Waco, Texas: Perfect Road Trip for Fixer Upper Fans    

If your family is ready to get out of town and have a fun road trip, chances are good that Waco, Texas, belongs on your list of potential destinations. This is especially true for fans of the one-time HGTV hit show, Fixer Upper. Waco has another big plus in its favor… it won’t take you long to get there. At 290 miles from Oklahoma City, Waco is typically around a four-and-a-half-hour drive from most Ideal Homes and Neighborhoods. It's especially a perfect trip for those of you who love modern farmhouse homes. All Things Magnolia A five-season (2013 – 2018) phenomenally popular show, Fixer Upper centered around the Magnolia Homes remodeling and design business owned and operated in Waco by Chip and Joanna Gaines. The Gaines became famous for turning dilapidated houses with great potential into showcases and being delightfully funny and quirky (here’s looking at you, Chip) all the while. Fixer Upper and Magnolia Homes is responsible for making Waco a destination spot for thousands of fans. The best way to become familiar with all things the town has to offer may well be Waco Tours. Started by two couples whose homes were renovated on the show, this company has made a business out of showing all the hidden gems the town has to offer, including many of the renovated homes highlighted in the show. Over the past four years they’ve given either their Classic Tours (by van), River Cruise Tours or Private Tours to over 50,000 tourists and locals. Magnolia Market at the Silos, a brain-child of Joanna Gaines and created and owned by the Gaines family, features shopping, games, a garden, and the Magnolia Table, a breakfast and lunch eatery. Commonly called Magnolia Market, the entire market encompasses two city blocks in downtown Waco and is marked by two 120’ tall silos that were built by the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company in 1950. For those hoping to immerse themselves in the Magnolia experience, there are three vacation rentals in the general Waco area available. The renovation of two of these locations was featured on Fixer Upper. More than Magnolia As all-encompassing as the Magnolia experience has become in Waco, the town does have even more outdoor fun to offer. The Brazos Bluff Ranch offers horseback riding for ages six and up on a scenic ranch that overlooks the Brazos River valley and has trails through both woods and pasture. You can stay at the ranch in their fully equipped, ranch-style lodging. Open until 5 p.m., seven days a week, Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, rests on 52 acres adjacent to the Brazos River. Lush native vegetation surrounds splashing waterfalls, a picturesque lake and ponds. If your family enjoys hiking, biking or running together, you’ll want to head to Cotton Belt Trail. Located atop an old rail line along Highway 85, this 2.5 mile trail crosses the South Bosque River. It’s known for being well kept and away from busy streets. A list of what Trip Advisor considers the Top 21 outdoor activities in Waco, Texas, can be found HERE.