Our Trip to Waco: A Texas Treasure Hunt
Every January holds a special place in our hearts. Since becoming parents, my husband Andy and I have made it our tradition to escape for a weekend to celebrate our birthdays and plan for the year ahead over coffee. This year, we finally checked off a major bucket list destination - Waco, Texas! As huge fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines, we've long admired their design aesthetic and entrepreneurial spirit, so experiencing their creations firsthand was truly a dream come true.
Our Home Base: Hotel 1928
If you've watched Chip and Jo's TV series about renovating this historical building, let me tell you - it's even more stunning in person! Hotel 1928 perfectly embodies their signature style while honoring the building's rich history. The hotel features a charming coffee shop, a beautifully curated gift shop, and not one, but two incredible restaurants.
Speaking of restaurants, our first night's dinner at Bertie's (the rooftop restaurant) was exceptional. The halibut I ordered and Andy's steak were both perfect 10/10 experiences. We couldn't resist ending our meal with two desserts - their cheesecake and banana pudding. As someone who regularly makes Joanna's banana pudding recipe at home, it was such a treat to taste the "official" version!
A day at Magnolia Market at the Silos
We kicked off our full Magnolia day with coffee and breakfast at the Press - such a cozy way to start the morning! The Silos complex is truly a design lover's paradise. While I lost myself in the Magnolia Decor store gathering inspiration for our home, Andy found his happy place in "16," Chip's curated shop. He picked up a personalized leather journal, and we found some perfect pieces for our son Clark's room.
For lunch, we ventured to the food truck park and discovered an amazing Korean chicken bowl from Club Sandwich. No visit to the Silos is complete without stopping at Silos Bakery, and those famous cupcakes absolutely lived up to the hype - perfectly fluffy and delicious! Parents take note: the Silos are incredibly kid-friendly with plenty of open space for little ones to run around.
The Castle Experience
The highlight of our Waco adventure was touring the castle that Chip and Joanna renovated. As someone who watched every episode of this renovation, seeing it in person was interior design heaven! Every detail was even more breathtaking than it appeared on TV. We left with so many ideas for our own house.
Our final dinner at the Brasserie (Hotel 1928's other restaurant) was possibly the best meal of our trip. The shrimp and grits were divine - honestly the best shrimp dish I've ever tasted - and Andy's bow tie pasta was equally impressive. The Dr. Pepper Fudge cake for dessert was a delightfully rich chocolate experience, though don't expect it to taste like the soda!
Round Top Bonus Adventure
On our final day, we made the two-hour journey to Round Top for their winter antique show. For fellow vintage lovers, this is absolutely worth the drive! I could have spent days exploring the endless treasures. I managed to find a perfect frame for the Heirloom Frame Shop and a few other home décor pieces. (If you're curious to see more of this adventure, check out my Round Top reel on Instagram!)
Travel Tips:
Book your stay at Hotel 1928 for the full Magnolia experience
Plan at least one full day for the Silos
Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially for Bertie's and Brasserie
Don't miss the castle tour while it's still available
If you're visiting during Round Top's show dates, add an extra day to your trip
Our weekend in Waco was more than just a birthday celebration - it was the perfect blend of design inspiration, culinary delights, and quality time together. From the thoughtful details at Hotel 1928 to the wonder of the Silos and the treasure hunting in Round Top, every moment felt special. While Chip and Joanna have certainly put Waco on the map, experiencing their vision in person exceeded our expectations. Whether you're a devoted Magnolia fan or simply someone who appreciates good design, food, and hospitality, Waco offers a uniquely charming Texas experience that's worth adding to your travel list. We left with full hearts, happy stomachs, and a few treasures for our home - already dreaming about when we can return with our son to share the magic with him.
Until our next adventure,
