A Weekend in Waco, Deep in the Heart of Texas

Spend some time in this once-sleepy college town.

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Over the past few years Waco, Texas has experienced a renaissance. With countless stores, restaurants, food trucks, and small businesses popping up all over the place. This revitalization is in part due to Chip and Joanna Gaines from the popular HGTV show Fixer Upper who call this once sleepy college town home. Take one step into their perfectly curated Magnolia Market on a busy Saturday and you can see just what kind of draw they have.

Silos at Magnolia Market, Texas

Silos at Magnolia Market, Texas

Twin silos stand watch over Waco's Magnolia Market.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Here are a few other noteworthy stops to make your weekend in Waco complete.

Waco Farmers Market

Waco Farmers Market

All ages are welcome at the Waco Farmers Market.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson

If you happen to be checking out Waco on a Saturday, then the local farmers' market can't be missed. Since November of 2011 this market has been home to local growers, artists, and businesses every Saturday morning. Located right by the river, it is the perfect place to grab some locally-grown produce, a pastry and some coffee to start your day.

Melons at the Farmers' Market

Melons at the Farmers' Market

The fruit is fresh and plentiful at the Waco Farmers Market.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski

Appaloosa Trading Post

Appaloosa Trading Post

Load up on boots, saddles and more at this shop of all things Western.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson

On your way into downtown you'll find Appaloosa Trading Post a must stop for all things Texas, from the iconic cowboy hat to leather boots adorned with anything you can think of. Make a stop and get your cowboy on!

Appaloosa Skull

Appaloosa Skull

A painted cow skull shows off the Texas colors.

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Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Cowboy Boots

Cowboy Boots

These boots were made for walkin'.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski

Balcones Distilling

Balcones Distilling

Balcones Distilling brews up world-class whisky and spirits.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Whiskey Barrels, Texas

Whiskey Barrels, Texas

Rows and rows of whiskey barrels at Balcones Distilling in Waco, Texas.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Not far from Chip and Joanna's Magnolia Market is Balcones Distilling. Housed in what was once a fireproof storage warehouse, stop by and learn what goes into their award-winning whiskeys with a tour through the massive facility. Stop by their magnificent tasting room for a tour and a sip in a space decked out in woodwork done by Fixer Upper regular Clint Harp.

Vitek's BBQ Food Truck

Vitek's BBQ Food Truck

Vitek's BBQ delivers food truck style.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Vitek's BBQ

Vitek's BBQ

Dig into some Texas BBQ at Vitek's.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski

No trip to Waco would be complete without a trip to Vitek's BBQ, a staple since 1915. While they offer all the standard barbecue fare including house-smoked brisket and homemade sausage, what you really want to try is the monster of a meal aptly called the "Gut Pak." Visit their brick and mortar location or seek out the food truck that makes appearances at big events around town.

Waco Suspension Bridge

Waco Suspension Bridge

This historic single-span suspension bridge was finished in 1870.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson

Take a walk over the famous suspension bridge. Originally built in 1870 to help cattle ranchers cross their herds over the Brazos river, the Waco Suspension bridge still stands today. Once open to wagons, cars and even cows the bridge, which is now on the National Register of Historical Places, can now only be crossed by foot.

Baylor University, Texas

Baylor University, Texas

The campus of Baylor University in Waco, Texas.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson

After crossing the suspension bridge stroll along the river path until you come to Cameron Park, a 416 acre green space right in the heart of Waco. With over 20 miles of beautiful hiking trails, endless cycling paths, and even its own zoo, you could easily spend an entire day just exploring this urban park. Even just a few miles into it you will be surrounded by enough lush trees to make you forget all the amenities of a bustling city just down the road.

McClane Stadium

McClane Stadium

Baylor University owns and runs McClane Stadium in Waco, Texas.

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Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Experience a sea of green and gold as you stroll through Baylor's historical and manicured campus on game day. Even if you aren't a football fan there is no denying the energy that can be felt just by tailgating in the parking lot before a game. And if you can score a ticket to a game cheer the home team to victory inside of the recently built McClane Stadium with 55,000 other fans. Sic 'em Bears!

Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits

Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits

Refresh your shopping spirit with a pit stop at Dichotomy.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson ©Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson, Lauren Simpson

Inside Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits

Inside Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits

Pick your (so delicious!) poison from Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits in Magnolia Market.

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Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

With a full day under your belt pop in to Dichotomy for a quick pick-me-up. Known for their perfectly poured lattes and craft cocktails, this quaint space in downtown Waco is quickly becoming a staple amongst the locals.

Magnolia Market, Waco, TX

Magnolia Market, Waco, TX

Shopping, food, a garden: There's a little something for everyone in this marketplace.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson

Inside Magnolia Market, Texas

Inside Magnolia Market, Texas

Magnolia Market hums with activity and lots of shoppers.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Magnolia Seed Supply, Texas

Magnolia Seed Supply, Texas

HGTV's Joanna Gaines created this marketplace with tons of finds for your home and garden.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson

Magnolia Market Garden

Magnolia Market Garden

Herbs and lush plants abound at the garden outside Magnolia Market.

Photo by: Lauren Simpson ©Lauren Simpson

Lauren Simpson, Lauren Simpson

And of course there is the famous Magnolia Market at the Silos, owned by the stars of the hit show Fixer Upper. Two towering silos will help you find the magical market from blocks away. With inspiration everywhere you turn your head, prepare to be blown away as you walk through the shop, garden and grounds. With something for everyone in your family it is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Browse through the warm and inviting home goods, smell the fresh flowers and herbs in the outdoor garden and let the kids play on the big green lawn.

Food Trucks Outside Magnolia Market

Food Trucks Outside Magnolia Market

Food trucks line up outside Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski

You'll leave the Silos full as the food truck park located on the grounds is impossible to resist. With Southern-inspired sandwiches, pizza, crepes, grilled cheese, and a juice bar it's hard to choose something from just one!

Pizza, Magnolia Market

Pizza, Magnolia Market

Fresh baked pizza served up at Magnolia Market.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

Milo Food Truck, Waco, Texas

Milo Food Truck, Waco, Texas

Sampling some of the goodies from the Milo Biscuit Company food truck.

Photo by: Jeremy Pawlowski ©Jeremy Pawlowski

Jeremy Pawlowski, Jeremy Pawlowski

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