My Magnolia Story. A visit to Waco, TX the home of Fixer Upper.

Over the past 2 weeks my family traveled across the country to visit the national parks of New Mexico including Carlsbad Caverns, and White Sands National Monument. On the way home we drove through Texas and since the drive to Waco was only 15 minutes longer than to Dallas why not stop at Magnolia? Never mind the 90 minutes we added to the next day.

The stop at Magnolia Table and Magnolia Market actually allowed us to bring home a lot more than much of the trip provided. Maybe it was because it was our last stop, maybe because we literally listened to Chip or Jo all the way home via two audio books, maybe it was because other people could relate to our experience so far from home via TV more so than the national parks. Either way I wanted to share what I learned in Waco.

In my experience as a customer at Magnolia Table, Silos Baking Co., and Magnolia Market, the businesses are all managed very well for a true customer experience. Parking was free, and transportation from the lots was free too, unless you tried to park at one of the churches a block away, they were charging $10.  We parked close enough to walk but when it's 90+ degrees getting to the bakery via the free transportation is nice so you can spend your money there at the venue. 

Upon arriving at the bakery, although a long line there were tents to stand under and that was nice but a fan would have been extra nice, be prepared to be very warm in mid-Texas during the summer months.  We were just stopping in Waco it wasn't a destination per se so it would have been easy to skip some experiences upon seeing the lines but in actuality it was worth the 20-minute wait. 

You were given a card so you could prepare your order. You pay for your baked goods and your card is passed down the line for packing. The cashier chatted with us even though the line was long - it was quick but not rushed. She asked where we were from and was super kind while she wrapped our mugs. We received cute boxes for our cupcakes and you can eat on the patio like you see on the show. 

There are even photo ops. 

Around the market are food trucks, a space to hang out, play, sit, and clean restrooms. There is attention to detail and cute customer experiences including umbrellas to borrow for free for the sun or rain that you can return upon leaving. 

I would say the Magnolia shop was still difficult to navigate in some places with all the people even with the crowd control but very Disneyesque. If you've ever been to Disney World it is obvious they are trained to provide you, the guest, a positive experience and management has done a very good job of impressing that mood at Magnolia. Employees are kind and helpful. Chip and Jo provide a personal experience down to the card they include at checkout. 

We stayed at the Comfort Suites across the street from Magnolia Table and that was totally on accident but you can see a glimpse of our hotel in the episode. At Magnolia Table there was a similar experience at the coffee stand in the waiting area. I was asked where I was from, with an actual conversation to follow, and in the take away we held a conversation with the greeter. 

Everything was so cute down to the bottle of water. The restaurant had a really smart check in process and the area as seen on TV was really pleasant to wait in down to the area for kiddos to play. I caught a glimpse of a little girl and her dad playing with the block tower. There are even water stations and that's just one more attention to detail that left me impressed.

Although I spent more on my Take Away lunch than I would have at other places, the pimento cheese spread was awesome, and the idea that they didn't charge you for that water on the patio, or the parking, or the experience made it OK.  

I was really impressed with the experience and the details included in this short stop - I left really inspired. My husband and I (the kids had headphones for their own entertainment) listened to The Magnolia Story via our local library audio book and Capital Gaines via Audible on the ride home. I learned about how much I had in common with Jo like for instance, I too created carnivals for my sister's friends in my yard, had an invisible friend, and spent more time playing alone than seeking friends. While my husband laughed at the risky behaviors he could relate to with Chip. 

I think most of all after visiting Waco and listening to the books we left with an appreciation of positivism, looking at others' differences as gifts, and an extended appreciation for loyalty and hard work. 

My Magnolia Story.