Pilgrim in Waco
A pilgrimage to Waco. Checking off a long-time bucket list item, like the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, grateful and thankful for the opportunity to see it.
Magnolia Silos in Waco, TX with vintage green truck in the foreground
The Longing
For years, I wondered how Joanna Gaines would transform our simple country home. With shiplap, molding, tile, flooring... What would she see in us? Our life? With all of life's treasures... gathered.
Like a home design oracle reading us, just as much as the home that supports our day to day. Mourning the change to come yet cheering Chip on as he goes into destruction mode. Wondering what kind of peace and tranquility they would bestow on us. A dream kitchen for a girl who loves to feed her family and friends... or a cozy nook to read books in? Or both?
But I wasn't in the market for a makeover. So I carried those dreams with me through life's seasons... Across the country, through transitions, through changes. Until standing here, in Waco, we finally arrived at the place I'd only seen on screen.
The Pilgrimage
I lived for the dad jokes Chip would drop, only to make Joanna smile. It made me happy to see their relationship and commitment to family remain untouched by fame or fortune—rare in this day and age and something to aspire to. That is what has endeared them to me for so long.
We watched them not only breathe new life into a well-loved home... But also impart messages of family, hope, and being connected to history.
It's been nice to see them grow—with their gorgeous magazine, the massive Waco complex, the acclaimed restaurant. I still remember the episode of her and Chip sitting on the ledge discussing the silos possible future! I saw the same excitement in them when watching their newest show with their Colorado cabin, a personal venture and departure from the Waco based show. So exciting to see their family grow and evolve as the years pass by!
I could barely contain my excitement as we headed toward Waco. How could I not pay homage to the home of Dr. Pepper—a twenty-three-flavor masterpiece! Not sure about you but I LOVE Dr. Pepper everything! I’ve indulged in a few more than usual since coming to Texas…they seem to taste even better down here. Is that a thing? Jelly Bellys, Peeps, Tic Tacs! I cannot get enough! Having given up most commercial sodas years ago without ever looking back, Dr. Pepper is one I have not been able to shake…or the occasional root beer, sarsaparilla, and birch beer. I’m a Pepper, He’s a Pepper, She’s a Pepper, We’re a Pepper…wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too! Be a Pepper, drink Dr. Pepper! Apologies, I digress...
Dr. Pepper
We got to Waco just after noon and went right to the Magnolia Complex. As the silos came into sight, the excitement was palpable! The size of those one-hundred-twenty-foot silos looming in the background cast a large shadow! Once holding cotton seed oil and cotton seed products for the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Mill built in 1950, now sitting empty but projecting a beautiful skyline in the heart of the city—like a beacon for travelers to sit in its shade and visit for a while. We couldn't find a parking spot fast enough!
Magnolia Silos in the distance
The Details
Everyone has a story worth telling
I had watched videos on the development of their buildings. Including the newest revamp of the dried flower workshop. I'd trolled social sites relentlessly once it hit my "definitely visiting" list to see what people were finding at her Waco markets—having found comfort (and must haves) in her section of Target out in the wild. So excited to find that there were different items at Magnolia... I already had a short list of items I wanted... needed before pulling out of our driveway!
At last, walking toward it, sensing the grand scale of it all... Witnessing what they do best: breathing new life into an old grain mill. That will continue to remind and inspire generations that great endings come from humble beginnings—and it's not necessary to tear down old buildings to do that.
I started taking photos of the silos, the different market shops, the food trucks, the courtyard. If it was standing still, I was photographing it! Vignettes waiting like Easter eggs for your eyes to land on.
magnolia shops
Her attention to detail was apparent. You could feel the love and care that went into each project as you walked around. The little church, absolutely stunning in its perfect simplicity. Many of her other buildings with treasures enough to catch your breath but also leaving room to breathe.
Little Church at Magnolia in Waco, TX
Acknowledging the trek that visitors make to Magnolia in two ways... They have a photo booth that gives you two copies, one to leave on the wall and one to take home as a reminder of your trip—and a guestbook... a grateful nod to the journey that each and every guest makes. Goes back to the humility of the Gaines' family. A true appreciation of their fan base.
Shopping + Kitchen Treasures
Wandering through the shops, I was trying to take it all in and mentally calculating how much I could fit into our already packed car. Trying to picture any tiny void I could fill with treasures from Magnolia for our new apartment.
We believe in home sign at Magnolia
Paper flowers , weck jars and housewares
I found what I was looking for at one of the buildings—a set of beautiful vintage-inspired measuring cups in blush... There was a beautiful green one but I can't resist a pretty pink! I cannot wait to bake with it!
An aluminum dry measure cup stamped with measurements on the side—like one my grandmother used, sans the small dings and dents from years of use. Hopefully this will capture some of those same memories.
