What You Need To Know Before Visiting Magnolia Market

I recently had an opportunity to take a girl’s getaway to the Dallas area. As part of this 48 Hour Getaway, we stopped through Waco, Texas to check out HGTV’s Fixer Upper Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Market at the Silos. There are a few tips you need to know before visiting Magnolia Market!

What You Need To Know Before Visiting Magnolia Market

HGTV captured my attention years ago with all of their home decor shows, ways to decorate your house on a budget, and quaint places to live. 

When Fixer Upper made their way to many homes across America, I, along with millions of other fans were instantly captivated. It wasn’t that it was just another home decor show, but it was that couple. 

Chip and Joanna Gaines. 

Joanna, affectionately known as, Jo, is loved and adored by everyone. While she has a fantastic eye for style and design, it’s her character and faith that pushes her forward. And Chip, I mean, who doesn’t love a goofball of fun? Together they make a dynamic team and power couple. When I watch and listen to their on-camera interviews, you can see and feel their chemistry. 

When Jo wrote about her story a few years back, I couldn’t have loved her more. Before the T.V. show, she had a successful shop but felt to give it up to be home with her children. I think about my experience and having that same need to be at home with my kids and a career. It’s a tough decision, and often we feel we’re making the wrong choice. However, each mom has to make this decision for HER. 

 Jo stepped out on her faith and never looked back. In return, years down the road she has a successful business with her husband, T.V. show, store, bakery, furniture, rugs, and a bed and breakfast. And, their first book is now available The Magnolia Story. If you want to learn more about this dynamic couple, I highly recommend reading their book. 

This brings us to the store- Magnolia Market. When I planned my girlfriend getaway for Dallas, stopping through Magnolia Market was a must on the itinerary. 

Waco Texas is home to Magnolia Market and Magnolia Bakery. If you are planning a visit to the Market and Bakery, here’s a few things you need to know. 

Best Time To Go to Magnolia Market In Waco, Texas

First, don’t go on a Sunday. The store and bakery are both closed on Sundays. The only thing you will be able to do is to take a few photos outside the gate with a side face for missing this vital piece of information. Check their website for updated hours. The best time to go to Magnolia Marketplace and the Silos are during the week. I’ve gone on the weekends and during the week, and I was able to see more with fewer crowds during the week. 

If you go on a Saturday, be sure to go EARLY! With the popularity of the show, people come in from all over. The last time we went, it took us about 40 minutes to get into the bakery. And there is also a line to get into the store (this line goes pretty quick). The best time to shop and stop by the bakery for some sweet treats is early in the day. Also, try going to the store anytime after 3-4 p.m. 

Parking. The best place to park is behind the food trucks by the railroad tracks (on the south side of the property). Parking is free and usually not crowded. Other places surrounding the property will charge you to park. You will find parking farther down for free, and they have golf carts that will drive you from the parking area to Magnolia Market. 

Bring lots of money. Okay, maybe not, but you’re going to want to buy something. Trust me. Even if it’s something for $10 bucks, have a plan in mind. You can find many of their items online. However, the store is BIG and packed. As a frugal bargain hunter, I’m always looking for a deal. On the lower level of the store, you will find sales, clearance, and last-chance items. Be sure to check that part out for some bargain deals. 

Shop in pairs. More than likely you are not taking this adventure alone. I suggest bringing a friend. Because the lines are long, one person can jump in line while the other person finishes shopping. Plus, you are going to need someone to squeal with over all of the things you remember seeing on various episodes of Fixer Upper. 

Does Magnolia Market offer shipping at their store?

Shipping. On our first visit to Magnolia Market, they didn’t have the option to ship from the store. However, on our recent visit in February, they have a FedEx shipping station in the lower level of the store. (After my third visit, this option is no longer available. They refer you to buying it online or shipping it yourself before leaving Waco). I would suggest checking out Magnolia’s website to see if the item you want is listed there. If so, it may be cheaper to just order online vs buying it in the store and shipping it. Also, depending on what you are buying, you may have some room in your suitcase, or it may be cheaper to buy another bag and put those items in it. (I did this last year). 

Checking out. When the store is crowded, the lines to check out may be long. If the line upstairs is really long, head to the lower level. You will find employees walking around with portable machines to check you out. Usually, these lines are shorter than the line on the upper level. 

Price comparison. I do think the price tag on many of the items are higher than what you can find at Pier 1, Target or Ikea. However, you are paying for the brand as well. I did pick up a few items. I could have purchased more, but I restrained myself. Plus, I can only fit so much into my suitcase. I would compare the price tags in Magnolia Market to Pier 1 prices. 

Bragging rights. It’s pretty cool to say you’ve been to Magnolia Market. It’s even cooler to bring something home from their store. What would be even cooler if you’re lucky enough to be there when the Gaines happen to pop in. I asked a manager how often this happens (I’m sure she gets asked this question all the time), and she said not too often. 

