Whether it be tropical, snow-bound or full of worldly arts and culture, Southlake Style readers know how to vacation. And with DFW Airport so close to home, it's easy to understand how one could miss the evolution of a down-home destination happening right under our noses.
Grapevine High alum Chip Gaines married Joanna Stevens in Waco in 2003, and they’ve been pouring their hearts into the city ever since. The “Fixer Upper” stars first brought shiplap and Waco itself into the national spotlight beginning with their first season back in 2014.
A decade later, the couple have transformed not just homes, but the city itself into a destination for anyone looking for that Magnolia touch.
Documented during the first season of “Fixer Upper: The Hotel,” now streaming on Max, Chip and Joanna took on the renovation of a 53,000-square-foot property into a boutique hotel near their famous Magnolia Market. The new Hotel 1928 opened in late 2023 and has already garnered acclaim as one of the world’s top 100 best new hotels from “Travel + Leisure” magazine. Allow this amazingly updated former Shriners temple to act as a launching point for a punch list of weekend fun and relaxation worthy of Chip himself.
HOTEL 1928 IS ALL FIXED UP
The early 20th-century lodge originally designed by Herbert M. Green and Roy Ellsworth Lane, who also contributed to the city’s famed Alico building, was a sight with its square rooftop penthouse and distinctive brick and trim features that made it a downtown standout.
After decades of neglect, the building was in a state of disrepair. Chip and Joanna jumped in like they had so many homes before, not only to preserve the building’s history but to give it new life — all while documenting the process every step of the way.
The original design's intricacies are both celebrated and enhanced, and the sixth and final episode ends with the grand opening of Hotel 1928, which now stands four stories tall in the heart of downtown Waco.
“For us, this project represents everything we are most passionate about — hospitality, restoration and home,” said Chip and Joanna Gaines as the latest season was announced. “We’ve always been firm believers in the value of home as a place but also as a feeling. Our dream for this hotel is that it would serve as an extension of home to every guest who comes to stay.”
The space’s historical charm is found throughout 33 bespoke guest rooms with both traditional and premium king and queen rooms available. The decor blends well with Joanna’s sense of modern comfort and elegance that are brought to new levels in the largest rooms called the Columbus suites. The largest of the hotel’s four suites is called The Washington, where separate sleeping suites come together in a common living area that is designed especially for larger family or group gatherings of up to 12 people.
In many instances, the original craftsmanship, including the historic terrazzo flooring, has been preserved wherever possible to offer guests a real connection to the past. Exposed beams and the original concrete floors are showcased in several rooms, adding to the building’s authentic character.
For those who’ve made the two-hour drive from DFW, the cherry on top will be enjoying brunch or dinner from the rooftop at Bertie’s. Seated amongst florally ensconced booths and plush pink sofas, Bertie’s terrace offers sweeping views of Waco along with a wide variety of dishes ranging from comforting cheeseburgers and skillet cornbreads to an elegant wild mushroom risotto and cedar plank salmon.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
The city is bordered by Lake Waco to the west and more than 400 acres of Cameron Park to the north, but it's the Brazos River that brings an extra element of fun and excitement to those who choose to visit downtown.
Every June, TriWaco hosts sprint and Olympic distance triathlons that start with a swim in the river and finish with a run within the breathtaking 400-plus acres of Cameron Park. More casual joggers and walkers will also enjoy a morning jaunt along the Waco Riverwalk and its wide paths that cover more than 7 miles along the Brazos.
Not to worry, taking in the sights and sounds of the river does not have to be a workout. Waco Tours offers a serene and award-winning journey that sets sail from Baylor’s McLane Stadium. Those aboard this two-hour cruise, rated fourth on "USA Today’s" 10 best boat tours, will enjoy sunset views as they unwind and connect, all while learning a bit about Waco's rich history. For those who have yet to get enough of Chip and Jo, Waco Tours also offers a “Fixer Upper” city tour that extends fandom to the very neighborhoods made famous on television.
A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE
Long before HGTV, Dr. Charles Alderton put Waco on the map with the unique flavors of what is still America’s oldest major soft drink. Dr Pepper was first formulated at Waco’s Old Corner Drug Store in 1885 — a full year before Coca-Cola entered the market. Those who are thirsty for some old-time Americana should trek to the original bottling plant from 1906. Converted to the Dr Pepper Museum in 1989, the building houses the largest collection of memorabilia devoted to Texas’ favorite soft drink and the industry as a whole. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities from taste-testing newer flavors like strawberries and cream and dark berry to concocting their own favorite flavor in the Liquid Lab. Dr Pepper purists can take on the Extreme Pepper Experience, which includes a private VIP tour concluding with a celebratory Dr Pepper float. The museum’s gift shop is overflowing with swag from soda can candles and glasses to T-shirts and hats.
MORE MAGNOLIA MOMENTS
From restaurants to retail and even real estate, the Gaines own a variety of businesses in their hometown. With its opening back in 2015, thousands of people from all walks of life have made a day out of a visit to the Magnolia Silos. The expansive shopping, dining and entertainment district is home to special events including Spring at the Silos in March, Silobration in October and Christmas at the Silos in December.
Spend the afternoon shopping for seasonally-curated home decor at the Magnolia Market or furniture and fixtures at Magnolia Home. The Shops At The Silos will inspire shoppers to hit the books at Chapter One or get some vintage sports memorabilia at No. 16 — Chip’s old baseball jersey number from Grapevine High School.
After loading up your haul, shoppers can refuel before the trip home with a stop at the Market’s many food trucks or head to Magnolia Table for a bite of Jo’s Favorite Chicken Salad Sandwich made with pecans, red grapes, chives and generously portioned on a croissant. The 1919 Pimento Grilled Cheese is another must-have with house-made pimiento cheese grilled between fresh sourdough bread.
From its history to its many updated experiences, Waco has evolved into a vibrant atmosphere that provides endless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you want to shop ‘til you drop, take a serene river cruise, or dive into the Dr Pepper Museum, Waco is an unforgettable destination that promises something special for everyone.
1 of 5
2 of 5
3 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5
