Discover the Magic of Magnolia Farms in Texas

If you love baking, home improvement, and arts and crafts, and you also find yourself in Waco, Texas, consider a stop at Magnolia Farms. It’s a shopping complex that’s owned by Joanna and Chip Gaines. They run the Magnolia TV network and star in the home improvement show Fixer Upper on HGTV. Magnolia Farms is a great place that’s worth a visit. Today, we’ll tell you about the magic of Magnolia Farms in Texas and everything you need to know before arriving. 

History of Magnolia Farms

The magic of Magnolia Farms all began back in 1958 with the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Mill. The company utilized the two huge silos that are the main focal point of the Magnolia Market. They were used for storage. When the oil mill closed its doors, the silos remained closed and empty until the 1990s. 

During that time, Chip and Joanna Gaines had started their small business in nearby Spice Village, a local shopping spot. As their brand grew, they purchased their own stand-alone store in 2003, a place called “Little Shop on Bosque.” This is also the first building that they remodeled and fixed up. 

In 2013, the Gaines couple brought their business to the HGTV home improvement network. Soon, their show gained worldwide acclaim, and tourists from all over started visiting them. Seeing the opportunity to expand their brand and knowing that they needed to kick things up a notch, they purchased the silos and the surrounding real estate. 

The Gaines fixed up the silos and built a stage in front of them. Then, they built the Magnolia Seed & Supply Garden Store before turning an adjacent building into a bakery. They began accepting guests and grew from there. As of today, Magnolia Farms draws 30,000 visitors per week.

Where is Magnolia Farms Located?

Also known as Magnolia Market, the silos, bakery, and shops are open from Monday – Saturday. It’s located at 601 Webster Ave in Waco, Texas.

Magnolia Market Shops

The real magic of Magnolia Farms comes from the various stores they have on the grounds. 

Magnolia Market

The main retail store is 12,000 square feet. Visitors can purchase everything from decor and rugs to kitchen and dining materials. There’s also a holiday shop where you can purchase ornaments, tree decor, stockings, and table decorations. There’s a ton to see and do, and you can buy many of the same items at their website.

Magnolia Home

This store is similar to the main Magnolia Market, but it allows potential buyers to see how the items will look in their home. You can check out potential living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, as well as an assortment of rugs.

Street Shops

The Gaines family also owns the properties on many of the streets surrounding the Magnolia Market. Families who visit can check out these six unique shops:

Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop – This is a unique plant shop with natural batch plants in vintage pots, in addition to plant accessories and retro-inspired decor and apparel.

Chapter One – This massive book and paper collection is a go-to spot for books, notebooks, artistic calendars, watercolor Christmas workbooks, crafts, and hobby materials.

No. 16 – This store is named after Chip Gaines’s jersey number from when he played sports back in the day. It’s a big sports store where you can purchase apparel like hats, shirts, and jerseys. Customers can also buy basketballs, baseballs, and footballs.

Tried & True – Customers who visit this store have their choice of various bags, apparel, jewelry, and other accessories. 

Vie Bien Aimee – This name is French for “A life well loved.” The store has a wide selection of bath and body products. In addition to soaps, shampoos, and body washes, there is also makeup, skincare, and beauty tools.

Reverie – This store is dedicated to women’s clothing, particularly well-made, evergreen pieces that will be in style all year round.

Magnolia Market Restaurants

Stop for the shops but stay for the tasty food and the magic of Magnolia Farms. Food options are plentiful, from the famous bakery to the many food trucks that line the streets. 

Silos Baking Company

This is one of the must-see places when visiting Magnolia Farms. The building has been around for a long time. Until 2010, it was a flower shop. In fact, it was where Chip used to buy flowers for Joanna. When the family bought the silos, they decided to turn them into a bakery and sell some of Joanna’s best recipes.

Customers can choose tasty treats from a long menu that includes cupcakes, cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookie sandwiches, and pumpkin spice treats!

Magnolia Press

This is the resident coffee shop at Magnolia Farms, a cozy space where guests can spend time with family over a nice beverage. It sells everything that tastes great in the world, from many varieties of coffee to delicious cakes. You can settle in and drink your beverage there or take it to go while you continue shopping.

Magnolia Table

If you have the time, stay at Magnolia Market for a while and grab a bite at their sit-down restaurant. While here, you can enjoy an expansive menu. You can also reserve a table in advance. The restaurant mostly sells breakfast, brunch, and lunch. There are various options, including pancakes, tacos, burgers, soups, and salads, alongside a kid’s menu!

This restaurant has been on the property since 1919. Back then, it was called the Elite Cafe, and it was a Waco favorite. However, a major tornado destroyed it in 1953, and despite renovations, the cafe was forced to close its doors. In 2016, the Gaines decided to renovate the building and turn it into their eatery. They intentionally preserved its history and much of its original look.

Food Trucks

You’ll also have a choice of many food trucks that serve a variety of tasty foods. Whether you enjoy hamburgers, grilled cheese, or ice cream, there’s a snack for every pallet. The regular food trucks include:

• 900 Degree Pizza
• Captain Billy Whizzbangs
• Cheddar Box
• Chuck’s Gourmet Popcorn
• Club Sandwich
• H.O.T. Dog House
• Summer Snow
• Waffle Chic
• Alabama Sweet Tea
• Luna Juice

Spend the Night in Magnolia Houses

If you love the Gaines and Magnolia farms as much as we do, then you may be inclined to spend the night in one of their charming houses. Visitors rent the entire house, and there’s a two-night minimum reservation. Keeping with tradition, there are no check-ins on Sundays. Choose from numerous buildings, including:

Carriage House – This is a charming house that was renovated on season 3 of their show Fixer Upper. It was originally constructed in the 1980s. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen area.

Magnolia House – Located 20 minutes outside of Waco, families can stay at the Magnolia House and enjoy a large property that sleeps eight people. 

Hillcrest Estate – This freshly renovated home comfortably sleeps 12 people. Its old-fashioned charm can send you back in time. 

Hillcrest Cottage – This property is ideal for a single-family (typically two people). It includes a bedroom, bathroom, an office nook, and a private back patio. 

Hotel 1928 – Coming soon, Hotel 1928 will offer 33 guest rooms, alongside a restaurant, a rooftop terrace, a retail shop, and 6,600 square feet of event space. Each room is bound to offer the luxury and craftsmanship the Gaines are known for.

Events at Magnolia 

If you plan to visit Magnolia Farms, check out the events page on their website. You’ll find all kinds of exciting events, from the annual “Silobration” and “Christmas at the Silos” to book signings and tours of the silo grounds.

Conclusion

This article covers just some of the many amazing details that make up the magic of Magnolia Farms. This truly unique place is quite an experience, especially if you’re a fan of the Gaines, their HGTV show, or good food and nice people. Consider visiting next time you’re in Texas or the Waco area.