A trip to Texas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to two iconic destinations: Waco’s Magnolia Silos and an Arlington Rangers game.

The Magnolia Silos are a testament to the vision and creativity of Chip and Joanna Gaines, who transformed a once-abandoned industrial site into a vibrant community gathering place. 

The Silos, located in the heart of downtown Waco, have become an iconic landmark, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the charm and warmth of the Gaines’ signature style. 

One of the most popular stops is the Silos Baking Co., a charming bakery where guests can indulge in freshly baked goods, including Joanna’s famous cupcakes. 

At the heart of the Magnolia Silos is the Magnolia Market, a carefully curated store offering a wide range of home goods that reflect Joanna Gaines’ signature blend of rustic elegance and modern farmhouse style. The Market is housed in a beautifully restored building that maintains much of its original industrial charm, with exposed brick, metal beams, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. 

Shoppers can find everything from furniture and kitchenware to decorative accents and unique gifts, all thoughtfully selected to inspire a sense of home. The Magnolia Market is a place where visitors can connect with the Gaines’ design philosophy and bring a piece of it into their own homes.

Beyond shopping, the Magnolia Silos offer a variety of experiences that make it a destination for the whole family.  Food trucks line the perimeter, offering a diverse selection of local and gourmet fare, from wood-fired pizza to sweet treats. 

 The grounds include a lush garden area where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of the thoughtfully landscaped spaces, complete with cozy seating areas and swings.  The Silos are designed to encourage visitors to linger, explore, and enjoy the simple pleasures of good food, beautiful surroundings, and time spent with loved ones.

Our next stop was the Waco Mammoth National Monument.  This monument is a fascinating paleontological site in Waco, Texas, where the remains of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths were discovered in 1978. This unique site, now protected and preserved as a national monument features a climate-controlled dig shelter that allows visitors to view the actual bones of these ancient creatures as they were found, providing a captivating glimpse into prehistoric life in what is now central Texas. In addition to the mammoth fossils, the Waco Mammoth National Monument offers educational exhibits and guided tours that delve into the history of the site and the ongoing research conducted by paleontologists. 

It was gas-up time in Texas and with the “Beast” rental we had to pick Buc-ee’s.  Sandy had never been in this establishment, so it was a treat!  Buc-ee’s is a Texas-based chain of convenience stores and gas stations known for its massive size, spotless restrooms, and extensive selection of snacks. With locations spread across Texas and beyond, Buc-ee’s has become a road trip destination in its own right, offering everything from freshly made barbecue to unique gifts and souvenirs. The store’s mascot, a friendly beaver, has become an iconic symbol of Texas hospitality and roadside convenience.

Finally for a quick dinner, we headed to Abuello’s – a 35-year fabulous food establishment where the bar food and drinks  were absolutely amazing.  From the chorizo queso and stuffed shrimp dish – oh, and did we mention the flan –  we were Texas sized full! 

Next, we headed to awards night at the Film Festival where my first breath took not only one but two awards.  Now THAT was a Texas sized surprise for Carl.  

Our last leg of the trip was a day of baseball, baby!!!  Yep, with the weather absolutely perfect on this Sunday, we headed to the Globe Life field where it was Baseball time in Texas with the Rangers as they played the Marlins.   As a first time Ranger, Karen received her very own button and Ranger Fan certificate!  We couldn’t have a better day to cheer on the Rangers to a win.  And did we mention the margaritas?  You can’t have a summer without baseball and you can’t go to Texas and not see a Ranger game.   

Yes, this trip to the Lone Star State was one for the books and one we will never forget.  Here’s to Destination Diaries and here’s to the Great State of Texas.  I think it is safe to say We will be back soon!    Stay tuned!