Well…I didn’t actually visit Chip and Joanna but I did visit their wonderful location in Waco Texas known as The Silos. If you are like me, a big fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines, visiting Magnolia Market and the Silos is pretty much everything you’d expect it to be.
If I were visiting Chip and Joanna I would expect them to be inviting, engaging and inspiring…and that is exactly how I felt when I visited The Silos. I can’t convey in words what an impressive place the Silos is – but I’ll try! In true Joanna signature style my “Magnolia experience” was met beautiful landscaping, fun family-centered activities, sweet areas to sit and relax and shiplap. Oh the shiplap! Shiplap in Magnolia Market, shiplap in the garden Seed and Supply store, shiplap in Silos Baking Co. and even a delicious cupcake called…what else…Shiplap!
Joanna’s vision for Magnolia Market and the Silos and my vision for Pond River Farm are very similar. Her vision of the silo property was to transform it into a place where families could visit and explore the garden spaces, see how food is grown, hang out and also buy some really fantastic baked goods. Similarly, my vision for Pond River Farm is to transform it to a place where families could visit and explore the garden spaces, see how food is grown, hang out, buy our farm fresh fruits and vegetables AND also buy some really fantastic baked goods!
I was in awe of what has been created in what was a run down, abandoned industrial space and the amazing transformation they accomplished. Granted, their budget is quite a bit larger than ours but I found great inspiration in the fact that the ideas and plans I have floating around in my head *can* come to fruition. There is a somewhat cheesy expression “if you can dream it, you can achieve it” but just because its cheesy doesn’t mean it isn’t true! I have dreams for our little farm – and I plan to follow those dreams. I hope you follow your dreams too!
When entering Magnolia Market and the Silos you are greeted by beautiful walkways, tables & chairs for relaxing or outdoor eating and areas for family fun. All low-key and slow paced which makes for a very lovely visit!
Looking at something like rusted silos it might be hard to imagine how it could be transformed into a thriving, beautiful and engaging asset to the community...but it is! What was accomplished here is truly inspirational to me.
Self guided tours done at your own pace (which I loved!) allowed visitors to experience sights and scents from the garden. Seeing things like flowers, herbs, trellised vegetables made for a nice walk in the gardens. Also, I learned about varieties of sage, oregano and basil that I hadn't seen before....such a treat!
Don't forget to visit the bakery...but come on, how could you forget that!?! As a baker this was one of the things I most looked forward to as I visited and again, it did not disappoint!! What a delightful -and delicious- experience. I didn't buy all the items offered on the menu...but seriously, how could I not want to sample most of these delicious creations. In addition to the wonderful products, it was the people that really made the experience. The entire staff were some of the most friendly (and helpful) people I've had the pleasure to meet. Genuine is a word that comes to mind, and I'd expect nothing less from my 'Magnolia Experience."