We went Waco to see the creations that Chip and Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper have made to this city and surrounding area. We love that show! Chip is such a goofball that he kinda reminds me of someone who I know very personally. Not gonna say for fear of incriminating myself.
It was very interesting seeing all that they accomplished in five seasons. Drove by some of the houses that they have fixed up – houses that they say “We take the worst houses in the best neighborhoods” and remodel them. After driving through these neighborhoods and seeing their houses I’m not sure I saw many of the nice neighborhoods we saw in Waco. The area seems depressed so I’m sure glad that they do their work and that HGTV picked up their show to generate a lot of interest in the Waco area.
Keenan is a big fan of the show as well (how could he not be living in our house for many years?) so he drove over from Houston to stay with us for the weekend as we explored Waco. We started out by heading to the Silos, twin silo towers that the Gaines’ purchased and fixed up as a showplace for their Magnolia store and bakery.
They also added an amazing garden area with a courtyard surrounded by food trucks including their own, Magnolia Table. Great area and families come here to eat, listen to music and play lawn games. Really a nice area that they developed.
We took the trolley over to their Magnolia Table restaurant and put our names in – a two-hour wait. After taking these pictures we decided not to wait for the food, instead heading back over to the Silos and picking a food truck.
Picked the Club Sandwich food truck and had bowl of goodness. Outstanding!
That night we tried the Twisted Root Burger Co. for some burgers and beers. Really good burgers that reminded me of the former Tom & Eddies back home in Lincolnshire. Headed over to a Baylor bar called Trojan Cork & Keg for a few cocktails. I’m getting a little old for the college bar scene but Keenan seemed to enjoy it although he probably wished he wasn’t there with the folks.
Another place we went to dinner was called Taste – by Kissing Tree Vineyards. The food was pretty good but we did not like the Texas wines. I guess we have more of a California palate now…
We also went into the Dr. Pepper museum. Apparently, Waco is home to the original 10 2 4 drink. Interesting to see all the brands that Dr. Pepper now owns. Brands like Squirt, Vernors, RC Cola, Diet Rite, Orangina, Sun Drop, Nehi, IBC Root Beer, Hires Root Beer, and Snapple. Who knew? I didn’t!
After driving around looking at the Gaines’ houses we ended up back at the Silo area and stopped in to see Jimmy Don Metalworks, the metal fabricator used on Fixer Upper. We bought a nice metal (of course) sign that hangs in the Busse Bus and states: “Home is wherever I am with you”. Perfect for the coach! We actually met Jimmy Don and he signed our plaque.
We also went over to Harp Design Co. the woodworking company that Joanna uses as well.
Didn’t buy anything here as Clint was not in the house.
For Sunday brunch we headed to the Raleigh restaurant located in the Hippodrome Theatre downtown Waco. Unique experience and food. We had to order an extra plate which is a tradition in the Jerger household, just to try one more dish. Later that day, Keenan had to head back home because he is a working stiff – poor Keenan!
Kat and I loaded up Bear to take him on a hike at Cameron Park. The park aligns with the Brazos river and includes the overlooking bluffs. Real pretty hike through the woods. Bear thoroughly enjoyed getting out. We were able to take some pictures on the drive back that are part of Waco history:
The artwork commemorates the old cattle drives crossing the river Brazos on the first suspension bridge built in Texas. A women’s rodeo team was getting their picture taken on the bridge at the same time – so bonus us for our timing!
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