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A couple of weeks ago during Jonah’s spring break, we took a family road trip down to Waco for the annual Spring At The Silos event.  This was my very first time attending Spring At The Silos and I knew I couldn’t miss it this year, especially since it featured the release of Joanna Gaines’ new children’s book ‘We Are The Gardeners’. When I first heard of Joanna’s book launch in January, I bought my ticket right away and counted down the days until Spring At The Silos. After all, it was the garden at the Silos that inspired our family garden we started last year.

Spring At The Silos is an annual event in celebration of the arrival of spring, and features a free vendor fair, additional food trucks, and no shortage of florals! Vendors from across the country were featured at this year’s vendor fair. The artisans and craftsmen are handpicked to come share their art, wares, and products, and is the highlight of the event. Everything from jewelry and home decor to dresses and hats and more.

Spring Displays

As always, the visual team at Magnolia does an amazing job with the seasonal displays and their floral displays were some of my favorites I’ve seen.  There were spring flowers everywhere with a mix of fresh flowers and paper flowers that surrounded the grounds.

 

Garden

The garden team is just as amazing in planning and cultivating an inspiring landscape. The tulips and daffodils bloomed in time for the weekend festival setting the scene. Oh how I wish I could afford to have a dedicated garden team in my own garden who carefully and meticulously tend to the garden 24/7. For now, I’m totally content with my little helpers that tend to our veggie and flower beds, and John to do the dirty work! 🙂

The giant teepee in the garden is still one of my favorite features as kids love it was much as grownups do. A beautiful climbing vine wraps around the teepee covered in yellow flowers. I would love to  (have John) build a structure like this in our backyard.

SILOS LAWN

Despite the crowds which we were prepared for, the experience during Spring At The Silos is still refreshing and inspiring. To see the gardens come to life is truly one of the highlights. The kids also enjoyed hanging out on the lawn playing games. We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the lawn while people watching and taking it all in.

We Are The Gardeners Book Launch Event

While the kids played in the garden, I ventured off to grab my wristband and signed book before the evening’s launch event.  I’m so happy the staff distributed books early for those who could not stay for the actual book launch event in the evening, and there was NO LINE for early book pickups!  As we were leaving Spring At The Silos, there was already a huge line beginning to form for the book launch event immediately after.  Our kids are early sleepers and early risers, so any event past 7:00pm that includes long lines of waiting, plus a long drive home after would not have been fun.  Along with a signed book by Joanna Gaines, we were gifted a cute terra-cotta plant pot and a packet of carrot seeds – perfect to plant in our family garden!

After picking up my signed book, as if the day couldn’t get any better, I ran in to Joanna’s mom, Mrs. Stevens!  I introduced myself and asked to take a photo with her. She was so sweet and totally happy to stop and chat for a photo. Mrs. Stevens is known to regularly help out and work at Magnolia Market.

I can’t wait to dive into the book with the kids! I’ll be sharing my review on the book in a future gardening post so stay tuned!

Vendor Fair

On the way out, we stopped and visited with some of the vendors and checked out the additional food trucks. We were on the hunt for The Hyppo for quite some time as Jonah is my ice pop fanatic.

 

 

We couldn’t have asked for a more blessed day at our first Spring At The Silos. The weather was perfect to wear spring styles and for enjoying the outdoors. I definitely plan to return next spring and hopefully find some artisan treasures to bring home.

Outfit Details: Knit Duster: Wild Fable  Jumpsuit: ANewDay , Sandals  Blush (also comes in White), Hat:  Brixton

Tips for Your Visit:

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind for your visit:

  • Go early: We visited on a Thursday afternoon on the first day of the 4-day event. It was already super crowded for a weekday, but keep in mind, the event is also held during Spring Break.
  • Avoid Weekends: If you’re not a fan of big crowds and long lines, avoid Saturdays if you can.
  • Come hungry: Plan to buy from the food trucks and grab a spot at a picnic table or the lawn. Pack snacks and drinks for the kids!
  • Snap photos: There are so many beautiful photo opps throughout the grounds. Take your time and take it all in.
  • Parking: The parking lot cost $10 but if you drive around the blocks, you should be able to find several parking spots for free. There is also a free trolly if you have park further from the venue.
  • Research Vendors In Advance: This will give you a idea of what wares and products the vendors will be selling during Spring At The Silos.

 

Have you visited Spring At The Silos? I’d love to hear about your favorite vendors!

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

With my in-laws in town for the week and my mother-in-law being a huge Fixer Upper fan (who isn’t?!), it was the perfect opportunity to take a day trip to Waco to try the new Magnolia Table restaurant, then show them around at the Silos.

Recently opened this year, April 2018, the Gaines’ first restaurant, Magnolia Table combines Waco history with Chip and Joanna’s signature Magnolia touch.

