Taking a small break from the insane hustle and bustle of typical college life and being a film major, my girlfriend and I drove to Magnolia Market in Waco, Texas, and enjoyed the slower pace, the rustic aesthetic, and the lovely atmosphere of the entire location. My girlfriend is a big fan of the Fixer Upper show, but I have to admit that I was unfamiliar with the source material, and thusly went to Waco not knowing really what to expect. I have to say, not only was I pleasantly surprised, but I’m so happy that I went.

Getting around is incredibly easy as a free trolley will get you all around down Waco, with friendly bus drivers and a consistently friendly tone throughout. I saw plenty of people give up their seats for the elderly or for young children without hesitation, and I’ve never seen so many people strike up pleasant conversation without provocation or unease.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Waco’s aesthetic. Although it was definitely small and quiet compared to San Antonio and Austin, I can’t say that I didn’t prefer it. While I will always enjoy going through a busy downtown area, bustling with diversity, it was nice and refreshing to get a Texas, hometown sorta feel from a smaller city.

We ended our time in Waco with some shopping at both the Magnolia Bakery, and within the silos themselves. I was impressed with how clean and accessible this region was, and how much I really vibed everything that was on sale. Ironically, while most people are drawn to Magnolia Markets because of their love of Fixer Upper, I became drawn to the show after realizing how much I really appreciated the aesthetic they pulled off.

Personally, I think the Magnolia Market is the perfect vacation destination. There’s just enough fellow fans at the location to make it feel like you’re sight-seeing, but few enough people in general to give you a truly small town and homey feel. The city is lovely, the area is safe, clean, and welcoming, the food is yummy, the people are kind, basically everything you’d hope and expect out of Texas wrapped into one experience. Ironically, while we were visiting, Chip and Joanna announced that next season of the show would be the last one, and although this bummed many out, I was impressed that this homely and genuine couple were able to capture so many hearts. I can’t recommend the Magnolia Market enough if you’re looking for some good, clean, cheap fun around good ol’ Texas.