Waco, Texas was my first visit and I had an amazing time at the Silos. Erin McDowell/Insider
I have been a long-time fan of "Fixer Upper", starring Chip Gaines and Joanna Gaines on HGTV.
I visited their Silos and Magnolia Market in Waco Texas, Texas, in late October.
I fell in love the small-town atmosphere, market, and friendly townsfolk.
Since childhood, I have been a huge fan of "Fixer Upper" on HGTV. I always wanted to visit Waco, Texas where the show is filmed.
Standing in front of the Silos Erin McDowell/Insider
"Fixer Upper"'s premise is simple: Chip and Joanna Gaines, Waco residents, renovate old houses into dream homes.
Although Waco was long associated with the 1993 massacre of the Branch Davidians in Texas, "Fixer Upper," which premiered in 2013, has seen a dramatic image shift. Now, Waco is well-known for being the home of the show.
The Silos, which is where Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Home storefront is located, was opened in 2015 and has been an important source of tourism for the community ever since.
After a two-hour Greyhound bus ride from Austin, I arrived in Waco to be pleasantly surprised to find the Silos' annual Silobration in full swing.
Silobration sign at the Silos entrance. Erin McDowell/Insider
Locals that I spoke to said Silobration is often referred to by Silos as their "birthday party", and is held each year. However, it did not happen last year because of COVID-19.
Two Silos employees were friendly and quickly gave me a program. They directed me to the market, where there was a long line vendors set up in tents.
Silobration 2021 program. Erin McDowell/Insider
Silobration is free and open to all. It features Texas-based businesses and food trucks. There will also be live music on the main lawn.
As I walked up to the market, the number of businesses owned and operated by Chip Gaines was immediately apparent.
Magnolia Press, Waco Texas Erin McDowell/Insider
Magnolia Press, the couple’s coffee shop, serves classic brews and specialty drinks as well as delicious pastries. Magnolia Table, the couple’s sit-down restaurant a few miles away, offered me some delicious desserts.
Silos Baking Co. can also be found right next to the Silos entrance.
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Silos Baking Co. in Waco, Texas. Erin McDowell/Insider
The bakery was renovated in Season 4 of Fixer Upper and has the same rustic, clean design as other Magnolia businesses.
Visitors to Silobration seemed to find the bakery a very popular spot - there was a long line that stretched out from the front door to the side of the building.
Silos Baking Co. in Waco, Texas. Erin McDowell/Insider
Although I was unable to wait in line for too long, I can only imagine all the delicious treats that were available.
Rows of white tent-clad vendors lined the entrance to the Silos.
Silobration vendors lined up in tents. Erin McDowell/Insider
There were many shops that sold everything, from pet bandanas to ceramic dishes and mugs to home decor, including wide-brim hats.
A charming trailer was transformed into a plant shop.
Silobration plant seller. Erin McDowell/Insider
Although I didn't have the space to bring a plant with me to New York City, the charming display at Ferny's was definitely tempting.
I stopped by one of the booths selling jewelry to speak to Laura Ernst, founder Sunshine Tienda.
Sunshine Tienda founder Laura Ernst is an employee. Erin McDowell/Insider
Sunshine Tienda founder Laura Ernst said that it was "a big deal" to be a part of this year’s Silobration.
Ernst stated that they have been present at the Silos' spring celebrations in the past but this is their first Silobration, a business nearly seven years old.
"Even though the festival was cancelled last year due to pandemic, it's amazing to see so many people visit Silobration to buy from vendors like ourselves. She said that it's important for local businesses. "The people are so kind and it's definitely an exciting energy this year."
Finally, I reached the main entrance of the Silos.
Silobration sign at the Silos entrance. Erin McDowell/Insider
An ornate sign advertising Silobration was proudly displayed above the entrance, flanked with trendy pampasgrass floral arrangements.
A sign advertising a first look at Magnolia Market's holiday shop was right at the entrance.
Sign advertising Magnolia Market's holiday store at the Silos entrance. Erin McDowell/Insider
I was thrilled to see the holiday cheer that would be coming in the months ahead, even though it was the last weekend in October.
Magnolia Market, an apparel and home store, is one of the most popular attractions in the Silos.