Photo courtesy of Magnolia

Magnolia Table restaurant was once the Elite Cafe and the Gaines’ have renovated and restored the entire building while preserving so much of the rich architectural details, while seamlessly incorporating new and creative design elements and staying true to the building’s original features.

 

1. Have an Early Breakfast at Magnolia Table Restaurant.

Breakfast is the focus on Magnolia Table’s menu, and since the restaurant does not take reservations, consider dining early or on a weekday when there is a less likely chance you’ll get stuck in a long line.

The stars were aligned on our first visit to Magnolia Table restaurant, we arrived mid-morning on a Saturday, we found parking right away and there was no line! We still had to put our name down to receive a text when our table was ready, which we were told about an hour and half wait time.  Don’t let the wait time discourage you as there is so much to do while you wait for your table.  We hung out on the beautiful patio where you can order coffee/pastries/juice, take in all the gorgeous architectural details, and bonus points – there is a kids outdoor play area adjacent to the patio.

Convenient walk-up coffee bar on the patio. The Lavender Latte is a must!

 

The Patio with outdoor seating, a kids play area, and where you can order coffee, pastries, and get a head start on the restaurant menu while waiting for your table.

 

Beautiful and intentional exterior landscaping design

2. Expect excellent customer service by Magnolia Table Staff.

For the restaurant being open for only 6 months, the staff really has it down with customer service, restaurant flow, operations, etc. It was refreshing to be greeted and served by such friendly and welcoming folks working at Magnolia Table.

Outfit Details: Top:  Wild Fable | Mules: Nic + Zoe on sale!| Scarf: Missoni

3. Prepare to Enter Magnolia Biscuit Heaven

Even though biscuits are not a staple in my regular daily diet, I knew I had to try the country-style biscuits made with the recipe Joanna worked so hard for a year to perfect. They are definitely worth ordering! Joanna highly recommends pairing them with strawberry butter as an answer to a lot of life’s problems…YUM!

I ordered the Farm Breakfast which included one of Joanna’s biscuits, along with eggs, thick cut bacon, and hand rolled tater tots.

Farm Breakfast

My hubby got the Breakfast Tacos which is probably the best value on the menu – only $2.50 per taco and they are huge.

Breakfast Tacos

The kids portions are also the perfect amount for smaller appetites and feature breakfast staples such as eggs, sausage, bacon and pancakes with real maple syrup.

Kids Breakfast

4. The Restaurant Has a Rich History.

Magnolia Table has been renovated and was once Waco’s historic Elite Cafe.

“It had been a Waco icon for nearly 100 years,” Joanna said about the old cafe. “We couldn’t let a place with such a rich history be forgotten. I’m convinced that this place holds at least one memory for nearly everyone in Waco, Texas.” (via People magazine)

The building is a Historical Landmark.

 

5. Savor Homegrown Ingredients from Joanna’s own garden at Magnolia Farms.

Magnolia Table specializes in fresh, homegrown ingredients and good old fashioned homestyle cooking. There is something on their menu for everyone, including children, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free options.

Select produce used in dishes at Magnolia Table are grown locally at Joanna’s farm garden, and many of their eggs come from her chickens. The restaurant also partners with local vendors for menu staples such as grass fed hamburger patties.

 

6. You Can Skip the Lines and Still Enjoy Deliciousness.

There’s a takeaway area and market at Magnolia Table serving baked goods and a gift shop.

A few Magnolia Table favorites are available for take away. These items are already prepackaged and ready for you to take out. You can also order coffee and espresso, and purchase an assortment of gifts such as shirts, hats, mugs, olive oil and jams.

Another great design strategy to keep the crowds at bay – a designated take away area

7. Allow the Decor to Inspire your Decorating Schemes!

There are so many great decor ideas to get inspired from Magnolia Table’s interiors.

If you love modern farmhouse decor and the designs you see from Joanna Gaines on Fixer Upper, you’ll love the design here. Vaulted Ceilings, wood beams, black and white floor tiles, white subway tile, black trim, barn style lighting, huge windows which allow abundant natural light, simple clean lines, natural wood surfaces, fresh greenery, and vintage style accents.

The painted white brick is a gorgeous backdrop to compliment those beautiful white quartz countertops!

 

Original lobby floor tiles

Even the bathroom has inspiring details. Here’s a peek from my visit.

The prettiest casual restaurant bathroom you’ll ever take a bathroom selfie in – floor to ceiling subway tiles, black metal doors and details, black and white floor tiles – perfection!

 

Next Stop: Magnolia Market Silos, about 2.5 miles (a 6-minute drive from the restaurant)

 

After a fun breakfast experience, we headed to the Magnolia Market Silos to check out the new holiday installations. This was our second visit to the Silos and the seasonal design installations and changes are fun to see. Our first visit to Magnolia was in February this year before the restaurant opened, so this time felt like a new experience all over again.  Mom was equally excited as this was her first time to travel to Waco and experience all things Fixer Upper.

