When You stay at Clay Oak Cotage

Explore our favorites in Waco!

WACO,TX

Local Guide

Waco Fun

Just a few minutes away from Clay Oak Cottage

Magnolia Silos

Shopping, Dining & Gardens

Download the Magnolia app for events. Just 1 mile away. I recommend taking your car if you are shopping. Take Webster Street right behind the cottage & park in the large parking lot right before you get to Magnolia.

Directions & Map

Cameron Zoo

52-acre natural habitat facility set along Brazos River inside Cameron Park.

Award-winning zoo featuring over 1,700 animals, a shaded playground, gorgeous waterfalls, and a new Penguin exhibit.

Directions & Map

Cameron Park

Scenic Trails & River Views

One of the largest municipal parks in Texas. Explore miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, towering cliffs overlooking the Brazos River, and the Cameron Park Zoo. Directions & Map

Waco Surf

Waterpark & Surf Lagoon

An outdoor recreation area featuring long water slides, the world's longest lazy river, wakeboarding, and a world-class surf pool.

Directions & Map

Cottonwood Castle

Historic Landmark & Gaines Restoration

A historic limestone landmark in the Castle Heights neighborhood. Modeled after a German Rhine River Castle in 1890, it was famously restored by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Please note: inside tours must be reserved ahead of time.

Directions & Map

Waco Mammoth Monument

Ice Age Fossils & History

A fascinating paleontological site showcasing the nation's only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene mammoths. Take a guided tour along the active dig site. Directions & Map

Balcones Distilling

Award-Winning Texas Whisky

Visit the historic downtown distillery that pioneered Texas whisky. Take a tour of the copper stills and enjoy a tasting flight of their world-renowned single malts. Directions & Map

Baylor University

Historic Campus

Stroll the iconic red-brick campus of Baylor University, just minutes from the cottage. Don't forget to stop by the amazing new Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Directions & Map

Brazos Tour

Scenic River Cruises

Cruise along the Brazos River as the sky turns to gold—a relaxing way to spend an evening in Waco. Learn more at Brazos Tours.

Directions & Map

Sunset Horseback Riding

Brazos Bluff Ranch

Saddle up for a guided ride through the countryside, timed to catch a beautiful Texas sunset. Directions & Map

Valley Mills Winery

Local Wine Tasting

Sample award-winning wines surrounded by rolling vineyards at this charming local winery. Directions & Map

The Gristmill

Historic Mill & Cooking Show Set

Located in Valley Mills, TX. A great place to stop and see on your way to Valley Mills Winery. This iconic mill is the filming location for Joanna's cooking show. No longer offering inside tours, but perfect for taking photos outside.

Directions & Map

Waco Suspension Bridge

Historic Landmark

Walk across this iconic 1870 suspension bridge spanning the Brazos River, featuring historic architecture and beautiful scenic riverfront views. Directions & Map

Dr Pepper Museum

Soda History & Retro Fountain

Explore the birthplace of America's oldest major soft drink. Discover interactive exhibits, historic bottling machinery, and enjoy a retro soda float. Directions & Map

Mayborn Museum Complex

Natural History & Discovery

Located on the Baylor University campus, this museum features hands-on discovery rooms, natural history exhibits, and an outdoor history walk. Directions & Map

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame

Heritage Museum

Discover the rich history of the legendary Texas Rangers. This official state museum showcases historical artifacts, weaponry, and Western heritage. Directions & Map

The Backyard Bar Stage & Grill

Live Music, Food & Open-Air Bar

A vibrant open-air venue featuring live music, a giant outdoor TV screen, billiards, fire pits, and family-friendly games. Serving up Texas classics like burgers, tacos, and BBQ.

Directions & Map

Homestead Heritage

Traditional Craft Village & Farmhouse Cafe

Explore this historic agrarian craft community featuring woodworking, pottery, and traditional leathercraft. Stop by the highly acclaimed Café Homestead for a beautiful farm-to-table breakfast or lunch.

Directions & Map

Unique

COFFEE Shops

Common Grounds

Cozy Coffee & Live Music

An iconic Waco coffee shop right next to Baylor University. Grab an iced cowboy coffee and enjoy the unique, relaxed backyard patio. Directions & Map

Dichotomy

Downtown & festive during the holidays.

Classic espresso drinks & craft cocktails offered in a vintage-chic space lined with local art.

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Magnolia Coffee Shop

Located in Magnolia Market

Discover premium, ethically sourced coffee from Magnolia inside their beautifully styled space.

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Be Kind

Closest to the Cottage

Locally-owned, Hispanic-owned coffee shop. Serving the best specialty coffee and vegan-friendly treats.

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For Keep

New favorite and next door to my favorite new boutique -Proud Mary.

Popular specialty coffee roaster and artisan bakery. Known for its warm atmosphere, house-roasted beans, and diverse pastry options.

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Pinewood Coffee & Bar

Near Cottonwood Castle

A hip multi-concept space in Waco that functions as a specialty coffee roaster, coffee bar, and neighborhood public house with a shaded courtyard.

Directions & Map

Unique Dining

Eat & Drink

Slow Rise Pizza

On the River

New York-style pizza, fresh salads, and cold craft beers served in a spacious backyard setting right along the river.

