What it's like in Waco, Texas, Chip and Joanna Gaines' 'Fixer Upper' fairytale town bursting with rustic charm

Joey HaddenJan 30, 2021, 00:07 IST

In downtown Waco, "Fixer Upper" couple Chip and Joanna have created a haven for rustic charm.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Chip and Joanna Gaines' new show, "Fixer Upper: Welcome Home," premieres on January 29.
In 2019, I went to Waco, Texas, where the "Fixer Upper" duo opened Magnolia Marketplace.

As a former Texan, I know Waco as the small city that is half-way between Dallas and Austin, Texas.

Waco is a city in central Texas. Google Maps

But fans of the HGTV show "Fixer Upper" know it for its abandoned silos-turned-marketplace called Magnolia Marketplace.

The Silos in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I was one of those tourists in October 2019. While visiting Austin, Texas, I took a Flix Bus to Waco.

A Flix Bus at the south Waco stop. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Five bucks and two hours later, I was in "bear country."

A Baylor University sign and statue outside of a gas station in south Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took a Lyft from south Waco ...

An overpass in south Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... to the Silo District in Downtown Waco, a town square with food and shopping, all with a rustic theme.

A map of the Silo District. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Silo district has its own free trolley that stops all over downtown Waco, so shoppers can easily get from store to store.

The trolley is free. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I got on the trolley at Magnolia Marketplace at the Silos ...

Inside the trolley in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Insider

... and when I saw a sign that said both "candy" and "soda," I decided to get off the trolley at the next stop.

The Sweet Station in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Insider

The establishment was called the Sweet Station.

The Sweet Station is located at 425 South 8th Street in Waco, Texas. Joey Hadden/Insider

I came in for a soda. This is only about half of the selection of soda available at the Sweets Station.

So much soda. Joey Hadden/Insider

Overwhelmed by the choices, I went with the bubbly beverage I already knew was good.

The Sweet Station sold New York Seltzer vanilla cream soda. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I paid $2.17 for my refreshment and continued on my journey.

The cash register at the Sweet Station. Joey Hadden/Insider

When I walked outside, I noticed this little message on the side of the building.

On the side of the building, a mural reads "What a long, sweet trip it's been." Joey Hadden/Insider

Just across the street, a larger and more colorful mural defines Waco as "a city with a soul."

A mural in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Insider

The mural is behind the Findery - a home goods store that opened in 2015 and is featured on "Fixer Upper."

Although the paint has faded, it still says "Percy Medicine" across the top of the building. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Findery sells all things related to homes, including antique furniture.

A couch and some home decor at the Findery. Joey Hadden/Insider

Tourists from all over the world come to Waco to shop at the Findery for their homes.

The first floor at the Findery. Joey Hadden/Insider

But despite its global impact, the Findery is a family-owned business ...

The Findery sells shirts as well. Joey Hadden/Insider

... and it feels like one too. They even have recipes and suggestions next to some of their cooking products.

These are easy suggestions for Texas olive oils and vinegar. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After my trip to the Findery, I headed back to the Silos, which are just a block away.

A view of the back of the Silos. Joey Hadden/Insider

And that's when I realized the Silos were more than just a store.

The Silos in Waco, Texas. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Magnolia Market has a bakery, food trucks, and a stage.

A map of the marketplace. Joey Hadden/Insider

The marketplace seemed pretty busy for a Monday, even in pre-pandemic times.

Magnolia Marketplace on a Monday afternoon. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

They sold a lot of Magnolia souvenirs, like these mugs.

The mugs say "Magnolia" on them. Joey Hadden/Insider

Even on a Monday afternoon, there was a line at check-out.

The line on a Monday afternoon. Joey Hadden/Insider

After window shopping at Magnolia Market, I headed towards Silos Bakery, where the line was out the door.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Chip and Joanna's new coffee shop Magnolia Press was much easier to access, maybe because it's a block away from the Silos.

The inside of Magnolia Press. Joey Hadden/Insider

After my trip to the Silos, I explored more of downtown Waco, where many abandoned houses and buildings have renovation plans.

The abandoned building is the future home of the Art Center of Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The fixed-up homes are easy to spot in downtown Waco ...

A renovated house in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... especially because they're next to houses that look abandoned.

A house in downtown Waco with a sign the reads "This home is coming soon." Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Some homes had succulents out front in true Texas style.

A front porch in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My downtown stroll led me to another home goods store called Interior Glow ...

The exterior of Interior & Glow. Joey Hadden/Insider

... where I saw candles with pictures of Chip and Joanna from "Fixer Upper" on them.

The exterior of Interior & Glow. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I eventually reached the Dr. Pepper Museum, which has been a Waco staple since its opening in 1991. The admission is $10 for adults.

The front of the Dr. Pepper Museum. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The Dr. Pepper Museum is located in Waco because Dr. Pepper was created there.

The side of the Dr. Pepper Museum. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I ended my Waco journey in Austin Avenue District in downtown Waco.

Austin Avenue District in downtown Waco. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After a long day of walking, I stopped at Coffee Dichotomy and Spirits for a latte.

The outside of Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits in Austin Avenue District. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I wasn't too surprised to find that even this coffee shop had been fixed up.

The inside of Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I sat and sipped my lavender latte, which set me back $4.16 ...

A lavender latte at Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits is $4.16. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... and wandered up to the rooftop deck ...

The rooftop deck was on the second floor. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... where only one person was sitting on this Monday afternoon. It was a peaceful way to end my day in downtown Waco.

The rooftop deck at Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits. Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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