It is no secret that Waco, TX has come into the spotlight over the last few years thanks to HGTV’s hit show Fixer Upper. Thousands of people now come from all over the country to Waco to visit the Magnolia Silos and all that Waco has to offer. If you are one of the many people fascinated by this small town and hoping to come visit, we have come up with our own Top Ten list of things to do in Waco this Spring and Summer.
1. All Things Magnolia. We can’t help but make this the top of our list. You could spend an entire week visiting all of the amazing places Chip and Joanna Gaines have created or featured in their show. To briefly list a few, we recommend you stop by… Magnolia Silos and Silos Baking Co., their new restaurant Magnolia Table, their original little shop on Bosque that is currently functioning as the Magnolia Warehouse Shop, you can stay at the Hillcrest Estate or Magnolia House if you book them far in advance, or you can even visit Jimmy Don’s Metal Workshop, JDH Iron Designs, or Clint Harp’s woodworking studio, Harp Design Co. If you want to channel your inner Jo, you can even go antiquing atCedar Chest Antique Mall, Papillon Antiques, or Laverty’s Antiques & Furnishings. There’s also a lot of antique stores on La Salle Ave we encourage you to check out, our personal favorite being Junque in the Trunk.
And if Fixer Upper isn’t your thing, not to worry. There are plenty of other things to enjoy in Waco!
2. Cameron Park Zoo. Waco has a great zoo located in Cameron Park. It may be small compared to some other zoos in other major cities, but its size makes it perfect for young children. The wooden walking paths are nearly all shaded by trees, and they have areas to sit and eat lunch. Did we mention International Otter Day is May 31st?
3. Boutique Shopping. Spice Village, The Findery, and Fox & Gray are just a few of our favorite boutique shops in Waco. Spice Village is a destination shopping experience in downtown Waco with over 60 shops under one roof. The Findery is an adorable boutique with home décor just a block away from the Silos in downtown. You can shop, take a furniture painting class, or have them customize an antique. Fox & Gray is just around the corner from the Dr. Pepper Museum in downtown. You can find amazing women’s clothing here, or even schedule a personalized styling session!
4. Waco Mammoth National Monument. Waco is home to one of the most important paleontological finds in North America, a whole herd of mammoth fossils, some of which are still in their original position – and you can see it for yourself! Guided tours are conducted every 30 minutes at the monument and there is no need for reservations. Click here for more info!
5. Café Homestead. This unique, local restaurant is located within a traditional craft village in a sustainable, organic farming community. A visit to this restaurant is a whole experience within itself! Before your meal you can visit the craft shops, a model homestead, and even take a hayride.
6. Waco Downtown Farmer’s Market. The Waco Farmer’s Market happens every Saturday morning in downtown Waco, directly across the street from the courthouse. The vendors are all local agricultural producers and artisans who grow or create their product within 150 miles of Waco. Visitors can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, coffee, cheese, nuts, body products, crafts, and more!
7. Pepper Museum. Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper. The Dr. Pepper Museum was opened in 1991 in an old bottling plant. The museum tells a fascinating history of the drink, and it even puts on educational shows, making it a great stop for families. If you’re looking for a special day to make a trip here, May 12th, there will be a Dr. Pepper Museum Birthday Bonanza complete with carnival-style games, prizes, music, contests, and more!
8. Bowen Musicfest. The 20th Annual Bowen Musicfest is happening June 3rd, 2018 at Touchdown Alley at McClane Stadium. Performers include Wade Bowen, Midland, Joe Nichols, Aaron Watson, Josh Abbott, and many more. This music festival benefits children and families in and around the Waco area.
9. Mayborn Museum Complex. Located on Baylor University’s campus, theMayborn Museum Complex is a combination of natural science exhibits, cultural history, and discovery rooms. There is something to interest people of every age here. The museum will even feature a Titanic Artifact Exhibition June 2nd 2018 – January 6th, 2019.
10. Fourth on the Brazos. If you are looking for a way to celebrate the fourth of July, this is an awesome venue! There will be live music, a corndog eating contest, and of course fireworks. For more information on the event, click here.
Tell us on our Facebook page where your favorite place to visit in Waco is… did we miss any hidden treasures that you’d like to share?
