Waco, Texas: The City, the Silos, and the Shotgun "Fixer Upper" House • Southern Chick Journal

Welcome to Waco, Texas, y’all! What brought me, my mother and aunt to this Texas town a few months before I got pregnant is our love for the HGTV show Fixer Upper. In fact, we weren’t the only ones lured to this city by Chip and Joanna Gaines’ addictive show featuring the couple’s home renovation and decorating skills…Waco was packed with Fixer Upper fans wanting to experience what the city has to offer.

During our quick two-day visit, we explored downtown, went shopping at Magnolia Market Silos (Joanna’s home decor and garden shop) and we even stayed at the famous Shotgun House featured in Season 2 of the show after finding its listing on Airbnb (I told you we are big fans of the show)!

While season 5, the final season of the show, recently wrapped up, there are no signs of the Gaines’ Waco home design empire slowing down (they just opened up a cute new breakfast restaurant, Magnolia Table. Check it out here).

I hope you enjoy my Southern Chick Journal Lookbook of our Waco, Texas adventure:

The tallest building in downtown Waco, the Alico building, towers over the city.

Downtown Waco offers many antique shops and restaurants. This is the main street through downtown and it was pretty quiet on this day of shopping.

I found a cute original painting at one of the antique shops for only $8!

Cameron Park in downtown Waco features “Branding the Brazos” larger-than-life steer sculptures and cowboys at the entrance to the suspension bridge and riverwalk area.

The entrance to the iconic historic Suspension Bridge (completed in 1870) at Cameron Park

My mother and aunt ejoying a walk on the Suspension Bridge.

A view from the riverwalk area, a 7-mile trail that loops along the Brazo River.

THE SILOS: Located in the heart of downtown Waco is Magnolia Market at the Silos. This tourist hot spot is owned and operated by home design and renovation power couple Chip and Joanna Gaines. They managed to turn two rusty silos and an old grain barn into one big shopping experience with a huge home decor shop and garden center.

Me and my mom on the lawn outside the entrance to Maganolia Market…on a Sunday, when it was closed! Make note of that if you plan to visit!

A wall mural outside Magnolia Market by the parking lot (in case you go and want to take a picture by it!)

Monday we were back at the Silos! The line outside of Magnolia Market. We got there an hour before the shop opened, and look at all the people!

Chriss Knight, Southern Chick Journal: Waco, Texas, Magnolia Market — A look inside Magnolia Market. One of many pieces I found to take home to New Orleans with me!

THE SHOTGUN HOUSE: We were lucky to book our stay at the Shotgun House, a home remodeled and featured on Season 2 of Fixer Upper. Not only is it absolutely adorable (great job on design and reno, Chip and Jo!), but it’s central location made it super convenient and walk able to downtown and the Silos.

Our stay at the Shotgun House, as seen on HGTV’s Fixer Upper

The kitchen, love the subway tile backsplash

Harp Design Co. dresser designed by Joanna

What a fabulous time exploring this Southern city! HAve you visited Waco? Share your photos in the comment section below!

LINKS:

HGTV Fixer Upper

Magnolia Market

Magnolia Table

Shotgun House Episode

Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk

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6 Comments

Chriss Knight

April 24, 2018 at 1:29 pm Reply

What was your favorite Fixer-Upper episode? Share here in the comments!

Michele Dunn

April 25, 2018 at 1:55 am Reply

What happened to the people who bought the Shotgun House? Do they no longer own the house?

Chriss Knight

April 25, 2018 at 8:01 pm Reply

The house has been listed on the market for quite a while now. We rented the house from the homeowners from the show. I’m not sure if they have sold the house yet (listed for almost $1million!)

Michele Dunn

April 25, 2018 at 8:39 pm Reply

They seemed so in love with the house on the show, so I am surprised they are selling it. It is small though, so if they now have kids I can see needing something larger.

Chriss Knight

April 28, 2018 at 12:42 pm Reply

And they are making good money renting it out to Fixer Upper fans too. It was a great investment on their part! They were very nice to work with and the house was spotless clean. Just like on the show!

Maren

April 28, 2018 at 6:34 pm Reply

What a fun trip! I love your photos. I’m also a huge HGTV fan. Waco looks like a unique city that has lots to offer. Will have to add it to the bucket list! 🙂