Winter Getaway - WACO, TX / THE MAGNOLIA SILOS

We chose an Airbnb that looked close to downtown so we could eliminate trying to park our RV van.  Bill wished it were a bit closer - it was about a 1.5 mile walk to the Silos, but we made it through the construction and the very uneven sidewalks.  We stopped at the Bakery for a cinnamon bun and an oatmeal creme "pie" (vanilla creme filling between 2 oatmeal cookies).  Delish.  I, of course, wandered a bit longer in the Magnolia store while he checked out the condition of the rustic silos, the proposed plans for future additions, the garden shop and the food truck vendors who parked around the perimeter of the current property.  Overall it was fun to be in this unique place because we had been fans so long, but we are not shoppers...unless there is a bargain.  No bargains at the Silos!  I searched high and low for something small with their logo, and finally settled on a journal with "Magnolia" written across the bottom. 

This couple was propelled into stardom so quickly that I am sure they didn't comprehend all that would happen. What started as a dream to improve their community has turned into an empire.  I feel sorry that they cannot come and go easily into their own established businesses.  I questioned one server at the Magnolia Press Coffee House about how all of the details and decor remain consistent with Jo's original intent if she doesn't stop by.  He said they have a Vision Team that checks each location to make sure the quality is maintained.  Our Airbnb host told us that the Gaines family belong to their church, but are not able to attend anymore because of security issues.  The price of being a celebrity is high....my prayer for this couple is that God would keep their family intact and healthy.

 



In our Waco side trips we also found the largest selection of the Watt Ware that I collect in the antique store that Jo frequents. I was compelled to buy one small bowl to add to my collection, as it added an additional state to the many that I have gathered from (MI, IN, PA, CO, TX).  In this spot, the lovely lady who rang me up explained that they haven't seen the Gaines in a while because they have to close the store while she is here, somewhat for the noise level if taping is being done, but also because of the crowds who want photo shoots with them.

We again listened to the locals and had a bowl of homemade soup at Fox's, a well kept secret near the Antique store; as well as visiting George's, a Waco fixture near the Baylor campus.

 

My first chicken fried steak.