Today’s post is going to be a fun one if you’re a fan of the TV show Fixer Upper with Joanna and Chip Gaines!

My mom and dad visited Waco, TX in February to see all the Fixer Upper sights and my mom is here to tell you all about it. So, here’s my mom, Lisa, sharing all about their trip to Waco, TX in February 2023.

For Christmas of 2022, my husband and I decided to gift each other a trip to Waco, TX to visit all the area has to offer, and yes, in hopes of seeing Chip and Jo (we did not, but that’s ok, we had an amazing time)!

We flew from Pittsburgh, PA to Dallas, TX in late February, rented a car from there, and started our very flat trek to the Waco area. It was about an hour and 40 minute drive.  We then checked into our hotel, which was about a 6-7 minute drive to the Silo District of the city.

We stayed at La Quinta Inn Woodway and it was nice. It was clean and the staff was very nice and accommodating. It had an indoor pool and fitness center and breakfast was also included each morning.

As we drove toward town, we immediately saw the historic landmark ALICO building and Silos that you so often see during many episodes of Fixer Upper!

We parked for free in a little lot we found, and walked down toward the Silo District.  It was sooo amazing! We immediately started taking pictures of the sites, and walked around in amazement–we finally made it to Waco!! The Silos are very cool! They built so many things in and around them. Such innovation and creativity.

We saw food trucks parked in the area so we tried one. It was delicious!  There were several options, and plenty of places to sit and enjoy lunch.  I ordered a rice bowl from the food truck Club Sandwich.

There’s a big open area where kids and adults were lounging around in comfy chairs, playing soccer and ball, and just running around having fun.  There was also a large outdoor fireplace, and very comfortable chairs to sit and relax.  After eating, we decided to check out the Magnolia Market and shops.

Everything in the shops was exactly as I expected: perfect.  We also made our way to Magnolia Press, their coffee shop.  What an establishment!  So big, but cozy and homey at the same time.

There was such a mix of people there–families, couples young and old, groups of ladies, and Baylor students studying and enjoying the perfect coffee that they serve! There were also some pastries and muffins to go with the coffees.

When we went back to our hotel for the evening we decided to book a couple of things: one was breakfast at Magnolia Table, and the other a tour with Waco Tours.  I highly, highly recommend both.

Our reservation at the restaurant was at 10:30 am and it was a great experience. I highly recommend making reservations through their website or app.  It was very busy, even in the middle of the week in February.

My husband and I both got the country breakfast, and it was absolutely delicious.  I was in awe of the whole set up. It was so beautiful and impeccable. Every detail was perfect, creative and unforgettable.  The tables, floors, bathrooms–everything is so well maintained and clean.  I would go back there in a heartbeat!

After our meal we drove back to the Silo District and walked down toward the river (only about six blocks) to catch our tour which began at 2:00 pm. I have been on a few tours in my lifetime, but this was by far the most organized, friendly, and professional one I have ever encountered.  There are four owners and one of them was featured on their show!

We went to the building where we were asked to meet, and were greeted at the front desk, then our two tour guides arrived. Their names were Dano and Baxter.  They were the best! Seriously.

We walked to the van, which was very new, comfortable, and impeccable. They introduced themselves and we all did the same.  Then they prayed! For our tour!  That made me so happy and I thought wow, how often does that happen??

We saw so many sites and they talked and we laughed and learned as a little group of ten.  Some of the things we saw: THE CASTLE! Chip and Joanna bought a castle in Waco, and rehabbed it and were going to “flip” it, but they still haven’t sold it. Maybe they have other plans?

We went past many of the homes they rehabbed on the show, drove past Harp Designs (Clint Harp – the woodworker’s shop), and went to a local ice cream (Heritage Creamery) and coffee shop (Common Grounds Waco) where we received free ice cream or coffee as part of the tour!

Another stop and highlight of our trip was visiting JDH Iron Designs, the home of Jimmy Don. We went in and he was there! He walked out from behind the counter and started talking to my husband and then took a picture with us!