Waco used to be known for some unfortunate news in the 90s, but with Chip & Joanna Gaines’ HGTV show, Fixer Upper, it is now firmly a top tourist destination in Texas! It is also small enough to explore easily.
Only an hour & half from Dallas, it even works as a same day trip, but we recommend a one or two-night stay.
D & S have been here a few times between the ages of 6 & 9.
TRANSPORTATION:
Your trusty car. For road-trip snacks, be absolutely sure to stop in the town of West.
Our route: Dallas-West-Waco
STAY:
We stayed at the Aloft hotel. It’s brand new and around $100 for our room, and close to everything. The hotel did a great job with COVID precautions and cleaning. If you stay here, ask for a room that’s not street-facing, and also on one of the higher levels. The hotel also has a paid breakfast
EAT:
- Union Hall: This food hall is a must, especially if you like choices. We love a bit of everything. H & I love our spicy food, and the kids like pizza, so this works great. The variety of cuisines here is pretty good. Our favorite was Unshakeable Shakes. They serve up some beautifully created, delicious shakes.
- Tru Jamaica: We tried almost everything here from the curry goat to oxtail to jerk chicken, and all of them were delicious. 10/10 recommend.
- World Cup Cafe & Fair Trade Market: This socially conscious cafe offers great food, particularly breakfast, along with a variety of coffees. Check them out!
- Common Grounds: This is the most famous coffee shop here, due to its popularity among students & faculty of Baylor.
- Heritage Creamery: This cute ice-cream place is right next to Common Grounds and serves hand-crafted ice cream. Green & Gold-Cookies & Cream? Yes, please! Don’t miss the mural on their outside wall!
- Vitek’s BBQ is famous all over the state. You won’t be disappointed!
- Heritage Homestead: The cafe here is truly farm to table, from its meats & veggies to its bread & grains.
- Magnolia Table: If you’re a fan of the TV show, then make sure to reserve your spot here. While they only serve breakfast, brunch and lunch, you cannot go wrong with any of their items.
- The Catch: If you find yourself outside of the downtown area and craving some seafood, their shrimp & salmon dishes are delicious.
DO:
- Magnolia Market: This is the town’s biggest draw, and the popularity of the show has only gotten bigger, that they now have their own network that consists of the store, coffee shop, bakery, and tons of food trucks around the lawn. Tour buses start coming in at opening time, so try to get here well before that! Or better yet, come on a weekday. The lawn is great for kids to play in. The store is crowded, so if you are trying to stay distant from others, you may be out of luck :). Lines are always wrapped around the bakery too, so keep that in mind when getting there. Though the items at the store are NMS, I think every one will find something they like!
- Murals: There are TONS of pretty spots around the Magnolia Market area. Just drive around a few times, and they are impossible to miss. Especially the Ivy wall.
- Dr Pepper Museum: This place is pretty good fun! Not only do you learn about the process of making the soda, but you can even make your own! Also grab a souvenir, drink a float or just enjoy their ice-cream! This is a must in Waco. https://drpeppermuseum.com/plan-your-visit/
- Cameron Park and Zoo: Whether you choose to visit the zoo or not, Cameron Park still offers plenty for the family. Walk around the lake, stopping by each animal sculpture, and then climb Jacob’s Ladder which leads to a play area for kids.
- Mammoth National Monument: This is one of the iconic attractions to visit in Waco. It is truly incredible to see the remains of the woolly mammoths that once roamed the area. The tour could be a bit of a drag, but you will miss the details without it.
- Mayborn Museum: Located on the campus of Baylor U, it’s a great place to learn more about the area from prehistoric times to the present. Don’t miss the whale and mammoth skulls. Admission includes the Historic village with it’s wood-framed buildings. Kids will love the mini trains with all of its interesting characters.
- Texas Ranger Museum: Good for a quick stop after a visit to the Dr. Pepper museum.
- Heritage Homestead: Unique farming community! Kids will enjoy the gristmill to see flour being made. Shop at the store, and stay to eat at their cafe.
- Spice Village: You can’t leave Waco without souvenirs! The name sounds misleading, but this collection of boutique vendors has plenty of interesting things from clothes to books to magnets.
- Lake Waco and Wetlands: Though a little bit further from downtown Waco, explore the wetlands on it’s trails on take a boat ride in the waters. House boats can be rented for a very memorable stay!
- Suspension bridge: Another iconic spot near Cameron Park that is worth a stop.
NOTES:
Stop at West to load up on some kolaches and other pastries.
- Czech Stop is iconic but Slovacek’s is also great, and I prefer the latter because of the clean restrooms
- Collin Street Bakery for their fruitcake
- Branch Davidian Memorial Park. We didn’t go here, but this incident is what put Waco on the map for me. So I would like to visit someday when my kids feel comfortable knowing the story too.
