Waco, TX
I love watching HGTV's Fixer Upper. So much so, I can easily watch an entire season in one day. Naturally, after I do, I consider moving to Waco so Chip and Joanna can design my dream home – complete with a farm sink in the kitchen, a custom designed piece from Harp Design Co., and shiplap everywhere. As soon as we began planning our cross-country road trip to Los Angeles, I saw the perfect opportunity to finally visit Magnolia Market (AKA the Disneyland of DIY).
1,040 Miles to Magnolia
Waco, Texas marked the (almost) half-way point in our trip and the starting point on day two. We spent the entire day in the car on day one and knew the rest of day two would be devoted to making our way through the entire state of Texas, so I was ecstatic to have the chance to stretch my legs and wander around for a few hours.
The Silos
The Silos served as beacons welcoming us to Magnolia Market – they drew me in like a moth to a flame. I honestly don’t think I realized just how popular was until we stepped out of the car (a part of me imagined it would just be us hanging out with Chip and Joanna). With shopping, multiple food trucks and a large outdoor space available, this wasn’t a small pit stop, but rather a full-day attraction.
Cupcakes & BBQ
Magnolia Flour
After taking in all the sights and sounds of the market, it was time to tackle the bakery. Magnolia Flour was everything I could’ve asked for, and more. The bakery offers different cleverly-named cupcakes (of course there’s one named Shiplap), cookies, and so many other sweet and savory treats. But best of all, the bakery featured the most adorable letter board that read “Cupcakes are muffins that believed in miracles.” Say hello to my new mantra, screensaver, and go-to kitchen decoration.
Who says you can’t have dessert before lunch?
As for our selections, Kevin went with the Nuts & Bolts cupcake, a vanilla cake filled with walnuts and pecans, topped with a cream cheese icing, and an Elderflower Lemonade. Whereas I chose the Cup O’ Jo, a chocolate cake with espresso, buttercream icing and a chocolate espresso on top, with an Elderflower and Rose Lemonade. The cupcakes were heavenly and the lemonade perfectly complimented the warm Texas day. I highly recommend Magnolia Flour.
Vitek's
After our morning sugar rush, we decided it was time for something a bit more substantial before we got back on the road. Kevin and I pride ourselves on finding hidden gems in new places, especially when it comes to food. We try to stick to places where the locals eat. From the moment we started the road trip we had our hearts set on eating real Texas BBQ. As per a recommendation from Chip and Joanna themselves (and a Magnolia Flour employee), we settled on Vitek’s BBQ.
When the sign outside reads “101 years of BBQ,” you know you’ve chosen a winner. Full of locals and tourists alike, Vitek’s was an extremely popular spot for lunch and the food did not disappoint. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with a side of mac and cheese, and Kevin ordered a brisket plate with coleslaw and potato salad.
Waco had a familiar college town feel and a distinct small-town vibe with rustic charm. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, I couldn’t stop smiling. I will definitely be back soon!
