Let's Go to Waco! - Days 1 and 2

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Thursday is the day I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm reminiscing about a recent trip I took to Waco, Texas with a friend of mine.

Earlier this spring my friend Sherri and I ventured to Waco, Texas to soak in all things Magnolia.  We were both fans of Joanna and Chip Gaines and wanted to check out the empire they had built in Waco.  

We flew from St. Louis to Austin on Saturday morning, picked up a rental car, and started the hour-and-a-half trek to Waco.  Since the Magnolia hotel, Hotel 1928, was booked we opted to rent a unique VRBO instead.  The description was Coach's Quarters on the Creek - A Night in the Trees.

After settling in, we decided to grab dinner and cruise around town to get our bearings.  The spot we chose for dinner was Buzzard Billy's.  We got a plate full of shrimp cooked all kinds of ways and it was delicious!  Side note - when I checked the website to link it here, it seems the joint is permanently closed.  

 

After dinner, we drove through town to get our first views of the Silos, stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things and headed back to our treehouse.  We were planning on driving to Fletcher's on Sunday.  Fletcher's is the place Joanna frequently visits to gather items for their makeovers.  This side trip was added to our agenda after we realized the Silos are closed on Sunday.  

Sunday morning we woke up to quite the surprise!  It had rained quite a bit Saturday night and the two ways into our treehouse were flooded.  Our VRBO host sent us a message saying they were hoping to have the road open by mid-afternoon.  

We were only mildly disappointed that our Sunday plans were scrapped.  Our cabin had a lovely deck and a couple cozy chairs so we hung out there reading and talking.  It actually ended up being a great way to spend the day!

We took a nature walk mid morning to see if the water had receded any (it had not).  But the flowers were beautiful and it was nice just being outside.

As promised, by mid-afternoon the water had started to go down and they were able to get equipment in to move all the debris.  The whole neighborhood came out to watch the show, including us.  

Once the road was reopened, we were anxious to get into town for a late lunch.  It was Cinco de Mayo and we were ready for a margarita!  Hecho en Waco had just what we were looking for!

Waco is full of little shops to visit, so we spent Sunday afternoon wandering in and out of them, discovering unique finds and local treasures. The downtown area, with its charming boutiques and quirky stores, made for a perfect leisurely exploration. Each shop offered something different, from handcrafted jewelry and trendy clothing to artisanal home goods and antiques.

As we meandered through the streets, we stumbled upon a cozy joint where the sound of live music beckoned us inside. The intimate atmosphere and soulful tunes provided a delightful break from our shopping spree. We sat back, enjoyed the music, and soaked in the local vibe, appreciating the talents of Waco's musicians.

Our last stop of the day was the historic Hotel 1928, an elegant establishment that exudes classic charm and sophistication. Many of you may have followed Chip and Joanna's journey to renovate the space.  We were excited to have dinner at The Brassiere, the hotel's renowned restaurant. Before heading into the dining room, we took some time to explore the rest of the hotel.

The grand lobby, with its vintage decor and luxurious furnishings, transported us back in time. We admired the intricate details of the architecture and the carefully curated art pieces that adorned the walls. Walking through the hallways, we could feel the history and stories that the hotel held within its walls.

If you're a fan of the book Lone Dove by Larry McMurty, you will be able to see his typewriter in the library of the hotel.  

Dinner at The Brassiere was the perfect way to cap off our day. The restaurant's warm ambiance and delectable menu added to our dining experience.  The burger and fries were calling my name!

After dinner, we made our way back to the treehouse.  We were excited to explore The Silos the following morning!  I'll be blogging about that soon.

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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