It’s around a two hour drive from Frisco to Waco, which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway. Sure, you could go for a Baylor football game, a boat tour along the Brazos river, or to visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. But fans of HGTV’s beloved home renovation show, Fixer Upper, can go for a weekend of full immersion in Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia brand.
Where to Stay
If you want to feel like you’re living in an episode of Fixer Upper, stay at Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast or the Carriage House in McGregor (about 20 minutes from Waco), the Hillcrest Estate or Hillcrest Cottage in Waco. All four properties were renovated and are owned by the Gaines’ and can accommodate from two to 12 guests. Whichever one you choose, you’ll pay between $495 to $1,200 per night. If you have a group and split the costs, it’s pretty reasonable, and you get to live amid Chip’s handiwork, Jo’s beautiful decor, and all that shiplap. Oh, and guests receive a 25% discount card to Magnolia Market. Yesssss!
See Homes & Businesses Featured on Fixer Upper
A cottage industry has sprung up in Waco around the Magnolia businesses and the TV show that has transformed the city. Companies such as Brazos Tours and Waco Tours guide groups past homes renovated by the Gaines’ on their TV show, and stop at affiliated businesses such as Harp Design Co. and JDH Iron Designs. The Waco Convention & Visitors Bureau has also created the Magnolia Trail, a self-guided tour for fans of the show.
Good Eats (& Drinks)
If you stan Chip and Jo, you’ll know they now have three restaurants in Waco: Silos Baking Co. selling cupcakes, pastries, and other baked goods, Magnolia Table which serves classic comfort foods for breakfast and lunch, and Magnolia Press Coffee Co., offering the typical assortment of caffeinated beverages and some sweet and savory pastries. Magnolia also has its own food trucks which can be found along with an array of others at the Silos.
Shop ʼTill You Drop
No Fixer Upper fan experience would be complete without shopping at the Silos in the heart of downtown Waco. Take your time browsing through all the home and decor offerings and displays at Magnolia Market and Magnolia Home. The Silos complex also houses six smaller boutiques that offer bath and body products, jewelry, accessories, clothing, stationery, books, toys, and more, along with the Magnolia Seed + Supply garden store. If you love a bargain, don’t miss the Little Shop on Bosque, the original home of Magnolia Market that now serves as the company’s outlet store, offering discounts on slightly damaged and last chance items.
For more fun travel, shopping, and entertainment experiences in and near Frisco, Texas, check out additional blog posts from Olympus Boulevard.