This post is sponsored by Baker Buick GMC Charleston. All opinions and experiences are 100% my own.
You all may have seen it on Instagram (and followed along in our shenanigans on stories), but we recently completed a road trip from Charleston, SC to Waco, Texas and y’all, it was a blast! This was our fourth time heading out to Texas and I highly recommend just taking a few days to take your time and see some of our beautiful states – there’s hidden gems every where you turn! The total trip for us was just under 20 hours total, but we split it up into 3 days heading there and 2 days back.
Day 1
Charleston, SC to Tuscaloosa, AL
This took us just over 8 hours on day 1, since traveling with 3 kids and a dog is not easy and we did have to make a few necessary pit stops to fuel up, stretch legs, and use the restroom. The first day was a breeze since we were riding comfortably in the new 2019 GMC Yukon XL from Baker Buick GMC Charleston.
Day 2
Tuscaloosa, AL to Tyler, TX
Our drive from Tuscaloosa to Tyler included us going through Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Another 8-ish hour day, but by the end of it, we finally made it to Texas! Tyler is the perfect spot to pull off when headed to Waco, since it’s only a two and a half hour drive. An easy one at that, just be careful of the drastically reduced speed limits in certain zones. We made that mistake last trip and it was not fun!
Day 3
Tyler, TX to Waco, TX
We woke up early and hit the road right away so we could enjoy our time in Waco and check into our Airbnb before all the craziness of the week began. So thankful for the GMC Yukon XL that Baker Buick GMC Charleston provided us to get to/from Waco. The navigation system was a dream and got us right where we needed to be each day. The spacious 3 rows kept our whole crew comfortable and the built in DVD system kept them occupied so we heard a little less of, “are we there yet?!”. I think it’s the first time we all really enjoyed the 18hr trip and it made setup at the vendor fair a little more tolerable since all of our things had a place instead of shoved in weird places like the glove box and side pockets. (Don’t ask, but one of our first trips to Waco included bummies being tossed in the most inconspicuous places. *insert eye roll*) Once setup was complete, we kicked our feet up and enjoyed a nice dinner at one of our favorite spots, Hecho en Waco. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out right behind the Silos!
SPRING AT THE SILOS
You know how there are things in life that everyone seems to obsess over and you wonder if all the hype is worth it… well, let me just say that everything at Magnolia lives up to the hype. It’s all just so gorgeous. The sweet tea is endless, the landscaping and surrounding garden is lush and beautiful, but more than any of that, my favorite part every time I go, are the people. Every one you meet is just so genuine, welcoming, down-to-earth and quickly become dear friends. The staff, fellow vendors, and even the Gaines’ themselves, make you feel like family. It never gets old and it’s easily become one of my favorite places to go when I’m not in Charleston, simply because of the kindness of the people. It really restores your faith in humanity and the whole atmosphere at Magnolia leaves you inspired and renewed in your dreams. Even the hot cocoa from the Bakery fed my soul – I always feel so lucky and blessed as we head home!
You can read more about our previous times spent at Magnolia both here and here – We’ve been coming here since 2017! Wow, time flies.
MAGNOLIA TABLE
It wouldn’t have been an official trip to Waco without an early morning breakfast at Magnolia Table. Doors open at 6am and you can pretty much guarantee a line to get in as soon as you get there. We got everyone up and out the door at 5:45am and a short 10 minute drive from our airbnb, we made it just after the opening. We still had to wait around 15-20mins for a table. Some line-up at 5am to make sure they have their chance at one of the first tables! Either way, in typical Magnolia fashion, everything is uber organized and your the line goes fairly quickly. They even have an outdoor cafe that you’re free to grab a coffee at while you wait. The surrounding outdoor terrace is absolutely beautiful, so it’s not necessarily a terrible view to kill some time.
The food was 1000% and one of the best breakfasts I had in a long, long time. I ordered the Lemon Blueberry Pancakes off of their Spring menu and the Prickly Pear Lemonade. There’s a Magnolia Table trailer on the grounds of Magnolia Market that serve some quick bites from the restaurant. My favorite are the Lemon Lavender Donut Holes and Jo’s Chicken Salad sandwich. Definitely both a must try when you’re there.
Can we go ahead and discuss the design of this place for a minute? I mean, of all the things Joanna Gaines has touched, I think Magnolia Table hits it out of the park for me. I’m in love with the Mediterranean-esque exterior and the classic black and white details meant to preserve as much of the original building as possible. Also, the bathrooms are impeccable and lend themselves to the perfect selfie – as proof by my attempt below. 😉
Woo, what a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We have the fondest memories from all of this time together spent going to Texas and yes, I’m happy to report, we all still like each other. 🙂 One thing that was really evident from our visit to Waco? The town has heart. It’s really so beautiful to see how much love Chip and Jo have poured into their community and how much Waco has been built up to support the influx of new people visiting. It’s just so inspiring and gives me all kinds of hopes and dreams on what’s possible here at home. Whether you’re planning a trip or it’s still hanging out on the bucket list, I love that they have a little slice of Magnolia out there for everyone to enjoy with their Hearth & Hand line at Target. I’ll share some of my picks from the latest collection below –
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