[AND THE WINNER IS… Rebecca Maney! Watch your inbox for an email from me, Rebecca. Thanks to everyone for your comments! I loved hearing everyone’s bucket list items, and you’ve inspired me to add a few to my own list!]
Well, my Inspired by Life…and Fiction sisters convinced me: A visit to Magnolia country (made famous by Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines) in Waco, Texas needed to go on my bucket list! Becky shared about her Magnolia visit here. And Tammy told about hers here.
When Ken and I started planning a trip to Houston to visit our oldest son, Tarl, I looked at the map and discovered Waco was only a little jog in the road out of our way. And when Ken said he wanted to visit the Paluxy River in Glen Rose, Texas, it was a done deal because Waco is right on that route!
We found a little Airbnb in Hillsboro, Texas, near Waco that was perfect for continuing research on my Chandler Sisters Novels series, and off we went! Oh, we had such a wonderful time, and now I see what all the hype is about!
First stop, the Paluxy River near Glen Rose, Texas. Ken is a dinosaur fanatic, and he had a blast photographing the dinosaur tracks in the riverbed.
Breakfast the next morning was at the new Magnolia Table and not only was the food incredible and very reasonably priced, but we didn’t have to wait in line even a minute! (Maybe the rain had something to do with that?)
Okay, so my head got cut off, but you get the idea. By the time we were leaving there WAS a line and I didn’t want to hold it up with a retake!
From there we went to the bakery to pick up some treats to take to our son. (And okay, we had some time to kill so we might have gotten coffee and a treat to split.)
This is where we sat to wait for the Market to open. It was so pleasant and I just loved that we were literally sitting at the foot of a silo! (I’m a farm girl from way back, so these structures felt like home!)
Of course, we had to have our picture taken under the #MilestoMagnolia sign!
I guess my garage-sale habit has jaded me to retail prices. I thought the prices at the Market were a little on the steep side. Beautiful stuff, but I only bought a few things. Still, it was fun to browse and soak in all that creativity!
Honestly, my favorite thing in Waco was Harp Design Co., home of Clint Harp (of Fixer Upper and now, Wood Work fame). See those strings of birdies in the windows?
I bought some to hang in my office window. It’s my favorite purchase from Waco, and those birds make me smile every day!
Here’s a peek inside Harp Design Co.’s shop. Charming, and some smaller, lower-priced items that were right up my alley.
Of course, the whole reason for the trip was this guy! Tarl has lived in Houston for over a year now and this was our first time to finally see him on his turf! Loved seeing where he works, hanging out at his favorite coffee shops and BBQ joints, and meeting his sweet new puppy, Socks.
The weather was actually quite pleasant while we were there. We even got to watch Tarl play hockey. (And froze at the rink!) Sunday, after attending City Church with Tarl (they meet at the House of Blues in Houston), we headed for home and made the trip in a record 8.5 hours!
All in all, we couldn’t have enjoyed our time in Texas more! And I brought home a little something to share with one of you wonderful readers of Inspired by Life…and Fiction. Simply leave a comment on this blog post to enter, and tomorrow I’ll draw a winner for the hefty Magnolia Table Breakfast mug pictured above!
What destination is on your bucket list? Have you been able to check it off yet? I’d love to hear about it! Maybe I’ll find a new place to put on my list!
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What a wonderful column. I love how the Magnolia Market has really helped that part of Waco. I know they have really helped their community. Loved your pictures. I think I could spend the whole day there. Thanks for the chance for the cute coffee mug. Glad you had a good time and got to visit your son. ❤️😊
I loved reading about Harp Design Store. I didn’t know they had a retail location. Thanks for sharing about your trip!
I too had a wonderful time visiting Waco with my mother. We did lots of shopping and eating. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
My husband and I would like to travel to Hawaii someday. I would like to see the Arizona memorial.
Magnolia country is a beautiful place. I´ m glad that you were there 🙂
I wanted to visit one impressive palace – Kačina, which was built in Empire style – many years. And in the end, I was there a week ago. The sun was shining and everything was perfect 🙂
There is a big library , which holds more than 40,000 books! How wonderful place!
