I’ve been meaning to write this post for some time. As I sit watching another marathon of Fixer Upper I suppose it is a sign that I need to get this post up.
In April I went to visit my bestie in Austin and being a huge Fixer Upper fan there was no one way I was going to be one hour from Waco and not make the trek to Magnolia Market. I’m an unapologetic member of the #GainesSquad, not so much for the work they do but mostly because they just seem to be some good folks that you would totally want to be real life friends with. I mean my husband even watches without fishing for the remote. From their family and faith focus, to following their dream of taking the Silos from a mere dream to reality in one hour show segments on HGTV, I have been extremely inspired to say the least.
My dreams of happening upon a glance of them was dashed when I learned the same weekend I was there they were in High Point, NC revealing their new furniture line.
On to the good stuff.
Pulling up I was totally in fan mode and I had done some research prior to getting there but my experience was much different from others I had read about. If you are planning to visit do your research and get different perspectives if you are into these things.
I had read people say it took them nearly an hour to just get in the doors, and they had to pay to park. Due to the threat of bad weather, I suppose some people didn’t show up that Saturday because we were able to walk right in, at noon I might add, and find a free parking space on the street.
Walked. Right. In. Favor and the threat of bad weather isn’t always fair. I said that to say prepare to have a wait, I think we got lucky.
The space is overwhelming when you first walk in. Just imagine wanting to see ALL of the things but not knowing where to start. There will be lots of people so pack your patience, and it helps if you do some research ahead of time to have an idea of what you want if you plan to purchase items.
The items were well priced in my opinion. I kind of thought the items would be handmade, one of a kind items. Instead a lot of the things there you could easily find at Hobby Lobby and you could use the coupon and get it for much cheaper but if you want bragging rights….have at it.
The space isn’t especially large, especially the store part but the barn was huge. Most of the items were laid out against the walls leaving the open space available for moving around.
Most of the items are also available on line so I didn’t buy anything big because shipping would’ve been about the same online rather than dealing with the aggravation of having to ship it separately because I flew. If you are driving and can transport by car you will be better off purchasing in store.
It is an entire experience, especially for families. There is a huge lawn with games and lawn chairs and it was hilarious to see the men laid out as if they were hanging outside of a large dressing room waiting on their ladies to finish shopping.
After finishing up at the Silos we ventured into Waco and had some wine and perused a few antique stores. One particular spot we ventured to called Spice, was great. It was a lot of small independently owned shops in one space. Quietly they had some of the same items that were being sold at Magnolia Market for a little cheaper. It is only about a block away.
Here are some of the items offered at Spice
With a quick search we discovered we were only about 3 miles from Harp & Co. If not familiar this is the wood shop that creates many of the handmade furniture items featured on Fixer Upper. I just love that Joanna brought Clint with her. Wasn’t expecting a whole shop but he has his own little shop that has just a few parking spaces but we were able to get one and go in and take a look.
Looks like he still makes furniture here?
I just love this whole story of a small dream being broadcast on a big screen. I’m glad I was able to see it with my own eyes. Waco is the cutest little city, and if you are a fan I think Magnolia Market is something to see if you are in the area. If you are a distance away I would say make a trip of it, visiting some of the larger cities nearby like Austin, Houston or San Antonio to get the most bang for your buck and time.
Here are my tips outlined
- Be prepared to wait outside
- While there are food trucks on the property there are other locally owned small restaurants within a mile or so in downtown Waco in the event food trucks aren’t your jam
- It is likely it will not take a full day to visit the Silos. There is also a Dr. Pepper museum a few blocks away that I didn’t know about. Do your research you may be able to fit in a number of cultural activities during your visit.
- Parking is difficult. Be prepared to pay to park at some of the smaller lots that are available. The cheapest I saw was $10
- There was no rhyme or reason to the pricing. I picked up things I thought would be expensive but was cheaper than I expected and vice versa. Unless you are driving, if it can’t fit in your suitcase you will be better off purchasing online.
- Sign up for their newsletter and you will get a 10% coupon. I forgot to use mine *womp*
- THEY ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY
I think I covered everything, but I’m sure something got left off. If you have any questions please leave them and I’ll be sure to answer them.
Are you a Fixer Upper fan?!