Silos. Be sure to peek into the silos and snap photos. When I went back for my second visit in February 2017, they now have a #MilesToMagnolia sign you can stand under, and an employee will take your photo! I love this concept of having an employee standing there for the sole purpose of taking your photo! {definitely an added value to your experience!}

Food trucks. Outside the market, you will find several options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. They have about 5-7 food trucks parked on the right side of the building on a daily basis. You can try Crepes, Common Ground Coffee, Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and more. {See full list here}

Explore the garden. On the side of the silos, you will find a garden. This is a great place to take a few photos. Jo’s wanted to plant a garden at the silos for families to explore through together while learning about the different plants and produce. You can also duck into the little shed to buy gardening tools, flower-growing kits, and fairy garden supplies! 

Playtime. If you’re traveling with the family, including the kids, send the hubs and kids outside to play while you shop. To the right of the building, you will find a huge grassy area. It’s a great place to relax, have a picnic and enjoy the music. The kids can burn off some energy and play kickball. 

The bakery! When I went in 2016, the bakery wasn’t open. However, on my second return, I was excited knowing I would finally be able to try some of the cupcakes people have been raving about! If you do plan a trip to Magnolia Market, or going just to the Silos Baking Co., I highly recommend you go early. Many items sell out by the middle of the day, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on the good stuff. We went on a Saturday afternoon, in the middle of the day. My first mistake, but we were only in the Dallas area for a short time, and I had to squeeze in a trip to Waco. I was not able to try some of her chocolate chip cookies, but the cupcakes made up for it! 

While you’re standing in line, employees will come around with the menu. This helps with the flow of traffic in and out of the bakery. Once you’re inside, another employee will let you know if anything on your list is sold out. 

When you step inside the bakery, it seems so sweet and delightful. And you all you see is sweets, goodies, cookies, cupcakes, and oh, my the cupcakes. 

The Strawberries N Cream were probably my favorite ones. They have a vanilla icing, but the strawberry cake is just moist and sweet! My next favorite would be the Cup of Jo cupcakes. The espresso buttercream icing tastes just like a hot mocha latte, with rich chocolate. Just ah-mazing! 

We also tried the prize pig. Talk about a sweet and savory southern homemade biscuit with bacon in it!

Not sure what to buy or don’t have space for items in your suitcase?  I have a solution for ya; buy a t-shirt. If all else fails, you can buy a “Shiplap” t-shirt. 

Getting there. You can easily fly into Dallas or Austin. Both airports are about an hour and twenty minutes from Waco. Both times I visited Waco I came from Dallas. The drive was easy and only about an hour and twenty minutes. On our last trip down to Waco, we drove a 2017 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. Not only did we have a ton of luggage space (just in case we were going to buy the whole store), we had plenty of room to stretch out. The Mazda CX-9 comfortably seats seven people. This SUV drives like a dream. It was smooth sailing from Dallas to Waco. And with all of the safety features such as the active driving display, dynamic stability control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward warning collision, I knew we would get there safe and sound. 

I tested out the 2016 Mazda CX-9 last year. There are no changes from 2016 to the 2017 family crossover model. From the sleek leather interior to the turbocharged engine, the CX-9 Grand Touring FWD is considered one of the best SUVs for families. From a Mom’s standpoint, from the safety features to the third-row seating, these are must-have things in a family vehicle. And Mazda does not disappoint. You can read more about this particular SUV by going to their website.  And big thanks to Mazda for loaning me this CX-9 during our stay in the Dallas area! 

Spending the afternoon at Magnolia Market as part of a girlfriend getaway in the Dallas area is a MUST. Even if you’re not a fan of the HGTV show, Fixer Upper, or never heard of Chip and Jo, you will love the store. 

As I mentioned before, I’m a big fan of Fixer Upper and the Gaines, and I’m looking forward to reading their new book hitting stores this Fall. I admire Jo’s ability to juggle a successful career and still be a Mom, the most important job on the planet. When they show snippets of scenes with their kids, you can tell how much energy and love has been put into building their family. I always love towards the end of each episode where the kids visit Jo while she put the finishing touches on a home. They bring her dinner or dessert and stay to talk with their Mom. 

I know it’s easy to blend T.V. with reality, I’m a realist. I’m sure they have their moments like everyone else, but overall they love Chip and Jo have for each other, and their family is something to admire. #relationshipgoals

My next bucket list item is to book a night at their new bed & breakfast. 

Until then, I’ll keep watching for new home decor tips and watching one of my favorite HGTV show and couple! 

Have you been to Magnolia Market? Is it on your bucket list? Do you watch their show? Feel free to drop me your thoughts below!