Veterans, New Shops & Midweek Fun

Good Morning Waco! This is The Waco Buzz, the local newsletter that helps you live through the Texas weather simulator — frost on Monday and flip flops on Thursday.

This month, I’ve been heads down planning for 2026 listening to what local leaders and readers want to see next and exploring new ways to make it happen. With more than 9,000 readers now, it’s been fun seeing what ideas this community comes up with.

Last week I asked if you wanted more opportunities to connect with others beyond the dinner club and a couple hundred of you responded… and there wasn’t a single idea people weren’t excited about.

Here’s what’s rose to the top:
🥾 Hike & Bites — guided hikes through Cameron Park that end with a quick bite nearby.
☕ Coffee meetups — casual hangouts to connect with others in a similar life stage.
🍸 Happy hours — for founders, investors, and business leaders

And my favorite write-in: someone said I should “go ahead and be the host for Waco’s grand opening party when Costco shows up.” I don’t have Costco on my 2026 bingo card, but I know that we would all love to see it.

More details to come on these events, but for now enjoy today’s newsletter.

There’s a place in downtown Waco that doesn’t just train your body—it helps you actually feel good again.

Waco Bodymend on Mary Ave blends recovery, wellness, and performance tools normally reserved for the pros. Think a 39-degree pressurized cold therapy shower, heat therapy, oxygen and light treatments, mobility work, high-energy spin classes, and even IV hydration through their sister business I-Vit. And when you walk in, Oh My Juice is right in the entrance lobby to fuel your healthy habits.

But this isn’t just for athletes. It’s for parents, desk workers, teachers—anyone tired of waking up sore or stressed.

It’s not about competing—it’s about finally feeling like yourself.
Try it and experience the difference with the exclusive offer for Waco Buzz subscribers.

Today is Veteran’s day where we honor the brave men and women who’ve served our country. Thank you, Veterans — for your courage, your sacrifice, and your example.

The City of Waco Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 11 AM, starting at 13th & Austin Ave, winding through downtown with marching bands, community groups, and local veterans organizations.

A little history for the day: Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I when fighting ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It became a federal holiday in 1938, and in 1954, President Eisenhower officially renamed it Veterans Day to honor all who served.

Many national chains are offering free meals and discounts today, including Texas Roadhouse (free meal vouchers) and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (free combo meal). You can find the full list of local and national offers here →.

While we’re talking about those who serve, the recent government shutdown also hit close to home. Local federal operations are getting back on track including major impacts at Waco’s VA Regional Office and FAA facilities.

The Waco VA Regional Office employs around 1,100 people, and roughly 70% of them are veterans themselves. It’s a cornerstone of Central Texas veteran care — part of the Doris Miller VA Medical Center, which serves more than 252,000 veterans across 39 counties and 35,000+ square miles.

Beyond primary and specialty care, the Waco VA is home to one of only 12 Blind Rehabilitation Units in the nation, drawing patients from across the U.S.

✈️ Flight Deal of the Week

If sunshine and palm trees sound better than leftover Halloween candy, this one’s for you:

☀️ Waco → Miami round trip for $222 which tough to beat for a weekend getaway during this cold front. See details →

Or go big and fly Waco → Berlin for just over $600 round trip, proof that Europe really is just a few clicks away. See deal →
^{Pricing subject to change based on availability — and how fast you click “book.”}

👩‍🍳 Holiday Cooking Classes at MCC — Feeling nervous about cooking for the holidays? MCC Continuing Ed has your back with upcoming classes like Holiday Cooking and Intro to Sourdough — perfect for leveling up your kitchen game before the in-laws show up. Check out the full lineup and register here →.

Arancia Gelato & Bakery — Sweet news for Waco’s dessert lovers. Arancia is hosting its grand opening this Friday from 5–7 PM at 3529 Bosque Blvd, serving up free samples of their brownie dubia chocolate (yes, please). Expect authentic Italian flavors, cozy vibes, and your new go-to dessert stop. Instagram →

☕ For Keeps Roastery — Just down the road at 3619 Bosque Blvd, For Keeps Coffee officially opened its roastery this past Saturday, giving locals a peek into what’s next for the Bosque block — including Proud Mary Boutique and Madison Goss Interior Design right next door. It’s quickly becoming one of the most charming corners in Waco.
Proud Mary Boutique | Madison Goss Interiors

🤠 Sendero Provisions Co. — Waco’s favorite clothing brand is celebrating one year at their global HQ and flagship store (319 S 4th St) with a throwdown called Día de Sendero on Friday, Nov. 15, from noon to 10 PM. Expect live music, vendors, chain stitching, tintype portraits, and headliners West Texas Exiles and Tanner Usrey to close the night. Free with RSVP — show up early to snag a spot.

👚 Uptown Cheapskate — After six weeks of curating the best of Waco closets, Uptown Cheapskate is ready to open for good at Webster Market. Their grand opening is Wednesday, Nov. 20 with sustainable fashion, solid deals, and all-around good vibes.

🥃 Barnett’s Whiskey House — A downtown staple at 420 Franklin Ave is owning its comeback. Barnett’s says they’ve “changed for the better” with retrained staff, elevated food, and sharper service. To prove it, they’re offering a free lunch for you and a guest (Tues–Thurs) — no strings attached, just a chance to earn your trust again. Claim your lunch →

📆 Tuesday:

📆 Wednesday:

📆 Thursday:

🍽️ The Waco Buzz Dinner Club — Meet new friends, share good food, and help make Waco feel a little smaller on Wednesday, November 19.
Join the next dinner →

🦃 Poultry In Motion: Waco Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run — Burn some calories before the big meal on November 27. Register Here

🏈 Football
Baylor is back from the bye and hosting No. 13 Utah under the lights at McLane Stadium this Saturday at 6 PM. The Bears sit at 5-4 while Utah rolls in on a two-game win streak. Tickets start at $27 and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest home games of the year.

🏀 Basketball
Foster Pavilion will be rocking Friday night as the men’s team takes on Tarleton State at 8 PM with tickets from $22. Baylor is 2-0 after taking down Washington 78-69 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the women’s squad is packing their bags for Las Vegas, where they’ll face UNLV on Friday night. They’re also 2-0 and ranked No. 16 in the nation after topping Lindenwood 76-63.

🏐 Volleyball
The 23rd-ranked Bears hit the road to Manhattan, Kansas, to take on K-State Wednesday at 6:30 PM.

🏢Searching for the perfect space? Cromwell Commercial Group helps you find and acquire the right commercial property for your next big move.
🏗️Big build coming up? Arise Construction is Waco’s go-to general contractor who recently completed Uptown Cheapskate at Webster Market.
💧 Need a boost? IViT Hydration & Wellness offers IV therapy and wellness treatments to help you feel better, recover faster, and boost energy.
💪Move pain free and perform better with Waco Bodymend – expert physical therapy, performance training for everyday movers, and home to CrushCycle.

Interested in connecting with our audience, supercharging your business, and supporting the growth of this publication? Reply to this email to get started.

Thanks for reading The Waco Buzz today. If you found something useful, please share it with your neighbor who has already put their Christmas tree up.

Whenever you’re ready, here are three ways to get more involved:

1. Promote your business to 19,000 highly engaged Waco locals: Showcase your brand or business where thousands of local customers are actively spending their time.

2. Dinner Club: Meet dozens of other locals (recent movers and life long Wacoans) over dinner which happens once a month. You’ll make new friends regardless of stage of life and help make Waco a smaller town.

3. Waco Buzz Job Board: The best place to find open roles at growing companies in Waco with opportunities in media, marketing, sales, communication, tech, and engineering.