March, 2017

Waco looked interesting. We were close. Watching the HGTV show that takes place in Waco called Fixer Upper where Chip and Joanna Gaines find, restore and sell old homes needing love was a trigger for us wanting to visit Waco. Their entrepreneurial spirit and hard work has provided them with many successful businesses and our admiration.

We spent four nights in Waco, the weather wasn’t good. Cool temperatures, cloudy days and lots of rain made it difficult to get out and about. The last night we were there it was 39 degrees.

In spite of the rain and cool temperatures we managed a few fun trips around town. Of course we headed to The Magnolia Marketplace and The Silos. It was Saturday, the number of people there trying to get into both the store and the bakery were unbelievable and a deterrent. I wasn’t going to stand in lines of 100 plus people to walk around the store or get a cupcake.

Howard and I enjoyed the grounds and spent an hour enjoying and photographing the silos and crowd. Under cloudy skies it wasn’t the best climate for photos.

It is a unique place, fully family orientated and I admire their vision.

Howard and I standing by the Magnolia Market building. The weather was warm enough,for awhile, on this day for shorts sleeves.

This is the entrance to the Magnolia Market.

A view of The Silos. Notice a stage area in between them, a place for performances, to relax to watch the crowds and to eat a cupcake.

The grounds of the Marketplace are setup to accommodate families with play areas, swings, games, balls, beanbags, canopies, tables, food trucks and more. Lots of families with kids having a wonderful time.

A closeup view of one of The Silos

The perimeter of the grounds are lined with food trucks selling all kinds of good eats.

People lined up to enter the store. The line is about a block long.

A block away there is another store called The Finder, which was fun and unique. On the side of the building was this mural.

On Sunday we went to a place called The Spice Village, which is a collection of many types of business in an antique store layout. It was fun.

On Monday we went back to The Magnolia Marketplace and there were even more people, lines several blocks long. We kept driving. Sic

We ate lunch at a place called Buzzard Billy’s. It was a cajun style restaurant. I had Red Beans and Rice and instead of sausage, I asked for a piece of catfish. It was blackened and the VERY best I have ever eaten! Howard enjoyed Crawfish Étouffée. After lunch we took a ride to view Lake Waco.

I learned today that Spring at the Silos will take place March 16-18th. It will consist of: Vendor Fair, Morning Yoga on the Lawn, Walking Grounds Tours, Local Fare, Shopping in The Market, Sweet Treats from The Bakery. Maybe this is why so many people are visiting this area!

Waco has been a great city to visit. Lots more to do and see, but can’t book additional nights.