And then, when I came home, I started to read – Edenbrooke written by Julianne Donaldson – so romantic and cheerful novel which takes place in The Regency Period 🙂
Tarl has eyes that reminded me of his grandpa Max’s 😊 I’ve been wanting to go to Kenya and to Jerusalem! Both for different reasons. Thank you for sharing!
I really enjoyed your trip to Waco and the Magnolia market. I live on the east coast in Va. and I’m not sure I will ever get all the way down there, so it’s fun to “visit” through seeing all your pictures.
I have never traveled in the western part of the country, but always wanted to see the Grand Canyon. About ten years ago, my sister and I finally flew out and joined up with a bus tour group to see it and were also able to see Bryce Canyon and, Zion National Park, and Lake Powell too!
I’d love to win that Magnolia Market mug, coffee’s my thing, thanks for the giveaway! God bless you and your writing!
Our grandson is a Junior at Baylor…..right across the way from “Magnolia”. HOping to visit him before he graduates and visit Magnolia too! It looks like a place I’d love and I always love being with our grandson!!
Ermetta
Love this post—what a special trip!
There are several places in the U.S. I would like to visit. The Grand Canyon, Gulf Shores & The Biltmore Estates. Internationally, I would enjoy visiting New Zealand, several locations on the European mainland & Scotland.
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Your trip sounded fun especially the visit to see your son! My next trip is to visit my mom in Arkansas. It’s a beautiful state and I can’t wait to see her! Your garage sale finds are always great! I usually just browse which is fun, too! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I’d love to go to Texas and visit Magnolia Market. I also have some cousins there I’d like to visit as well – two birds with one stone, so to speak. My husband’s and my bucket list has a visit to Alaska pretty high up there, though.
I have actually always wanted to visit Texas. And I am a huge fan of Fixer Upper, but I love the Dallas Cowboys even more!
I should put Houston on my bucket list. My brother has lived near there for many years and we’ve never gone to visit. I’d probably have sticker shock too at the Market as I’m a thrift shop kind of gal. Thanks for sharing about your trip.
Sounds like you have a great time in Texas. Exploring Magnolia country would have been on my list too. Big fan of Fixer Upper and love Chip and Joanna. Imagine eating breakfast at Magnolia Table was not only delicious but fun as well.
Your trip sounds delightful! Thank you for sharing. Our bucket list trip…driving to Alaska! We are leaving June 2 cannot wait. Preparation for the trip has begun and seems we might be taking everything but the kitchen sink! I know we will have a great time.
Your trip to Texas looked (through photos) and sounded (through your description) like a fascinating adventure! One of the places I’ve not yet traveled but would like to is Scotland since I have Scottish ancestry. I’d also like to visit the Scandinavian countries.
I hope you’ll visit Houston and Tarl again since that is where I live as well. God bless!
On my bucket list to visit is Charleston South Carolina..I love all of the history there. I also would love to visit England,Scotland and Ireland, as I am part Scottish-Irish.
I’ve always wanted to go to Niagara Falls and Prince Edward Island. Sadly I haven’t made it to either place yet.
They are both beautiful. We went to PEI five years ago, saw the Anne of Green Gables house and would love to go back.
Oh what a fun trip! I hate that you were so close and I didn’t see you!
I have still never been to Magnolia even though it’s just up the road from me. My daughter and I want to go but it just hasn’t worked out yet. And we refuse to go on a Saturday! LOL
The mug is adorable!
Wonderful to take this trip with you! I’m hoping to go to Waco and see all those sights some day too.
I’ve been dreaming of Hawaii since I was in fourth grade! Maybe one day…
I am dying to go to Waco! I love all things Fixer Upper ans especially Clint and his stuff. My hubby and I are trying to plan a trip this August for our anniversary(our 10th!)
Being from Texas, I love to hear everyone’s stories and reactions to some of fun places to visit! Glad you had a great time!
