What is a third space?
In sociology, the third place refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of home (“first place”) and the workplace (“second place”). Examples of third places include churches, cafes, bars, clubs, libraries, gyms, bookstores, hackerspaces, stoops, parks, theaters, among others. In his book The Great Good Place (1989), Ray Oldenburg argues that third places are important for civil society, democracy, civic engagement and establishing feelings of a sense of place. Before Oldenburg died at 90-years-old in 2022, he asked Karen Christensen, with whom he had corresponded and collaborated for many years, to write a new version of The Great Good Place and to keep the original edition available.1
Akron
This week I explored some great third spaces in the Akron Ohio area. The current version of Akron is different than the one I remember back in1998 when I’d visit a few college friends who wwere living in Cuyahoga Falls and continuing their education. There is now a round-about on King James Way (google refers to this as Main St.) instead of traffic lights. The old buildings from the early 1900’s are either being torn down or repurposed. My accommodations were in a repurposed building.
There were some great places to grab a bite and work on the art of the hang. Walking to these places are key. Removing traffic lights on King James Way between the Aeros Ballpark and the Akron Public Schools really helps with walkability, especially if you’ve witnessed driving in this area. A little taco and tequila before tailgating on the asphalt was in order this time, since the brewery locations in town are open usually after 3pm. Yes there are many breweries in downtown Akron, so you may want to consider a beer hall crawl.
Just steps from King James Way is the Towpath bike trail. If you are looking for a daytrip with your rolling friends, connecting to the trails on the county parks will allow you to bike through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
There is a definite vibe that is being created in downtown Akron. However there still are signs of the regions poverty and homeless population. Come to Akron, catch the vibe, find your third space,
Blossom
This is one of my favorite places to see a show when living in the burgh. This outdoor theatre was created as a summer home for the Cleveland Symphony so classical music could be for the people and not just the elites. The lawn is perfectly sloped and humans walking into the venue have bridges that take you over the main road. Traffic is manageable. The drive is through a National Park.
This 2024 Mini Dave-cation was in the midweek when Dave Matthews Band played at Blossom on a martes. Tailgate game on point thanks to Curbside on the Run. Nothing like sleeping in the old United Cigar Building and eating breakfast at a place named Chameleon Cafe on King James Way in downtown.
The pavement is a great 3rd space where you can find your people and share your Dave stories, especially when you are tailgating with you Dave wife.
Brandywine Falls in the NPS Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This is a natural 3rd space. This is part of a National Park. Maybe you don’t want to speak in this space. Listening the the waterfall can give you that peace until you hear a car pass overhead. Sit, savor and share.
Aspinwall
There is the workout crew at Bodytech. Steve, Lish, Kadee, Ian, Jim, Maria, Alyssa all make the morning pump and sweat feel a little more connected.
There is the coffee shop crew at ABC. Patio seating with the gents, the artist, and friends. The place bench as we wait for our cortado.
Outdoor tapas and vino with Lou, Billy, Sherri at Luke and Mikes. Even a chance to work on Crawford and Phoebe down time with some outdoor dining.
Gelato and traditional pizzas from Mercurios allow us to try mortadella and prosciutto in ways that we haven’t yet imagined.
Pittsburgh
Can a national chain franchise restaurant be considered a 3rd space? I know the thought is a fancy steakhouse with cloth napkins and a non-blue box mac and cheese really wouldn’t count. We’ve learned through special dinner events that sharing a curated meal, drinking paired wines, sharing stories of travel and cultures with new friends has allowed us to learn about the circle of life, love, the art of wine making, the preparation of meats, the craft to special pastries. Over the past few years we’ve met many wonderful people from all parts of the city and different walks of life. We’ve learned of tequila pairings and Revival on Lincoln. We also told the story of how Pittsburgh franchised their first Ruth’s and the family that founded it in the PPG Building. It’s very similar to Fran’s story.
Let me know about your third space.