New Holiday Installation in the Market

We also got to see Santa at his first visit of the holiday season in the Garden at the Magnolia Seed & Supply.

Santa In The Garden, Magnolia Seed & Supply

 

Have you visited the new Magnolia Table restaurant? If so, what are your favorite items on the menu we need to try next time? Tell us in the comments!

jillivictorio@gmail.com /

My little family and I have lived in Texas for almost 6 months now! We still can’t believe it, but we’ve been making the most of our new lives here and embracing all the amazing opportunities and fun adventures that have come our way.

On my bucket of things to do, see, and try in Texas has been a trip to Magnolia Market and Silos in Waco. As most of my family and friends know, I’m a huge fan of the hit show Fixer Upper and all things Magnolia and Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their brand and vision is such an inspiration to me through their creativity, humility, kindness, and hospitality, not to mention Joanna makes everything beautiful!

Luckily for us, Waco is only an hour and a half away from Granbury. Why haven’t we gone sooner?! Now that the weather is no longer in extreme freezing temps or extreme scorching 100+ degree temps, and the madness of the holidays are over, we took advantage of a quiet leisurely weekend in February to visit Magnolia. Note: Magnolia is usually closed on Sundays. They hosted a private event this weekend to celebrate the spring issues of Darling Magazine and Magnolia Journal, and we had the opportunity to capture some photos of the exterior grounds, the vegetable gardens, and plaza features which are amazing and really the highlight of the entire venue.

Upon arriving, Joanna Gaines’ design presence is immediately felt. There are details that you can pin point and recall from specific episodes on Fixer Upper when they first started the Silos project in 2015/16 and the bakery addition in 2016 such as the wooden flower boxes outside the bakery windows.  The exterior building is a beautifully painted brick white with her signature black shutters, black window trim and black door. In an older Fixer Upper episode before they demo’d space which would become the bakery, Joanna said her vision for the bakery would have an old world charm feel to it, and she achieved just that.  The Silos is located in an industrial part of Waco taking up no more than a few blocks. I can see how crazy and packed this place can get on a typical Saturday, which I recommend to try to avoid if your schedule and situation allows. Coming here on a Sunday really allowed us to enjoy every design element and landscape feature of the space.

Black metal planters never looks so good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Magnolia Seed and Supply feature is beautiful as it is functional. It features raised garden beds that have been meticulously maintained.  One of my projects for the backyard this spring is to install similar raised garden beds to grow vegetables and herbs, and a little place for the kids to help grow and tend to their own veggies and fruits of their choice. I love the protective awnings that double as filters for the produce and protection from critters!

The main open pavilion space is dotted with adorable picnic tables and benches with stylish black and white stripe awnings. These awnings for shade are so needed during Texas’ harsh sun and heat in the summer and fall months. They look great year round and also come in handy if it rains. I love how the Magnolia team installed faux grass or turf on one side to accommodate lawn games or folks that just want to relax on a blanket and have a picnic and people watch.  I also love the contrast of keeping the other half of the grounds raw with gravel.

My favorite feature has to be all the magnolia trees that have been planted along the sidewalks of Magnolia Market and Silos. There are also a cluster of magnolia trees strategically planted against a trellis wall that serves as a backdrop, perfect for those instagram shots! The grounds are going to look even more gorgeous in the spring when all those magnolia trees bloom! We can’t wait to go back.

The boys also had fun wandering the grounds.

 

Obligatory bakery photo

 

A funny story I shared on my Instagram post:  a couple eagerly approached us and said they saw us from the road, pulled over to try to get an autograph thinking I was Joanna Gaines. I literally lol’d, thanked them and apologized to have disappointment as I wasn’t THE Joanna Gaines.  I don’t think we look anything alike but I’ll take a Joanna Gaines reference any day! Haha. Our styles may be similar, we have long dark hair, and our ethnic backgrounds are of Asian decent, but that’s about it.

 

It was a great visit and provided a backdrop for inspiration.  We can’t wait to return when the flowers are in bloom and when their new restaurant Magnolia Table opens!

While in Waco, we also took some fun photos in front of the floral wall mural by Tyler Kay, then ended with a picnic at Cameron park and let the boys play and run off their energy at the playground.

 

Tips for visiting Magnolia Market and Waco:

  • Come early! Arriving before opening is ideal, or even on a Sunday when it’s closed to the public if you want to take some great landscape photos without people in the way.
  • Start at the bakery and visit the rest of the market and silos after.
  • On busier days, you can park your car and take the free trolley that drops you off at the front entrance.
  • Save money by packing a picnic lunch or some snacks to enjoy in the pavilion.
  • Enjoy the little details that makes the space so beautiful and charming.
  • Visit during the different seasons as the landscape and gardens will look different throughout the year.
  • Take lots of photos and have fun!

What are some of your favorite things to do or places to check out while in Waco?