HYACINTHS FOR THE SOUL

Sunday, September 16, 2018

The Magnolia Vibe ~ Waco Road Trip

There is an iconic diner at the Circle in Waco, TX.

Originally known as The Elite Cafe, it has long been famous. Elvis Presley ate there when stationed at Ft. Hood in the 1950s, and generations of Waco residents and travelers along IH 35 have dined there since it opened in 1919.

When The Elite closed in 2016, Chip and Joanna Gaines

bought the property, renovated, and renamed it The Magnolia Table. Miz Checkers and I think the "Fixer Upper" team did a fantastic renovation, and kept the original character of this Waco icon. It is tastefully restored and extremely organized with abundant staff to handle the crowds that now flock to Waco to experience The Magnolia Vibe.

Groups like this! These ladies had traveled from the state of Illinois on a girls trip to stay in one of the Magnolia properties and experience the Magnolia Vibe.

I ordered the French Toast Breakfast, and as you can see I didn't leave any behind. OK, so I didn't eat it all! Miz Checkers is extremely handy for "doggie bags." It was just as tasty warmed up and enjoyed again in Austin.

Oh, and I might add, we found all the black and white details throughout the cafe to be as delicious as the food!

There is a small gift shop filled with speciality foods, cookbooks, and Magnolia brand mugs, aprons, and other goodies.

On the west side of Waco, on Bosque Blvd. we found the original Magnolia Market which opened in 2003. It is now used as a warehouse and "sales" shop.

The major draw and attraction is The Silos. In 2014, the Gaines purchased the two city blocks marked by two 1950s silos that were once part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company.

Here they created a shopping complex that features a little something for everyone: a large green lawn popular with families for fun and games, a beautiful Market for all things for the home, a garden and garden shop, a food truck park, and the Gaines signature bakery, The Silos Baking Co. Their goal was to create something more than just retail shopping. They wanted something fun and relaxing and unique for all who came to share the Magnolia experience.

Magnolia Market, the retail store, is housed in the original Grain Barn and filled with lovely things to purchase for the home. Inspirational vignettes are around every corner.

🐾 Magnolia Market is also dog friendly! 🐾 Just look at these sweet pups. The guy on the left wanted to follow me around and kept nudging my legs.

A delightful shopping experience! I doubt you will go home empty handed.

The Silos Baking Co. is the Gaines signature bakery. Filled with sweet treats, it is the perfect vibe to reflect Joanna's love of baking. With names like Shiplap, Nuts and Bolts, and Silobration, visitors are certain to fill a box to take for the road.