I recently spent an action-packed 24 hours in Waco, where I explored hip coffee shops and galleries, well-designed (and delicious) restaurants, and stylish boutiques. It didn’t take long to realize that the creative boom in Waco is real, and that it’s all been triggered by hometown heroes Chip and Joanna Gaines of the wildly popular Fixer Upper on HGTV. But, the hotel scene hasn’t quite caught up to everything else that is going on, so instead of staying in a big box chain (and if you can’t get a reservation at one of the Gaines’ two popular bed and breakfasts), book one of these vacation rentals to stay in true Fixer Upper style at one of the homes that was renovated by the Gaineses and featured on the show. 

Long dining table at Chip and Joanna's Barndominium set with place mats, plates, and cutlery.
VRBO

Barndominium | Sits on 16 acres of private land with a lake | 5 bedrooms | Shiplap galore | Averages $742 a night 

Blue and white bedroom in Chip and Joanna's "The Chicken House."

The Chicken House | 3 bedrooms | Ranch style | Centrally located | Averages $750 a night

Small seating area in Chip and Joanna's Gorman House.

Gorman House | Fenced yard | Modern interiors | 5 bedrooms | Averages $375 per night 

Bunk beds in Chip and Joanna's Harp House.

Harp House | Owned by Fixer Upper regular Clint Harp | Next door to Harp Design Co. | Averages $550 per night 

Front exterior of Chip and Joanna's Mailander House.

Mailander House | Built in 1910 | Three large porches | 3 bedrooms | Averages $225 per night

Living room with a nook bed in Chip and Joanna's "The Mod-Mod House."

The Mod-Mod House | Outdoor dining area | Sleeps up to 12 people | Averages $340 per night

Large, open seating area in Chip and Joanna's Shotgun House.

The Shotgun House | 1 bedroom | Down the street from the Magnolia Silos | Averages $325 per night 

Front, exterior view of Chip and Joanna's Downs House.
Downs House | Craftsman built in 1905 | Cozy fireplace | Close to Cameron Park | Sleeps 4 | Averages $297 per night

Large bedroom in Chip and Joanna's Two Island Bachelor Pad house.
Two Island Bachelor Pad | Basketball or volleyball court outside |Sleeps 12 | Averages $325 per night

Large, open kitchen with island and barstools in Chip and Joanna's German Schmear House.
The German Schmear House | Open kitchen | Sleeps 8 | Averages $327 per night