I also found some Weck jars—for those of you un-initiated, German canning jars that are used for far more than canning! I love them for jam making, trifling, baking, displaying... so many uses. Beautiful yet practical. Because every good kitchen needs a candy counter.
Blush glass liquid measure cups and aluminum dry measure cup
Dinner + Ice Cream
Locking in my treasures and gently tucking them into the tiny spaces remaining in our car... We made our way to dinner.
We stopped at Pivovar in Waco—a Czech brewery with authentic heart. They had a beautiful display of Egermann glass—Czech blown crystal, each piece glowing.
We started with a sourdough pretzel, warm from the oven. Beer cheese. Beer mustard. A Czech Spritz to sip alongside it. For the main, we had pork shank and schnitzel. All so delicious and it felt like we were back in Eastern Europe... another one of life's surprises.
Sourdough pretzel with mustard and beer cheese
That kind of meal—where food connects you to heritage, to memory, to places you've been. It's why I'm already planning trips back here. There were too many restaurants to try this time... I'd need several more trips to get the full experience!
brazos and drovers
Feeling the need to walk off some dinner, we stopped at the Branding the Brazos sculpture on the Brazos River in Downtown Waco.
Drovers. Large-scale bronze figures on horseback, paying homage to those that worked the lifestock.
Impressive to have such a massive outdoor exhibit on display that you could walk right up to.
Standing there, looking up at the riders... you could feel their massive presence and the history of the land beneath your feet.
This was the last major landmark on our pilgrimage before heading home for the night.
A reminder that some places exist just to remind us where we've been.
branding the brazos with entry to bridge
Bridges over the Brazos River
To cap off the evening, we stopped at Heritage Creamery. Brown butter pecan and coffee ice cream. A sweet ending to the day.
Morning Breakfast
Magnolia Table sign with Chip-ism
The next morning I jumped out of bed, knowing that breakfast delights awaited! Magnolia Table. Seeing the sign with a Chip dad bod joke—was the most authentic Magnolia welcome I could have asked for.
The biscuits—warm, flaky, golden at the edges. They came with a flight of butters on the side, savory and sweet (because heaven know I'm not sweet enough!). That was the beginning of what will become a study of biscuits in the Lone Star State.
Having spent a fair amount of time in the South—particularly Tennessee—I learned early that biscuits are serious business. As are tacos. As are BBQ.
And after one bite of these, I knew Texas had its own biscuit masterclass to teach me. We truly enjoyed every bite. One more chance to fill remaining nooks and crannies in the car before heading out had me thinking about breakfast in our new apartment... two kinds of Texas honey and a bag of their pecan coffee. Not much says good morning more than that in the South!
Buc-ee's + Departure
One more stop left... The Disneyland of gas stations! Buc-ee's! #iykyk
There are so many things to love about Buc-ee's... I could go on for hours. The first time we went to one was in Kentucky on our way to Nashville. Haven't missed a chance to stop yet! They say the average person spends $100—not including the fill up!
The sight of that cute little beaver, beaver tails, jerky, brisket, Sweet Beaver Nuggets... just take all my money already!
Just in time for Buc-ee's beaverish pitch—and embrace of the 250th birthday of the United States—in the way it does best! Merch, merch, and more cute merch!
Buc ee’s 250th celebration of America shirt display
Let's talk about the signs to alert you HOURS ahead of the exit... hysterical!
Only 262 miles to Buc-ee’s…You can hold it!
Best pit stops on earth!
Potty like a rock star!
No games here; just thrones.
Our aim is to have clean restrooms, your aim will help!
In Arizona, the Arizona Department Of Transportation jumped on the wagon and posted signs saying, "Don't risk it for the brisket," in advance of Buc-ee's opening this year!
The sight of over a hundred gas pumps in a line is jaw-dropping. And a twenty-four-hour car wash makes it a treat for all involved! The lines in and out remind me of Radiator Springs with the cars and trucks bouncing in and out. Smiles all around!
Bucee’s car wash!
Finally satisfied after squeezing a few more conveniences and must-haves into the last few available inches... It was time to head to our new apartment in the city to see our home for the next year. Buckle up! Next stop, Austin!
Reflections
Some places we carry long before we arrive. Some journeys begin with a pilgrimage. Some dreams don't need to come true to be real.
This Waco stop was the last major milestone on our journey from Michigan to Texas. Still pinching myself that we made it here. A pilgrimage that led to a new beginning.
And a kitchen that's beckoning for me to cook in her...
Weck Jars with chocolate covered nuts, coffee beans, et al!
What are your favorite souvenirs when you go on a trip?
I'd love to hear it. Reach out to me at aevaura — and tell me what you always make room for!
Your stories, shared here, become part of the gathering.
~Miche,
in the meantime, I will be in the still
…gathering.
aevaura is time and presence.
Let's gather what endures.