Directions & Map

Red Herring Restaurant & Bar

Waco's mot unique dining, with piano bar.

From oysters on the half shell to fire-grilled steaks and seafood, Red Herring delivers Coastal-Mediterranean inspired dining paired with a retro piano bar vibe.

Directions & Map

Diamond back

Favorite Steak place

Texas-style chophouse crafting premium steaks, seafood, and sushi plates in an elegant, wood-lined dining room.

Directions & Map

Pivovar

European breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Czech-inspired hotel, brewery, and restaurant. Enjoy authentic Pilsner-style beers brewed on-site, traditional Czech bakery treats, and classic European-inspired dining.

Directions & Map

Pignetti's

Favorite Italian

Chic restaurant and bar with delicious classic Italian cuisine, murals by local artists, and a cozy fireplace.

Directions & Map

Opal Oyster

upscale, Seafood, small & cozy with a great patio.

Sea-inspired dishes such as fresh oysters, ceviche, lobster rolls, and crab cakes served in a modern joint with a great patio.

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Sagrada Cocina & Bar

Favorite Mexican

From handcrafted margaritas and unforgettable brunches to late night cocktails and vibrant dining experiences, every detail feels energetic and alive.

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George's Restaurant

Oldest Staple

You haven’t really experienced Waco if you don’t stop in George’s for a Chicken Fried Steak and Big O’beer. We’ve been keeping Central Texas fed and happy since 1930!

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Cajun Craft

just couple blocks for the cottage.

Serving scratch-made southern and Cajun favorites like gumbo, boudin, and crawfish in a beautifully restored 1950s auto shop.

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Terry Black BBQ

Close to Silos and a great garden patio

Laid-back locale specializing in premium brisket, ribs, and other smoked meats, plus classic sides, desserts, and drinks.

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Vitek's BBQ

Oldest Staple

Local landmark serving classic Texas BBQ plus the Gut Pack, a signature corn-chips-&-beef dish.

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Olive Branch

Casual breakfast, lunch or dinner-next door to Spice Village.

Fresh scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring delicious sandwiches, fresh soups, house-roasted meats, and a great wine list.

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Milo's All day

Great weekend Brunch, lunch or dinner.

Modern Southern comfort food with bold, inspiring flavors, using the best fresh seasonal ingredients available.

Directions & Map

Bertie's Rooftop

Great views at night on the patio.

Rooftop eatery at the boutique hotel, serving classic American fare including great cheeseburgers, steaks, and fresh seafood.

Directions & Map

Lucky Buck's

Rooftop drinks

Enjoy draft beer and rooftop drinks with a lively social atmosphere and direct, unmatched views looking over the Magnolia Silos.

Directions & Map

Blaine's

New favorite! Gumbo, and steak so good.

Highlighting seasonal, farm-to-table flavor combinations, Blaine's features exceptional steaks and Southern favorites in an intimate setting.

Directions & Map

Magnolia Table

Farm-to-Table Dining

Chip and Joanna Gaines' celebrated breakfast spot. Enjoy fresh, seasonal farm-to-table dishes in a bright, modern-classic diner setting. Be sure to arrive early! Directions & Map

Silo's Baking Co

Silo's famous cupcakes

Located at the Magnolia Silos, this famous bakery offers delicious cupcakes, fresh-baked cookies, and classic pastries in a beautifully restored historic building. Directions & Map

Herritage Creamery

Local ice cream favorite

Popular local sweet shop crafting delicious ice cream, shakes, and waffle cones using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Directions & Map

Milk bottle Cookies

Fresh-baked Cookies

Charming cookie bakery specializing in thick, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and other decadent flavor combinations.

Directions & Map

The Best

Local Shopping

Spice Village

Unique Boutique Mall

Browse a vibrant collection of over 60 boutique shops under one historic roof in downtown Waco, offering clothing, home decor, and local souvenirs. Directions & Map

Proud Mary Boutique

Next door to For Keeps Coffee-New favorite.

A stylish boutique specializing in upscale, trend-setting women's clothing and accessories at reasonable prices.

Directions & Map

Golden Green Boutique

Boutique & Game Day Attire

A delightful shopping spot for women's apparel, local gifts, and stylish Baylor University game-day attire.

Directions & Map

Paper Crown-Summer Ellis

Craft Store & unique handmade jewelry

Fine stationery, custom craft supplies, beautiful handmade jewelry, and unique gifts for all ages.

Directions & Map

Cottontail Jones

adorable children's clothes & toys

A children's shop in Waco with baby clothes, wooden toys, classic books, and gifts. Directions & Map

Magnolia Market

Stroll different shops:

Stroll through the multiple curated shops featuring exclusive home goods, jewelry, custom furniture, and decor at the Silos.

Directions & Map

Simply Irresistible

Home decor

A locally owned shop offering beautiful farmhouse, vintage, industrial, and primitive home decor, clothing, and unique gifts.

Directions & Map

Mainstream Boutique

Women clothing and accessories

A women's fashion boutique in Waco offering a stylish selection of multi-brand clothing, apparel, and accessories. Directions & Map