I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in Texas, Deb! I had fun looking at all your photos. 🙂
Love traveling-vicariously with you! Assuming you BOUGHT and brought the Magnolia mug. Ha. Kidding, of course. Don’t enter me in the drawing…my cupboard is full of mugs of my own!Thanks for sharing your trip.
Israel, and then a castle tour of Europe and the Czech Republic are at the top of my list! And any time I can revisit the Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky is definitely ok by me – what an awe-inspiring place!
We are soooo far from Magnolia (WA state), but I’d love to visit some day. When it’s not hot and humid! (When would that be?). Sounds like you had a perfect visit! 🙂
What a wonderful trip for you and Ken and Tarl: something for everyone! I had to smile at the picture of Tarl playing hockey. I know they were doing a practice session, but at first glance I thought (briefly) is Tarl scared of getting hit be a hockey puck so he’s hiding behind the goal? But of course he’s not in goalie gear, and anyway, that had to be a great trip. Waco happens to be on MY bucket list!
My mom and I have been wanting to take a road trip to Waco…but unfortunately, it looks like it’s going to be awhile until that comes true. My grandpa lives in Texas so I was hoping when we visit him this summer, we would be able to take a “side trip” to Waco, but it’s still over a six-hour drive and we don’t have enough time to do so. Texas sure is a huge state! 🙂
Oh what a great trip! Sounds so fun. I plan to visit the Holocaust Museum in DC.
I have so many places on my bucket list! The top ones are: Magnolia, the Pioneer Women’s Merchantile, and the Grand Canyon.
I have been very fortunate to have traveled a lot inside the US and out, but the places I really want to go to are Washington D.C. and Budapest, Hungary. I want to experience the history in Washington D.C. and the museums and architecture in Budapest.
How wonderful! My friend bought me a lovely journal from there when she visited. I love your office space and the garland is perfect. My favorite places that I’ve been have been The Lake District, Cumbria, England, we also stopped in Paris, and I’d love to visit all the beautiful cathedrals again with my mom & sister. Recently, my favorite was Prince Edward Island, Canada with my husband. I highly recommend P.E.I, so much beauty, L.M. Montgomery love, and it’s small enough to not feel overwhelming. I’d love to go back to England and spend time more in the south, Cornwall, and Jane Austen area.I’d love to visit Oxford, one day also, as we couldn’t fit that in. Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and The Netherlands all intrigued me as well. Ha. 😉 There are many place in the USA, I’d love to go also, Gladys Taber’s home, Stillmeadow, in Connecticut, and I loved to see Almonzo and Laura’s last home, I believe in Missouri ? someday. Thanks for sharing your Silo visit. Amy
I would like to go to Italy.
There are so many things on my bucket list, I would need a LOT of space to write them all down. So many interesting things to see in Waco that I just have to go there. I have enjoyed Fixer Upper and watching all the amazing changes Chip & Joanna have made in their community and Clint Harp’s designs are beautiful! It amazes me to watch someone take a simple block of wood and turn it into something fabulous. I know y’all had a great time!
It would be a treat to return to Scotland & to Scandinavia again. I loved my previous visits & just can’t get enough. In the meantime, enjoying a large Magnolia mug of java could tide me over 🙂
Deborah I’m so glad you shared your adventure with us. If I’m watching HGTV it’s their show. I’ll miss them but definitely on my list of places to visit.
PS I did get to visit Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke, Va. which is the inspiration for “Salvage Dawgs” which I think originally was on HGTV but now on the sister channel DIY. I brought home windows!
I enjoy reading your blog and your garage sale trips. You are so real and open it is a pleasure to read your positive comments.
Your blog is great. I certainly enjoyed visiting Texas with y’all. I’ve never been to Texas, but always wanted to go.
I enjoyed reading about your trip!! It looks like a fun place to visit. My husband and I are planning a trip, hopefully this summer, along Lake Erie in Ohio to Marblehead Lighthouse. I love lighthouses and am hoping to see several on the drive.
