I just got back from a weekend idyll to Waco, Texas. Idyll and Waco may seem diametrically opposed but, nay, nay! Scott and I went in 2016, stalking Chip and Joanna Gaines, their show Fixer Upper and everything Silos. We had a great time and saw all of Waco at the time. But the little mid-Texas burb is a now bustling mini-opolis. And I can attest first hand to it’s rising star on the bougie map of places you want to visit.

Granted, when traveling in the company of son Adam and his partner Corey, you are in some rarified air indeed. But this weekend was no-stone-left-unturned as we explored every nook and cranny of Waco drinking, dining, and shopping (at least the Silo version.)

We got off to an amazing start at the offices of Magnolia, home of the Chip and Joanna Gaines business (I hesitate to call it an empire, but, hey, you and I know that retail, dining, hotel and a castle spell empire of a sort.) Adam is the Director of Marketing, and their offices are in the middle of Waco in a beautiful sprawling building that once housed the Waco newspaper.

When we walked in, we were greeted with a welcome of epic proportions that I know was intended for Adam, but made me feel like Joanna herself. I got the tour (sorry, not open to the public) which included offices, a beautiful library, coffee bar, and the test kitchen, as well as where they select and create Magnolia merchandise. It’s pretty heady stuff and I was incredibly impressed.

Next we thought to have drinks on the terrace at 1928, the hotel Chip and Joanna renovated. It is absolutely beautiful and so authentic to the Deco era. But our plans were derailed by the Texas weather when an unexplained hurricane hit Waco, and the temperature dropped to 40 below. I had worn a sleeveless shell under a lightweight jacket and enjoying a teeth-chattering drenching on the terrace was not happening.

So we opted for the Red Herring, an equally beautiful restaurant with a stunning bar and a cocktail appropriately named (for me) Paperback Romance. I had two.

Dinner followed at Pignetti’s where we dined on delicious Italian in ambiance that rivals anywhere in Dallas. Turns out Adam and Corey love an appetizer, and I was stuffed full of fried risotto balls before I even ordered the spaghetti and meatballs, half of which ended up in my hotel fridge.

We waddled back to the car and I slept like the dead in the gorgeous AC Hotel Marriott Waco, which is just a couple of blocks from The Silos.

The next morning, we let Corey sleep in and Adam and I went to tour The Castle (Corey and Adam toured it a few weeks earlier with Corey’;s parents, Cindy and Jim.) What a fun experience! I had watched the renovation on TV so it was like meeting a celebrity to see what Chip and Jo had done up close and personal. I highly recommend the tour, but book in advance as it fills up fast. All proceeds go to a local charity, so it’s also for a good cause.

I got to see the guys’ apartment in Waco. It is quite lovely, with their signature art and accessories. They still have their apartment here and split their time. Their cat, Sheila, seems unaffected by the peripatetic lifestyle.

Then it was on to lunch at Milo’s, a very trendy place with delicious breakfast and lunch options. After more deviled eggs with brisket jam and mini sliders, I ordered migas and finished most of it.

We walked off lunch at The Silos. The Gaines have created a destination shopping spot which includes the original Market and bakery, plus a green space, garden, myriad food trucks, a Home store, the Press coffee shop, and a quaint arrangement of little shops on a village square that feature everything from florals to men’s items (courtesy of Chip.) If you’re a fan of Fixer Upper, you will recognize Jimmy Don’s metalworks store across the street.

Quite a few dollars later, I was dropped back off at the hotel for a two-hour nap and then it was time to bundle up for dinner at Magnolia Table. This was one of the many highlights of my trip and I was not disappointed. The renovated diner is lovely inside, with impeccable service and delicious food, homestyle, as you might expect. We enjoyed yet more deviled eggs, these with bacon jam, and tiny biscuit bites. Then I ordered the renowned fried chicken and mashed potatoes, half of which came home with me. They offer breakfast and lunch Monday-Saturday and dinner Thurs-Sat, so be aware. And reserve early as The Table is a hard one to get. I felt very special.

I checked out of the hotel Sunday morning, lost my house keys in the parking garage, met the boys at the Brazos Landing for more incredible food–fried pickle chips and mozzarella with bacon jam (it’s now a food group.) Then a fried shrimp platter, in which I swapped the fries for sautéed veg. Yeah, too little, too late, I know. Damage done!

I tooled my way back to Dallas on a full stomach, with a stash of decorative goodies, a couple of Christmas presents, and a heart full of love for Waco, Magnolia, and my boys.

Someone at the hotel found my keys.

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