Wake Up In Waco

Shake Up the Ordinary with a Weekend in Waco

Words & Photos Baptiste Despois

Halfway between Dallas and Austin, Waco has long been a fly-through city for I-35 commuters. Those who have taken the time to slow down and stop know it to be otherwise. From parks and zoos to museums and high-touch dining experiences, Waco provides first-class entertainment on a small-town scale.

The afternoon light wanes as visitors arrive with chilled drinks in hand to watch the sunset from Lucky Buck’s, the rooftop bar of Herringbone Hotel. With its seventies-inspired design and shipping container construction, the hotel itself is an esthetic adventure.

As dusk falls, local gourmands and out-of-towners take their seats at Red Herring’s dining tables. A ballet of culinary delights are whisked in amid a grandiose décor influenced by the spirit of The Great Gatsby’s regal backdrop. Hamachi Crudo with citrus, truffle and oregano, Labneh Crab Cake served with schug and smoked trout roe, and Lamb Kafta skewers with cauliflower babaganoush and pickles are just some of the stars of the menu.

For Chef Joel Garza, a Waco native who spent years honing his skills in Austin, Red Herring’s menu is a culinary “tour of the Mediterranean Sea” for the adventurous and not so adventurous. “The first year, we started very simple,” chef Joel clarifies. “And we’re getting a little bit more elaborate and complex, and just kind of hoping the rest of Waco rides with us.” With seasonal menus, Red Herring uses locally sourced, fresh ingredients, working with the community to broaden Waco’s culinary scene.

With the sun behind the horizon, hotel dwellers make their way into their whimsical guest rooms to recharge. Crisp Frette linens and dramatic interiors adorn the sexy and carefully curated guest rooms, offering a sense of sophistication and comfort to anyone who stays. The architects “got very creative with the layout and design,” says General Manager Adriana Regan. Elevated guest service combined with art-deco finishes craft a high-touch experience that’s in the details, all the way down to the feathered lamps.

After a good night’s rest, it’s time to greet the morning alongside giraffes, elephants, and tigers either at the Cameron Park Zoo or Blue Hills Ranch. These early risers escape the Texas summer heat as they prance across the plains, casting glances at lucky observers. As the day heats up, cool off at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum to glimpse the legends who formed the Lone Star State. On the way back to the hotel, stop by to greet Indy and Belle, the residents of the Baylor Bear Habitat. Across the parking lot from Herringbone Hotel, guests can opt for a make-your-own soda adventure at the Dr. Pepper Museum, which is a refreshing pitstop even at the height of summer. Of course, Magnolia Market, right next door to the hotel, has played a significant role in gaining Waco its popularity. The iconic silos have transformed this part of town into a collection of family-friendly activities, full of food trucks and unique boutiques.

For the rest of the evening back at the hotel, there is always someone – and something – to see. Beauty, creativity, and family-fun await visitors in Waco, and they are just an easy and charming weekend escape away.
hotelherringbone.com

Cheers
Red Herring restaurant has an incredible bar, dominated by its impressive plant-covered center column. Enjoy refreshing and original cocktails such as the “Gentian Gentlemen” (London dry gin, fino sherry, sabers aperitif, basil, lemon, white fig, thyme, white balsamic, and Mediterranean tonic water) and the “Cursedly Fashionable” (Tito’s vodka, house-made coffee liqueur, espresso, liquor 43, and sweetener). Hotel guests can also enjoy a complimentary nightly wine happy hour.