Finding your third place in Lexington

Do you have a third place around Lexington? Besides your home (first space) and workplace (second space), where do you go throughout the week to find solace? Take a moment to reflect. Whose faces do you see + who do you talk to when you go there? Do you look forward to going and feel welcome?

If you could easily picture this space + answered “yes” to the ease of the gathering, congratulations — you’ve found a third place. If you couldn’t, that’s okay . We’ll give you some ideas for finding one around Lexington.

What is a third place?

Ray Oldenburg , sociologist and author of “The Great Good Place,” shares that third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community ( think: coffee shops, parks, libraries, bookstores, salons... etc.). Oldenburg says that these places are important for many reasons, but particularly because they promote social vitality + a sense of community.

Editors’ picks

“It’s hard for me to pick just one so I’m going with two. The first one is for sure my yoga home at Creative Yoga. Whether you’ve been going there for years or it’s your first time, everyone is so welcoming and happy to see each other. I’m also so grateful for Sorella’s . In addition to their delicious gelato, Alma + Selma know their customers by name and are always thrilled you are there.” — Molly, City Editor

“I’m a mindfulness gal, so any place that allows me to fully present in my surroundings is a go-to. My most frequented spot has to be Liberty Park , where the greenery gives me that heavy dose of biophilia needed for a healthy mental break, and the path to Brighton Rail Bridge let’s me appreciate this beautiful city from a different perspective. — Aayat, City Editor

Now, we want you to join the conversation. Take this survey to tell us about your third place, and why you love it.