs we found out a few weeks ago after sharing a few tips on how to incorporate Chip & Joanna’s Fixer Upper Style into your own home, there are lots and lots of fellow Chip & Joanna fans out there! Finding out that many of you share our admiration for this positive, charming and uber talented couple did not surprise us (who doesn’t love those two?!) instead, it got us super excited and gave us another excuse to chat about this power couple here on the HireAHelper blog.
In fact, we had the pleasure of visiting Chip & Joanna’s Magnolia Market at the Silos a few months ago in Waco, TX and we would highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area. Before you head out though – and you really should – we compiled a list of 11 tips for visiting this gorgeous place!
1. Don’t expect a long drive off the highway
The Magnolia Market at the Silos is located right off the highway in Waco, TX, so you don’t have to drive very far to finally start exploring. We actually drove to the Silos for the afternoon from Dallas, which was an easy hour and half drive each way. The Silos are located right on the skirt of downtown Waco, so you can even explore the city while you’re in town! When you arrive at the Market, a smiling employee will probably hand you a paper that is filled with the history of the Magnolia Market, as well as a fun map of other sites to see in Waco (like Chip and Joanna’s alma-mater, Baylor University).
2. Bring the whole family, it’s for them
From the well stocked diaper station in the restrooms, to the free games scattered throughout the property’s lawn, to the gardens filled with books for the little ones, it is obvious from the very start that this place is extremely family-friendly. So even if your kids don’t want to shop for home decor items, I can guarantee that they will find their own fun on the property. Young or old, there’s something for everyone!
3. Parking is crowded but you won’t have to walk too far
The Magnolia Market definitely gets crowded, especially on weekends. You may run into a full parking lot when you arrive, but don’t be too worried, because there is plenty of parking outside of the parking lot. If that’s too far for your guests, whoever is driving may want to drop the rest of the family off at the door and they can go find somewhere free to park — we promise it won’t be too far of a walk back and forth.
4. Dress casually (it’s hot)
If you’re heading to the market this summer, chances are the weather is going to be HOT in Texas, so dress accordingly. The property is made up of gravel, turf, and a garden walk so choosing a casual outfit (and flat shoes) will help you relax and enjoy. Try to wear something you don’t mind sitting in the turf and picnicking in, plus something that’ll keep you cool during the warm Texas heat!
5. Pack a full bag and get comfortable
Speaking of warm temperatures, don’t be afraid to pack a little bag if you plan on staying awhile and enjoying the whole property with your family. The essentials: sunblock, sunglasses and snacks/water! Of course there are lots of delicious food trucks to choose from, but having a few snacks to avoid having cranky kids is never a bad back-up plan, right?!
6. You’ll miss your camera if you forget it
It’s Magnolia Market so of course everything (and yes, we mean EVERYTHING) is absolutely gorgeous and oozing with Joanna’s jaw-dropping style. Bring your camera and snap away, you definitely won’t be short on photo-ops!
7. Relax, it’s okay to split up!
Like we mentioned above, there really is something for everyone on the grounds of the Magnolia Market and it’s okay to split up and enjoy them. If you head there on the weekend, chances are the actual store will be very crowded, so bringing in the kids may be more stressful than enjoyable. Feel free to send dad outside with the kids and let mom enjoy some stress-free shopping.
8. Read the website first
When DIY went, the store was extremely busy (like…a-little-hard-to-move-around busy), so try checking out the website to get an idea of what merchandise they offer. That way, you’ll be able to go in the store and know exactly what you want to buy.
9. Dig in! (That means eat!)
There are about 10 different food trucks and each one is just as adorable as the next! Take advantage of this diverse collection of food by supporting these local Waco food trucks. We promise you won’t be disappointed (however, you may have to wait in line on a crowded day…but yes, they do take credit cards.)
10. The Magnolia B&B isn’t on the same grounds as the Silos
The Magnolia Bed & Breakfast that Chip and Joanna renovated and shared on their show is actually not super close to the Magnolia Market. If you want to drive by and check that property out (or even stay there), expect to drive approximately another half an hour from the Silos.
11. Take it all in and enjoy the moment…together
Our favorite thing about the market was how creative, inspiring, and positive this space was. From the friendly employees, to the creative style, to the adorable bakery, we felt genuinely welcome and extremely happy when leaving.
We hope you take the time to step back and take it all in so that you too can walk away feeling the same way! Chip and Joanna are such positive and light-hearted personalities on TV, we think their property oozes this same vibe and for that, we hope everyone takes some time to stop by Magnolia Market at the Silos if they’re in the Waco area.
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