My husband and I lived in Waco for three years while he attended Baylor Law School (sic ’em). During that time, the town grew so much. What started as a classic college town has really expanded, especially thanks to Chip and Joanna Gaines and their show Fixer Upper. Between the student population and the tourist boom, Waco has blossomed into a fun little destination with so much to do and see.

How to Get There

Waco does have a small regional airport. I’ve personally never flown in or out of it, but three of the ladies in our group did. It’s easy to navigate, though they experienced some major delays in Dallas—thanks to a plane from the East Coast that caught on fire (yes, really—not great luck).

More commonly, people fly into Dallas or Austin. When we lived there, we found that flying in and out of Dallas Love Field was easiest—especially since it’s a Southwest Airlines hub. If you're flying, I definitely recommend renting a car. You can Uber, but getting around Waco with your own wheels is much simpler.

My mom and I drove in for the weekend. From Houston, it’s about a 2–2.5 hour drive, super easy—plus, we made our obligatory Buc-ee’s stop. On the way home, the wildflowers lining the road were in full bloom. The further south we drove, the prettier it got.

Where to Stay

Waco has so many charming places to stay now. Airbnb and VRBO listings have popped up all over town, including several Fixer Upper homes that are now vacation rentals (you can read more about those [HERE]). I’ve got my eye on the German Schmear house—it’s totally my style.

For this trip, we stayed at The Gathering Place, hosted by D&L Vacation Rentals. We had a group of seven ladies and the space was perfect, especially the bathrooms and kitchen. The home has a refreshed farmhouse feel and is tucked away in a peaceful area just outside of town—not far from the Homestead and the horseback riding we did (more on that below). We made breakfast there each morning and would’ve loved to do a dinner in, too.

If you're going full Fixer Upper mode, check out [this list] of homes designed and owned by Chip and Jo. Hotel 1928, their boutique hotel, is absolutely gorgeous and would make the perfect spot for a couples’ trip—I’ve already added it to my wish list.

There are also plenty of hotel options around Waco. Between us and our extended families, we’ve stayed in several over the years.

What to Do

Magnolia Silos

When the Silos first opened, there was the Market (the main store), a small bakery, a turf area, a little garden, and food trucks. It has grown so much since then. Now there are additional shops, live music, shaded seating, and more food truck options.

The Market: The main shop, full of home décor and beautifully styled displays.
Magnolia Press: The coffee shop next door—don’t miss their specialty lattes.
Magnolia Home: Focuses on furniture, bedding, and home goods.
The Shops at the Silos: Six smaller boutique-style shops that rotate from time to time. Some consistent favorites include Chip’s shop (geared toward men), a souvenir shop, and a bath & body store.
Nearby you’ll also find the chapel and a wiffle ball field—something for everyone.

Downtown Waco

Downtown has such a fun vibe now with lots of cute shops, restaurants, and murals. A few of us stopped into a cigar lounge to pick up souvenirs for our husbands!

Spice Village: A must-visit shopping area with tons of mini boutiques inside.
JDH Iron Designs: Owned by Jimmy Don from Fixer Upper! If you visit the location near the Silos, you might meet him—he was there signing ornaments when we stopped by.
Fabled Bookshop & Café: An adorable local bookstore that serves coffee and wine. Five of us bought the same book (The Bodyguard by Katherine Center) and planned a virtual book club after our trip. Such a fun way to support local and stay connected.

Pedal Tours

We did this while living in Waco and had a blast. You can choose different routes and themes, and the best part is—you don’t have to pedal. Great for groups, including teens or anyone who doesn’t drink.

Dr. Pepper Museum

Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper! Learn the history, tour the museum, and grab a Dr. Pepper float at the end.

Other Tours

Fixer Upper & City Tour: Highly recommend—even having lived there, I learned some new things.
Historic House Museums: You can tour them individually or get a combo pass.
Earle-Harrison House: A beautiful historic property often used for weddings.
Magnolia Tours:
- Castle Tour: 1-hour tour of their remodeled stone castle.
- Magnolia Story Tour: 45-minute tour of the Silos and behind the scenes.
- Gristmill Tour: Where Jo films her cooking show.
- Silos Garden Experience: Includes a flower-pressing workshop.
- Chip’s Archive Experience: Explore Chip’s former office above the Market.

Outdoor Highlights

Suspension Bridge & Cameron Park: A Waco icon with walking trails, sculptures, and gorgeous views.
Baylor University: Walk the brick campus, see the bear habitat, and stroll along the river.
Homestead Craft Village: Bigger than we expected! Great for crafts, coffee, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Brazos Bluffs Ranch: We did the 90-minute horseback ride and loved it. If you visit mid-to-late March, you’ll catch the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes in bloom.

What to Eat

Here’s a roundup of spots we visited (and some personal faves from our time living there):

Restaurants

Magnolia Table: A must if you’re into Fixer Upper. The café-style space is darling. Definitely make a reservation if you can.
Baris: Our go-to casual Italian spot. I love their manicotti and tortellini pink.
Shorty’s: Our favorite pizza place—super casual and budget-friendly.
Union Hall: A great food hall with rotating vendors. Everyone can find something they like.
- Balsain Asian: Cambodian cuisine. The sweetest couple runs it—they used to recognize me by my order!
Red Herring: A newer Mediterranean tapas place inside the Herringbone Hotel. My friend said it feels like you’re dining in a big city.
The Brasserie & Bernie’s on the Roof: Both inside Hotel 1928. We had drinks at The Brasserie bar—gorgeous space. Bernie’s was closed for a private event, but it looks amazing.
Vitek’s: Casual BBQ spot—great food and a laid-back vibe.
Milo: Farm-to-table atmosphere and a great place to have brunch while sipping on mimosas.

Drinks & Treats

Dichotomy: Coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night. It’s tiny but lovely.

Pinewood: Coffee + craft beer + a shaded outdoor area.
Opal’s: An oyster bar that can get pretty lively.
Backyard Bar & Grill: Great for catching games or checking out live music.
Balcones Distillery: Downtown whiskey distillery with tastings and tours.
Heritage Creamery: Homemade ice cream with rotating flavors. I always go for the salted vanilla.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're planning a girls’ weekend, a couple’s getaway, or a family trip, Waco has a little something for everyone. It’s been so fun watching the town grow over the years—and I already can’t wait to go back. If you’ve been to Waco, list some of your favorites in the comments! If you’re planning a trip, tell me what you’re most excited about!

The Best Girls’ Trip to Waco, Texas: Magnolia Silos, Fixer Upper, and More