1.Magnolia Market at the Silos
Fans of the HGTV show «Fixer Upper» flock to this destination shopping district, where they can immerse themselves in a collection of boutiques showcasing housewares, gifts, garden supplies and apparel curated by the show’s design darlings, Chip and Joanna Gaines. The couple’s empire also features Silos Baking Co., a cafe specializing in cupcakes and lemonade that helps keep patrons fueled throughout their shopping spree.
The more than 2-acre site, which includes an outdoor stage and a half-dozen food trucks, also serves as the backdrop for a variety of community events such as live music performances and a farmers market. Visitors applaud the area for being both charming and family-friendly, thanks to an expansive lawn where kids of all ages can play a game of tag or cornhole while parents rest at a shady picnic table. The historic silos, formerly part of a cotton oil mill facility, anchor the complex and add photogenic interest.
2.Waco Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk
Take a stroll or bike ride along the Waco Riverwalk, a 7-mile paved path that hugs the bank of the Brazos River and connects several city parks in downtown Waco. You’ll pass under several bridges along the river, including the historic Waco Suspension Bridge, constructed in 1870 by the same company that built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Today this pedestrian-only landmark hosts many community events and festivals. Bronze sculptures commemorating the Chisolm Trail – a popular route for cattle drives following the Civil War – can be found around the bridge, as part of the highly photographed «Branding the Brazos» project. Travelers say the iconic structure is usually a nice place to visit at night when the lights are on, though they caution that current construction has closed off the bridge and limited access to the area. The Waco Suspension Bridge was closed for renovations at the time of publication. It is scheduled to reopen later in 2022. The Hilton Waco hotel is located across the street from Indian Spring Park, which anchors the west side of the bridge.
