Like I said in my last blog, there are plenty of hidden gems in Waco, you just have to know where to look. In part two of this series, we have six gems that range from places to eat, date night ideas, self-care to nature oases. If you have a hidden gem you want to be featured DM us @wacoan or email intern@wacoan.com.
Waco Rage Room
I discovered the Waco Rage Room a couple of months ago and boy am I glad I did (so is my therapist). Located at 1007 Wooded Acres Dr., the Rage Room is the perfect date night or girls’ night out with five different experiences to choose from. What’s great about Waco Rage Room is that they handle everything from providing safety gear, breakables and weapons to even offering beverages including Dr Pepper. My weapon of choice was the baseball bat, but they also have golf clubs, crow bars and sledgehammers. If you’re not fond of breaking glass, they also have a paint room package available. If you need a place to let off steam guilt-free, the Waco Rage Room is the spot for you.
Lakeside Park
Out of all the parks in Waco, and there’s a lot, this one is my favorite. Lakeside Park is located in Woodway at 2025 Estates Dr. and has a breathtaking view of Lake Waco and the twin bridges. The park is mostly a grassy area where friends can lay on blankets as they watch the sunset, but there’s also picnic tables, a disc golf course and walking trails. If you’re looking for a relaxing evening, consider driving out to Lakeside Park.
Cathay House
This hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant has been a Waco staple for years. When my mom was studying law at Baylor University, she used to go to Cathay House to study and she even had her 23rd birthday party there. Cathay House is located at 825 Wooded Acres Dr. and serves a myriad of traditional Chinese dishes as well as other Asian cuisines. My personal favorite dish is the sesame chicken and egg drop soup. Another reason why I love Cathay House is because it’s budget-friendly, and as a college student that means a lot to me — I’m guessing that’s also why and how my mom found this place in her twenties.
World Hunger Relief Farm Tour
I’m sure you have heard of the World Hunger Relief Farm located north of Waco at 356 Spring Lake Road –– but if you haven’t let me give you some context. Since 1976, the World Hunger Relief Farm has been battling hunger in our community and around the world through agriculture, education and research. The farm is a consistent booth at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market as well as a frequent partner with Baylor University through their internship program. If you want to know more about the farm, all you have to do is hop on a tour. Tickets are only $10, and you get to meet the cute farm animals, it’s a win-win.
MCC Highlander Salon & Spa
This truly is a hidden gem, and I am hesitant to give it out. But I am not a gatekeeper and I want people to support this fabulous cosmetology program. McLennan Community College cosmetology students have their own salon, located at 4601 N 29th St., that is open to the public. Customers can get almost any salon experience at a reduced rate, including manicures, haircuts, massages, facials, waxing and more found here. While you’re getting a relaxing day to yourself, the students are gaining the hours they need to graduate. The girls are so kind and eager to see you. It’s always a great experience when I go and you can’t beat the price.
Bonnie’s Greenhouse
There are plenty of plant nurseries around town, but none compared to Bonnie’s Greenhouse. Bonnie’s is located at 5198 Orchard Lane. Though the business is located within a neighborhood, don’t be discouraged —it is open to the public! This nursery is huge and has a wide array of house plants and Texas Native plants. Bonnie’s has a 4.9 star review on Google, so make the drive to give them your business because it’s most definitely worth it. I still have plants from Bonnie’s that I bought several years ago, maybe it’s luck or maybe it’s because the plants came from this nursery.
