MAGNOLIA, SWEET MAGNOLIA On our journey west we rolled into Waco where I made the trek to Magnolia and all things Chip & Joanna Gaines. A few years back I saw episodes of their home renovation show where they seek out a derelict structure and breathe new life into it, with the simple and popular farmhouse look found in many communities today.
My visit to Magnolia revealed that the Gaines’ had duplicated this effort in downtown Waco. By taking a well-worn part of the city they remade it into a mecca for their brand and fellow artisans. This includes furniture, accessories, gardening, a stationery & art shop, bakery, clothing, jewelry, an array of tasty food trucks and a fabulous coffee house where I found an amazing toasted marshmallow and vanilla latte…but I digress.
Yes, it was a shopping extravaganza where one could drop a chunk of change, but my biggest takeaway, while lunching on a tasty grilled cheese sandwich, was the absolute sense of community they created. From watching the local high school kids kicking a volleyball on the faux turf, to the charming Wiffle ball field, complete with a concession stand which harkened back to a simpler time for me, Magnolia was built both for the Waco community and those who make the journey to this area.
Bravo to the Gaines’ for the sense of community they created for the local residents and artisans with a balance in retail branding which ultimately incorporates an inviting place for all to gather.
Camp Dawg 