Sometimes you just need to grab your girls and head out on an adventure, and a weekend trip to Austin was just what the doctor ordered. But when I started thinking about what to do and see while we were there, something about the Magnolia Silos kept popping up (let’s be honest, I was binge-watching episodes of Joanna Gaines' cooking show Magnolia Table). I begged my best friend to agree to a road trip to Waco and she happily obliged.
After a night in Austin, we hopped in the car and headed 90 miles north to Waco, home of the landmark grain silos, the Gaines’ empire, the promise of good food and even better shopping.
As we pulled into Waco that afternoon and the silos came into view, and I felt that flutter of excitement you get when something you’ve only seen on Instagram suddenly appears in real life. We parked and walked toward the entrance, and I have to admit—it was even better than I imagined.
The Magnolia property is sprawling, with a relaxed, welcoming vibe that somehow makes you feel like you've been invited to Joanna's backyard party. We started at the Shops at the Silos, six boutique-style cottages, each with a specific theme and goods for sale, from souvenirs to paper and leather goods, men’s items and more. We popped into the first, The Flower Shoppe, filled with real-touch flowers, inspirational arrangements and notes from Jo herself.
That's when the sky opened up.
A hailstorm hit out of nowhere, and suddenly everyone on the property was scrambling for cover. We ducked back into The Flower Shoppe, laughing as hail pelted the windows and other shoppers crowded in beside us. There's something oddly bonding about being trapped in a store during a Texas hailstorm; my friend and I just looked at each other and shrugged. If you're going to be stuck somewhere, a beautifully designed shop full of things you want to buy isn't the worst place to be.
The storm let up enough for us to continue exploring the Shops, and we decided to make our way to the Silos Bakery. We'd heard about the variety of delicious baked goods, and let me tell you, the hype is real. We left with an embarrassing number of items—cookies, cupcakes, brownies—telling ourselves we'd share them later.
That evening, we cleaned up and headed to Magnolia Table for dinner. The restaurant has this warm charm that makes you feel like you're dining at a friend's house—if your friend happens to be an interior design genius. We ordered the biscuits (obviously), shared entrees, and spent two hours just talking, laughing and savoring every bite. It was the kind of meal where you lose track of time because the food is good and the company is better.
The next morning, with clear skies and a sunny start, we made our way to Magnolia Press by the time they opened, ready to start our day. The aroma alone was worth the early wake-up call. We grabbed lattes and a selection of pastries, finding a spot on the patio to sit and plan our final day of shopping before heading back to Austin.
And shop we did. After breakfast, we entered Magnolia Market, weaving through displays of home goods, gifts, and that perfectly curated Magnolia aesthetic. I found myself reaching for a copper and brass colander I definitely didn't need but was too pretty to pass up, and kitchen towels that were a perfect addition to my mother’s kitchen. My friend discovered a gorgeous olive oil dispenser that she declared would be best suited for her kitchen counter, and delicate floral bookmarks that would be an ideal gift for her book club friends.
Then we made our way to Magnolia Home, which is dangerous territory if you have any interest in home decor whatsoever. Furniture, textiles, lighting—everything arranged in vignettes that made me want to redecorate my entire house immediately. We spent a solid hour debating whether certain pieces would fit in our respective homes, taking photos "for inspiration," and generally living our best Fixer Upper fantasy lives.
The drive back to Austin felt shorter somehow. We were quieter, content, and our hearts fuller. Sure, the Magnolia Silos are beautiful and the shopping is fantastic and the food is incredible. But what made the trip special wasn't just the destination—it was sharing it with my best friend, getting caught in a hailstorm together, staying up too late talking, and waking up early to do it all over again.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Magnolia may have been built by Chip and Joanna, but the magic happens when you share it with the right people.
I felt that flutter of excitement you get when something you've only seen on Instagram suddenly appears in real life.
If you're going to be stuck somewhere, a beautifully designed shop full of things you want to buy isn't the worst place to be.
Magnolia may have been built by Chip and Joanna, but the magic happens when you share it with the right people.