Waco, TX in a Day

Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, Waco is a vibrant city that beautifully balances its rich history with modern attractions. Known for its warm hospitality and eclectic mix of activities, Waco offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

We had basically 3 purposes for our day trip to Waco:
1. I wanted to see all the Magnolia things.  I'm a fan of the TV show with CHip & Joanna Gaines and wanted to see their empire in person.
2. Visit the site of the Branch Davidian standoff.  This situation made an indelible mark on my brain when it was happening.  The curiosity never ceased.
3.  Meet my friend from Dallas for dinner.  We drove up from San Antonio to Waco, so she made the trek down from Dallas to visit.

Here's my honest review about Magnolia Table that I've posted on Google and Yelp:  
​We came here because it's a tourist trap... and that's the experience we got. Over crowded. Loud. Distracted service. Mediocre food. Texas pecan coffee and hazelnut latte... both average. Tomato Basil soup had a lot of parmesan in it... killed the flavor. Grilled cheese was greasy and heavy. Chicken risotto soup was bland.

Next stop was the Branch Davidian complex.  Below are the details of what happened at the standoff in 1993, if you're not familiar with it.  I was in high school when this happened.  I think it was the first real "serious" thing I can remember besides the space shuttle explosion many years earlier.  It was quite eerie watching this go on for days and weeks on live TV. 

The Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Texas, began on February 28, 1993, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) attempted to execute a search warrant at the compound of the Branch Davidians, a religious sect led by David Koresh. The group had been under investigation for allegations of illegal weapons possession. The raid resulted in a violent confrontation, leading to the deaths of four ATF agents and six members of the cult. The aftermath of the raid sparked a 51-day standoff between the Branch Davidians and federal authorities, drawing national attention and raising questions about law enforcement tactics.
During the standoff, the FBI took control of the situation, employing negotiation strategies in an attempt to persuade the Davidians to leave the compound peacefully. Despite some initial success, including the release of several individuals, the negotiations became increasingly tense as time passed. Koresh and his followers remained entrenched in their beliefs, refusing to surrender. The situation escalated, with media coverage providing a constant backdrop to the unfolding drama, and public opinion becoming deeply divided over the actions of both the government and the Branch Davidians.
On April 19, 1993, the standoff ended tragically when the FBI launched an assault on the compound, using tear gas in an attempt to force the occupants out. A fire broke out during the operation, engulfing the building and leading to the deaths of 76 individuals, including Koresh and many women and children. The incident raised significant controversy regarding the use of force by federal agents and highlighted issues of religious freedom and government intervention. The Waco standoff remains a pivotal moment in American history, influencing public perceptions of government authority and the rights of religious groups.

FInal stop was Magnolia Market, Shops at the Silos, and Magnolia Home.  The "other" compound in Waco.  There are a lot of shops to poke around in and a few food stalls.  Lots of photos ops for you to hashtag on social media, too.  Overall, it was worth the visit, but I don't believe I need to return.  My absolute favorite part was the sweet tea shop, shown below.  It is served in a mason jar with a lid and straw and offers refills.  I wish I had gotten 2 mason jars from there... we still use the that jar months later!

Dinner with my friend from Dallas was at Moroso Italian Ristorante.  Here's my review from Google and Yelp:
Very nice waitress who was incredibly attentive without being annoying. We were meeting an old friend after years and spent 3 hours having dinner. We didn't feel pressure to hurry along at all.

We had a Negroni and Italian Margarita. Both well balanced cocktails that were perfect. My only comment would be for them to let guests know the Margarita comes standard with a salt rim and to confirm they want it. I'm so used to restaurants advising if/when a drink has a rim on it... that I did not assume it would come that way because there was no mention of it. My bad on the assumption, I understand, but still would be good customer service to mention the salt rim and/or confirm if they want a sugar rim or no rim instead.

Appetizer of meatballs, we started with. The meatballs are excellent. One of the best I've had. 4 to the plate. The sauce a tad salty, but hardly noticeable.

For dinner we shared the Classico pizza. I haven't a complaint about it. Excellent flavors melded together. Their dough is phenomenal. If I lived locally I'd be here once a month for a pizza.