My whole family is from Texas and I’m a military brat that settled in VA. Love your posts! I think of TX and **deep sigh** I’m glad you enjoyed your time!
I would love to visit Waco but most of all I want to go to Niagara Falls!
on my bucket list are Hawaii,Alaska and Ireland.
I want to go to San Juan and hope to go this fall.
I would like to visit Mackinac Island, MI. And lots of other places.
I can’t wait to read your new series! For my bucket list, I had wanted to go to Maine since I was in grade school. I finally got to go last summer for my 60th birthday. Now I want to go back.
Greece! I’ve always dreamed of going, it looks like one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
Magnolia Table was on my bucket list until my family and friends took me there for my 30th birthday/Easter camping trip ❤️
It’s funny you mention a “bucket list”. I’ve just been dreaming of making one & Waco will definitely be on that list! Love the Gaines family! My grandson is a dinosaur fanatic & would love to see those tracks as well! Glad you enjoyed your trip!
So many places on my bucket list! Erik and I were just talking about it yesterday. But we did get to Waco last Christmas and next year is our 10th anniversary trip to Ireland 🙂
I’d like to visit Hawaii, Alaska, & Maine…and I want to experience riding in a dog sled! 🙂 And ride a jet ski! 🙂
Hi Deb, Thanks for taking me on your trip to Waco (vicariously)! I’d love to go there and see those places someday too. I’d also love to go to Italy, Scotland, Ireland, and take a river cruise in Europe that goes past castles.
P.S.
I also collect mugs!
Sounds like a great trip. Loved your photos!
I would like to visit the Pacific northwest.
I loved hearing about your trip. It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I have never been to Texas and would love to go to Waco. Also would love to see the Grand Canyon. Maybe when we retire?
Waco is on the list, but for some time now a friend and I have wanted to visit the plantation homes that your fellow blogger and author, Tamera Alexander, has written about around Nashville.
I would love to visit Prince Edward Island.Growing up watching Anne of Green Gables planted of love for that beautiful place.
I would love to visit Ireland. I had no idea Clint Harp had a cute little shop you could visit. How fun. THANKS for sharing and the contest opportunity.
We’ll have to put Magnolia Market on our travel list. In the meantime we are headed off to see the National Oarks if Northern California with some friends of years past. Thanks for sharing your travels.
Loved reading about your trip! I’d like to go to Waco too! My favorite place I’ve been was Oregon! I traveled from top to bottom and back in 5 days! Crater Lake is gorgeous!! And the coast there is awesome!
I guess the bucket list place I’m most near visiting is Waco. I’ll be in Austin for my grandson’s high school graduation next week along with relatives from Ohio, Florida south Alabama and Tennessee. “The girls” in the group have a trip planned to Waco. I love your bird string and someone mentioned a journal from a trip there. I’ve put both things on my list of items to look for.
My husband is planning a secret trip in July for us. I love Chip & Jo so I’m hoping this may be our destination. If not, maybe someday! You’re lucky you were able to go. It looks absolutely beautiful!
Hawaii is on my bucket list. I haven’t been there yet, but hopefully I’ll make it some day.
Hi Deb, my bucket list includes attending the Ridgecrest Writers Conference in NC and another spot is Alberta, Canada Banff and points near those mountains. I loved all your pics of your Waco/Houston trip. I’ve never been to Waco, but have been to Dallas numerous times and Houston once.
How fun! And you probably passed right by me here in Austin! 🙂
I will probably never get a chance to visit Waco but I sure have enjoyed watching “Fixer Upper” my favorite TV show. There is just a down to earth feeling about Chip & Joanna and their family. GOD BLESS this Family…
It looks like you had a really fun trip! I have so many places I want to see that it would probably end up being a trip around the world!😀
I’ve been to Waco several times (oldest daughter is a Baylor Bear) and I love going to the Silos. I actually had the opportunity to go to the original Magnolia shop on Bosque and really do enjoy just being in the atmosphere-so creative and joyful.
