Mostly Magnolia

Of course, a visit to Waco would not be complete without a visit to all that is Magnolia.  Again, for those who watch “Fixer Upper”, you know what I’m talking about.  The surprising thing about The Silos is that it really is in the middle of a sort of semi-industrial area.  There is a church within a block (and we parked in the church parking lot), but most of the rest of it wasn’t all that appealing from an aesthetic perspective.  But, The Silos made up for that!

As we drove up, the line for the bakery was out the door and down the block a bit.  However, by the time we parked and walked over to it, the line was not quite as long.  We made it into the bakery without much of a wait, and then got to wait in a winding line that took us about 10 minutes to reach the front of the line.  There were cupcakes and cookies to choose from, and I believe, a cake or two.  We opted for Shiplap Cupcakes (one each)!  They were vanilla cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.  They were surprisingly substantial, and Jeff thought there was a bit too much frosting, but we did our part and pretty much finished them!

When we first got in line for the bakery, we noticed that there was quite the crowd waiting to get into the Magnolia Marketplace (it wasn’t open yet).  By the time we finished our Shiplap Cupcakes, the Marketplace was open and the crowds dispersed (inside the store!).  We did wander through the shop and I really liked all the beautiful displays (just one shown here).  I picked up something a friend wanted, but otherwise, I didn’t buy anything.  It was almost like there was too much from which to pick!!

Also at the place where the bakery and marketplace are is the Magnolia Seed and Supply.  We didn’t actually make it there, but I caught an image of some of the flowers and the shop’s sign.  It is just what it says it is – a place to pick up seeds, gardening tools and generally all sorts of things for one’s garden.  I think they also have some fun starter kits for kids, too!

About a mile or so from The Silos is Clint Harp’s shop.  Again, “Fixer Upper” fans know Clint as the excellent woodworker guy who takes Joanna’s ideas and brings them to life!  The shop is next door to the house that Chip and Joanna renovated for them in one episode of the show.  They don’t live there any longer – after two years of living there, Clint said that it just seemed too close to work, and many tourists were checking out their home when they came to the shop.  So, now, it's available to rent on Airbnb.  Oh, and the bear is one we picked up in his shop for our home.

Another craftsman made famous by “Fixer Upper” is Jimmie Don!  His iron designs are often seen in the homes that Chip and Joanna renovated on their show.  Although Jimmie Don has a temporary trailer about 2 blocks or so from The Silos, we decided to find his actual ranch out in Crawford, Texas.  It took a bit of driving around, but we did find it!! The iron sign is one that is now right at home on our back patio!

As we walked the area around The Silos, we happened to be at the back of The Silos just as a train chugged past.  As you can see, The Silos are almost right up against the tracks.  As a final note, I recently read that Chip and Joanna are planning an expansion of the area included in The Silos that will boast a coffee shop.  They also have a restaurant, Magnolia Table.  It’s not in the same location as The Silos, and is supposed to have good food.  We didn’t visit it, as they don’t accept reservations, and word has it that the best way to assure yourself a seat at the table is to get there in the morning, put your name on the list, then visit The Silos and hopefully, by the time you’re finished at The Silos, your name will then be at the top of the list at Magnolia Table!  We weren’t certain of the timing, so we thought we’d perhaps try it the next time we’re there!

Enjoy!