Magnolia Market, Waco Texas Erin McDowell/Insider
The store's exterior featured the Magnolia logo, simple black light fixtures and Joanna Gaines design style.
At the entrance, a large display of pampas grass flowers and an inspirational quote greeted me.
Magnolia Market, Waco Texas Erin McDowell/Insider
It set me up immediately for the cozy autumn vibes that I was about experience in the store.
The store sold a variety of home goods, candles and floral arrangements as well as Gaines-approved merchandise.
Magnolia Market, Waco Texas Erin McDowell/Insider
This seemed like the ideal place to shop for holiday gifts, especially if you are a food lover or a fan of vintage-inspired home decor. After browsing for a while, I decided to skip the line and return the following day to purchase a couple gifts for my family and friends.
I walked out of Magnolia Market onto Magnolia Lawn, where many people were sitting or milling about.
The Silos' main lawn. Erin McDowell/Insider
The perfect autumn weather seemed to be a common theme for most people. Although it is still very hot in Texas at this time of the year, it was cooler than usual, which allowed people to wear fall clothes and enjoy their time outdoors.
As I looked up, I noticed the silos that gave the market its name.
The Silos of Waco, Texas. Erin McDowell/Insider
According to Waco History, the silos date back as far as 1950 when they were part of Valley Mills Cotton Oil Company. Over the years, the facility was in various hands before becoming completely vacant in 1990.
In 2014, the Gaines family purchased the property with plans to transform it into the shopping destination known as the Silos.
An advertisement was placed under the Silos to advertise the Silobration vendors and the forthcoming Christmas at the Silos event.
The Silos' main stage. Erin McDowell/Insider
I could not help but admire the Wacoans. Growing up in Connecticut, I didn't have any major events to bring people together.
This experience made me think of Stars Hollow, the small town in Gilmore Girls where fall and winter are constants and fun festivals are always going on.
Despite advertising the holiday event, fall was still very much in full swing.
The Silos has a decorative fall display. Erin McDowell/Insider
It can be hard for New Yorkers to feel the fall spirit when there are so many skyscrapers. Waco, a small Texas town, was refreshing. All the autumnal touches around the Silos were a delight.
Live bands and other musical acts were featured on the main stage.
The Silos' main stage. Erin McDowell/Insider
I stopped to listen to the music, and to enjoy the celebrations.
Next, I stopped at the Silos to see the rows of shops.
The Silos shops. Erin McDowell/Insider
Different shops sold everything, from apparel for children to household goods.
It was a surprise to me that I found a church with a historical appearance while I was walking through the Silos.
The church at Silos. Erin McDowell/Insider
According to Magnolia, the church was constructed in 1894. It is the oldest in Waco. It was restored recently and is now open as a nondenominational Church at the Silos for visitors to enjoy a peaceful moment.
The church was the perfect refuge from the bustle and celebrations of Silobration.
The church at Silos. Erin McDowell/Insider
Although I don't consider my self a religious person it was nice to go inside and have a break in one the old-looking pews.
I stopped by a local food truck for a last drink.
Silobration: Food trucks Erin McDowell/Insider
A variety of food trucks sold seafood, hot dogs and many other options.
Pop's was one of the food vendors at the event so I grabbed a lemonade.
Silobration's food truck offered lemonade. I bought one. Erin McDowell/Insider
After walking for hours around the event, the lemonade was a refreshing drink that I found sweet and yet perfectly sour.
A Ferris wheel was also visible in the distance.
Silobration's Ferris wheel Erin McDowell/Insider
Despite being closed for high winds the day I visited it, it was open again the next day.
Overall, my trip to the Silos was an amazing experience, especially as a fan and admirer of "Fixer Upper."
The Ferris wheel and Silos are distant views. Erin McDowell/Insider
It was a day I will never forget because of the many activities, shopping and friendly locals. It made me wonder why I chose to live in New York, a big, expensive city, when I feel so attracted to small-town living.
It was a great experience to be able to wander around New York City and to stop to talk with people and to visit a local bakery. However, it is not without its rustic charm.
Perhaps one day I will make the move to Waco. But for now, I plan on returning for a weekend getaway... maybe even during the holidays.
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