I love to travel so I have a couple of bucket list destinations which include Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Alaska. 😁 Thanks for sharing your fun trip to a Magnolia-I’ll have to check out Clint’s place next time we’re in Waco!
I would love to go to Armenia to meet and visit my new found cousins! We haven’t known for over 50 years where they were. It’s the country of my grandfather. He saw his family massacred. They is a lot more to the story but, it’s to long to go into on here. We have met our new cousins through Skype and FB.
This post was really fun! Thanks for the good time in Texas!
Maybe we will have to make a Magnolia stop as well.
What a wonderful trip! Waco is definitely on my bucket list, too. I’ve never been to Texas. Thanks for sharing your memories with us. So glad you had a great time and got to hang out with your son, too.
The Magnolia Silos are on my bucket list. A group from our church went and came back with so many great things to say about the adventure. I missed going there and also the trip to the Ark Adventure in Kentucky because I had surgery on my leg to remove skin cancer
Oh I loved this post!! Thanks for sharing the pictures!! I always wanted to visit there!!
All my traveling is now vicarious, and even my bucket list, but I enjoy others’ travel to bucket list destinations. Thank you.
Enjoyed reading about your visit to Waco. Still wanting to visit there as it’s fairly close by, but in the past 1 1/2 years, I’ve had to have a replacement knee replaced and then fell in the shower several months later and shattered my shoulder. So obviously, I wasn’t up to doing much adventuring for a while. Friends have been there and enjoyed it, so hope I’ll make it there too; hopefully soon.
I’d like to visit Texas someday and maybe explore that cool store the Harp Design Co. too!It seems like a fun and cozy place to shop for decor for my home.
One of my bucket list items was to stay ON the ocean (or as close to it as I could get) and for two years we did that on my birthday weekend. Hope we can go again. Thanks for the giveaway. I’d love to visit Texas, but realistically can’t see it happening.
The Silos and Magnolia Table are on my list, along with Ree Drummond’s The Merc! Both are places I want to experience one of these days!!
Since my wife and I live only about an hour from Waco, it’s amazing that we haven’t done this before, but we finally made the trip. It was before Magnolia Table opened, so we’ll have to go back. (Corsicana Bakery has a nice store in Waco that serves a pretty good lunch, too). Glad you enjoyed it.
Sounds like you had a fun trip! I have been fortunate enough to have traveled (thru the military) to Germany, Thailand, Okinawa, Korea and The Philippines. I would love to someday visit Australia!
I’ve been dreaming about taking a trip to Waco. Not sure when it’ll happen, but it’s going to one of these days!
What a delightful trip! It was fun to tag along vicariously…and see Magnolia and Harp Design. I haven’t been to Texas yet but my favorite spot in the Oregon Coast. That ocean just beckons me. For my bucket list…almost anywhere new is exciting. We love to explore new areas.
I have always wanted to visit Charleston, South Carolina. To see the beautiful old homes, plantations, and to visit the Historical sites.
My daughter just gave me the Magnolia cookbook for Mother’s Day. There are some wonderful looking recipes from the restaurant. I’d love to visit one day.
What a fun visit! Thanx for sharing with us! Glad you were able to see your son.
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I would love to go to the Magnolia Market in Waco one day and check out the B&B they own, too (or at least look at it from the outside, I’m pretty sure they get booked quickly and easily). But I’ve always wanted to travel to Europe: England, France, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Spain. The sights, the food, and the culture would make it an unforgettable experience.
AND THE WINNER IS… Rebecca Maney! Congratulations, Rebecca! And thanks to everyone for your comments! I loved hearing everyone’s bucket list items, and you’ve inspired me to add a few to my own list!
My husband and I are seriously considering a cruise or a trip to Hawaii next year. I would day HI is my bucket list trip.
I loved seeing your photos, Deborah, and hope to get to Waco and the Silos myself one of these days. Looks like it was a delightful trip and I’m glad you shared it with us! Thank you.
I loved seeing your photos, Deborah, and hope to make it to Waco and the Silos myself one day. Thank you for sharing your lovely trip with us!