Third places*, also known as third spaces, are informal public gathering spots outside of home and work (e.g., cafés, bookstores, and beauty shops). The term is attributed to the American urban sociologist Ray Oldenburg in the early 1980’s. They are true citizen spaces, informalmopportunities for free social interaction, and are considered essential for democracy (reference, UNESCO). What are your “third places” in Greensboro? We love coffee shops, parks, the greenway, the public library, and independent bookstores.

The above photo features the side yard at Summerfield Farms on Pleasant Ridge Road. Thursday-Sunday afternoons, they usually have a food truck on site; families gather, children socialize, and adults to enjoy each other– all with the option to have dinner. Yesterday, the temperature in Greensboro ranged from under 40º in the morning to over 60.º With the warm and sunny weather, this “third place” was absolutely perfect. We saw some long-time friends and made a new friend whom we will feature soon.

Happy Monday!

*First place is the home & private domestic live; the second place is work or school.