Top 5 Things to do in Waco, Texas

When I visit Waco, Texas, or when people ask me what to do, these are the places I always recommend that they stop at. I won't miss them on my visits, so they are the ones I always tell people they shouldn't miss either. I'll go out of my way to plan my visit to Waco around these 5 best things to do in Waco, Texas.

I love Waco. I visit as often as I can. My oldest son calls Waco home as he studies at Baylor University. It's been fun to see this city grow and change the past few years and on every visit, there is something new and different that I discover.  
This post dives in a bit deeper on how to plan the perfect trip to Waco, Texas {how to get there, where to stay, what to plan before you go}, but I know some of you want something more direct. That's what this post will give you. 
These are the five stops I won't miss when I visit. I'll plan my time around it and make sure I hit them all before I leave. If you are a friend visiting Waco, and it seems there are more and more of you, these are the stops I will tell you to hit. So like any good friend, I'm sharing my secrets. Here you go.

The 5 Places You Shouldn't Miss on a Visit to Waco, Texas

1. Magnolia Market

This is a given right? I probably don't even have to say this, but I will and as a bonus, I'm including Magnolia Bakery, the Magnolia Warehouse shop, and Magnolia Table in there too. You won't want to miss any of them on your stop into town. Here are some blog posts highlighting some tips you need to know before you go.

Here are 5 things you need to know before you visit Magnolia Market

This is a list of the things that I buy or shop for when I visit Magnolia Market {and one thing I won't buy again!}

Everything you need to know about shopping at the Magnolia Warehouse

2. Common Grounds

Stop at the original Common Grounds shop on the outskirts of the Baylor University campus on 8th Street. Order my favorite, an iced no bull, or go rogue and enjoy your drink inside the quirky coffee shop or out back in the beautiful backyard space. 

3. Heritage Creamery

If you or the kids want a treat after coffee, drop into Heritage Creamery just next door to Common Grounds. You can get a pretty amazing scoop of ice cream and enjoy people watching without going far. 

4. Spice Village

I always stop into the Spice Village market on my visits to Waco and you should too. It's a fun shopping experience with more than 60 boutique shops. You can find many similar products like you will find at other local shops, I find, often at a more discounted price.
Some of the things I look for when shopping are jewelry, handmade farmhouse decor and local Waco made items. This is the first shop in Waco that carried some of the iconic t-shirts Joanna Gaines is known for wearing on her hit show Fixer Upper.

5. Baked Bliss

This is one of the most hole in the wall bakeries in all of Waco I think and the hours are screwy but it's well worth hunting down this place and buying all of what they have. Before Magnolia had its own bakery, Joanna Gaines used to order the Baked Bliss Cinnamon Buns for her guests that stayed at her Bed and Breakfast locations. 
The raspberry crumble bars are the best thing I've ever put in my mouth and I may have bought a whole tray. They freeze well, so I left a few for my college kid and brought a few home for my family. They appreciated these more than the Magnolia Bakery cupcakes.

BONUS TIP
If you have a few hours, I'd highly recommend taking Waco Tours if this is your first stop into Waco, Texas. You'll actually stop at a few of my highlighted stops above and drive past the others so you'll have a general idea of where to go after your tour.

Waco Tours is owned and operated by personal friends of Chip and Joanna Gaines. They may seem familiar because they also have both had homes redone and featured on Fixer Upper episodes. 
If you hang around Magnolia Market you'll probably run into David Ridley {far right in the picture below}. Remember him as Waco's most eligible bachelor? Not anymore! He's newly married but still showing all his new and old friends around Waco. He's one of the nicest guys you'll meet. If you see him, tell him I sent you and I say hello!

You can find out more information about Waco Tours in this post

Don't miss these 20 Instagram Worthy Walls when you visit Waco!

Looking for more places in Waco, Texas to visit? Here are 20 more of my favorite places you aren't going to want to miss!

Want to know what it was really like to be a client on Fixer Upper? 

What are your favorite Waco stops? I'm also anxious to discover new places around town.


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