Magnolia Market- Is it Worth a Special Visit? 5 Things You Should Consider

I just returned from Waco, Texas and if you are a Fixer Upper fan, you know all about a little store called Magnolia Market. It's actually not all that little, it's really more of a compound. Most locals know The Silos quite well. It's hard to miss them. They are this huge structure smack in the middle of the city.  In the past year, they have been breathed new life into them by Chip and Joanna Gaines and as a fan, we all know that everything that this couple touches turns to gold. The Magnolia Market and now adjoining Magnolia bakery {still super confused on what the name of this bakery is...could be Silos Baking Co. could be Magnolia Flour, not really sure.} both located on the Silos property are no exception. But if you aren't going to Waco to visit your Baylor student like I am, is it worth making a special visit to the Silos? You might be surprised by my answer.

Last year, a contest was started called #milestomagnolia. Magnolia recognized that there were people making special plans to visit Waco just because of Magnolia Market and Silos and it's become a must-see travel destination for Fixer Upper's biggest fans. 

You can even stand underneath the metal #milestomagnolia sign on the grounds and snap your picture. In the most genius marketing move ever, you can add your hashtag and picture to your social media account along with all the countless others.  In case you were wondering, it's 2,140 #milestomagnolia for me, but I have a different reason for visiting. My son is currently a freshman at Baylor University and I must say that while we were aware of the university prior to him applying there as a senior in high school, the show did help educate me a bit and opened my eyes up to the school so that I started researching it a bit more and found that it would be a great fit for my son. My first visit to Magnolia Market and the Silos was in January of this year. I wrote 5 things you should know before you visit and I did allude to the fact that if you find yourself in Waco, Texas {perhaps on a college tour like we were originally}, then you should stop. However, is it worth a special trip to visit Waco, Texas just to shop at Magnolia Market? 

 I've had a few people ask, and I'm happy to give you my opinion.

My short answer is no.

Every detail of Magnolia Market is beautiful. Chip and Joanna have a style that is consistent and it can be felt throughout the Market and into the bakery and around The Silos.  

The Market has displays that are constantly changing and I did notice some new stock around the shop on this visit. 

The downstairs area now has a huge space devoted to Chip {Chip's Corner}, something that wasn't there on our last visit.

I took picture after picture and had lots of Instagram worthy shots on my short visit into the Market. However, being from more than 2,000 miles away, I couldn't justify planning a girls trip to Waco, Texas just to visit the store. 

If you live within a two hour drive, and are a Fixer Upper fan, yes, I would totally recommend making a stop in the store. 

I will absolutely make a stop into the Market every.single.time I find myself in Waco visiting my son at college, but if you asked me if you should make a special trip to go to Waco for the sole purpose of visiting the store, I would say no, and here's why.

1. You can find nearly everything in Magnolia Market at your local boutique home store

I have a few small locally owned shops in my area that carry similar items to those that you would find in the market. The farmhouse style is very popular right now {thanks in part to Joanna Gaines} and many of the items associated with that style are items you can find locally. No need to make a special trip.

2. Those items exclusive to the shop can be purchased on-line

Magnolia Market has a great website. Some of the items that I see people swooning over in store, like the metal signs made by Jimmy Don, can be ordered on-line. I perused the website looking for anything I didn't find in the store and the only thing I didn't see for sale on-line that was for sale in the store were fairy garden supplies. 

The Seed & Supply store out back on the Silos property had a huge selection of reasonably priced, fairy garden making materials. However, I am fairly certain if that's your thing, you can find nearly the exact same items at your local Hobby Lobby. 

3. You can find the same items cheaper elsewhere

As with any boutique-type home store, the prices were a little bit higher than I was willing to pay. I'm not one to fork over $26 for a t-shirt and the signature Magnolia wreath's are $95. In fact, I shopped around at other places in Waco {stay tuned for other must stop shops in case you do find yourself in town} and found similar items for a fraction of the price. I picked up a handmade script frame sign for $35 {a similar framed sign would have cost me upwards of $125 at the shop} and their signature cotton stems were tagged at $13. I picked a few up for $8 each at another town store instead.

4. The sales are the same

Last time I was in the store in January, I was excited to find a lot of sale items. I picked up Christmas items that were 75% off and whole corner with letters of all shapes and sizes marked for 50% off. These were sales that couldn't be found on the website. I looked around the shop {I have a nose for locating sales} and all I found were 25% select jewelry items, the same sale you could find on the website.

5. You probably won't see Chip and Joanna

I've been in the store and in the bakery on three different occasions at three very different times of the day. Chip and Joanna have people. They aren't working the store themselves and you probably won't see them hanging out near the Silos. It doesn't mean that there isn't the possibility. They do live and work in the town, but the odds aren't really in your favor. I don't want to NOT tell you to make a stop into Magnolia Market. I actually really love the shop itself. I'm just adding in my two cents {take them for what they are worth!}, that in my opinion, it's not worth making a trip to Waco, Texas just to shop at Magnolia Market. 
HOWEVER, if you don't want to take my word for it, I'm putting together a local Waco shopping guide of stores {and food stops} I checked out and would encourage you to go to if you find yourself in the area. A little supplement to The Silos. I also have 5 things you should know before you visit. I will say, that I really think that the very best part about The Silos isn't what's inside the market, it's actually what's outside and located around the grounds. 

I love the large green lawn full of pick up games you can play with your friends and family, the fun food trucks dotting the perimeter and the swings and quaint seating areas you can find by the bakery and around the grass. This is what makes your trip to The Silos unique.  What do you think? Have you been to Magnolia Market or are you planning a trip? I would love to hear your thoughts.
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