It’s no secret that Chip and Joanna Gaines have transformed Waco with their skills and talents. It is estimated that 35,000 visitors each week come to Waco to experience what they’ve seen on TV. Their work is impressive, and it really is worth a stop in Waco to see the Silos, the Hotel 1928, and the Castle. (This article does not include any of the houses. Our understanding is that there is no list of address in order to respect the privacy of the owners.)
The Silos (601 Webster Ave., Waco TX 76706)
It’s adorable. It’s impressive. Knowing that it went from abandoned, overgrown property just a few years ago to what it is today is nothing short of amazing. The little houses that hold the shops are fun to poke through and find souvenirs and gifts. The big “Home” store has you contemplating your next seasonal decorations. Food carts keep you from getting too hungry while you’re shopping. The historical church is quaint and stunning. You know you’ll want one of those special cupcakes, so don’t even bother fighting it. Just get in line and do it.
A little heads up – if you are heading home from your Winter Texan destination during March and plan to stop by the Silos during their “Spring at the Silos” event, you’ll want to get there early and plan on parking a block or two away. It gets extremely busy. There is a nice guest drop-off area though if needed.
There is plenty to see without going on a tour, but guided tours are available. More information can be found here.
The Castle (3300 Austin Ave., Waco TX 76710)
Built in 1913, Cottonland Castle is a home that had been abandoned and neglected over the years. The outside of this beautifully remodeled home literally looks like a castle, imposing and dramatic and beautiful and intriguing enough that you may be enticed to pay for the tour to see the inside. You can find out more about the hours and cost here. Just be aware there is no elevator and tours climb up four flights of stairs.
Hotel 1928 (701 Washington Ave., Waco TX 76701)
Yes, there are many older buildings elsewhere in the country – but another nod to the vision of Chip and Joanna to take another run-down property and lovingly restore it. There is no cost to just go in and look. Or maybe you’d like to grab a bite to eat. You have the choice of three restaurants to choose from, along with a coffee stand.
Once you walk in, don’t hurry through. Look up, look down, look at the walls. There are SO many beautiful and interesting details. Nothing like the sterile institutional look of most buildings today. Check out the details of each area. Take a peek down the stairs into the phenomenal library. It almost looks like a speakeasy with the dark tones. It’s beautiful and comfortable and being surrounded by all those old books just feels like Heaven. A special touch is the desk with the old typewriter on it which is a tribute to author Larry McMurtry. All the books came from a bookstore he had owned in Archer, Texas. Joanna had told Chip she needed a bunch of books for the library, and he found out the bookstore was for sale and just bought the whole bookstore. What a great story!
Besides the Hotel 1928, you can also stay in one of the vacation homes they have available for rent. Find out more here.
Bonus: Chip and Joanna also own Magnolia Table, a small restaurant serving breakfast and lunch that they started long before the Fixer-Upper series. They state it is an 8-minute drive from The Silos and can be found at 2132 S. Valley Mills Drive in Waco.
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