
Cozy coffee shops and captivating art museums. Bustling dog parks and hushed public libraries. These physical spaces have long created opportunities for us to gather with old friends and forge new relationships. Even alone, they help us feel connected.
And nurturing connection has never been more important.
Today, more and more of our neighbors are feeling lost; enveloped by a sense of loneliness, they’re left feeling that their lives lack purpose and meaning. We’ve experienced first-hand how a single conversation can make someone’s day, even save a life. That’s precisely why we see building social connections as so important, and why we want to share some of the Twin Cities third places we love—places that bring us joy and help cultivate meaning.
What are third places, exactly?
An American sociologist by the name of Ray Oldenburg coined the term “third places.” He used it to describe the neighborhood social spaces outside of our homes (first places) and workplaces (second places) where we gather with others and create community connections. Places, like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and St. Paul Curling Club, are just a few examples. When done right, even salons and spas can serve as a third place.
These spaces are where we build trust with one another and form the bonds that help us collectively get through difficult times.
Every day, we see the impact of the meaningful conversations that take place here at JUUT. These physical spaces bring us together, and they create opportunities for us to share experiences, feel seen, and lift one another up.
A growing sense of loneliness
Perhaps you’ve already heard, but last year, U.S. surgeon general Dr. Vivek H. Murthy declared that we’re in the midst of a loneliness epidemic. In his report, he spoke to the positive impact social connections have on our physical and mental health—and he called on us to mend the social fabric of our communities.
Digging into the issue, the sense of loneliness some face is dire.
Researchers at Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common Project found more than one in five adults are experiencing “serious feelings of loneliness.” That doesn’t necessarily mean that they were alone, per se. Rather, they felt disconnected, unseen, unimportant.
Perhaps you or someone you know is feeling this way?
This is where our third places can come in. They create inviting physical spaces that draw people together—and when we bring a deep sense of compassion to these spaces, they can help us all feel part of something much bigger than ourselves. They renew our sense of purpose.
Help bring people together
We can all play a role in renewing community bonds by creating gatherings where meaningful interactions occur. And, in truth, physical spaces are secondary to the way we construct our meet-ups.
In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker delves into the many ways we can host events with intention, ways that imbue our gatherings with meaning and cultivate deeper connection. She shares a few insights with The RSA that may help you rethink your gatherings in an entirely new light.
As you think ahead, you might consider hosting recurring coffees or happy hours, block parties or picnics, board game nights or community service days of action.
Our favorite Twin Cities third places
We’re always looking for new spaces to spark interesting conversation. Perhaps you are, too. So, we’ve gathered a list of the third places we’ve grown to love here in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Maybe you’ll find inspiration here, as we have.
Thought-provoking museums
The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis is just a 10-minute walk from our office space, so it’s become a favorite among our team for its easy access and intriguing exhibits. The gift shop is among our favorites in the Twin Cities, the restaurant is wonderful, and their events calendar keeps us active and engaged.
We also enjoy these Twin Cities museums:
- American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis
- Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
- Mia, Minneapolis
- Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis
Treasured parks and public spaces
In 2022, we opened our Edina salon in Centennial Lakes Park, and we’ve loved being a part of the community. The weekly farmers market, mini golf, ice skating, and art fair are standouts that we look forward to each season.
Here are a few other Twin Cities metro area parks we visit over and over again:
- Excelsior Commons, Excelsior
- Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis
- Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis
- Lyndale Park Gardens, Minneapolis
- Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park, Minneapolis
- The Trailhead, Golden Valley
Favorite entertainment spots
The 318 in Excelsior is a west metro staple for live music. On a night here, we might enjoy open mic, discover an up-and-coming artist, or catch a band we already know and love. Perhaps you will, too.
We also find a spirit of fun and connection at these spots in the Cities:
- Bryant Lake Bowl, Minneapolis
- Cooks | Bellecour, St. Paul
- Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis
- Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
Warm and inviting restaurants
Maison Margaux is sexy, elegant, cozy—and family owned. There’s no place we’d rather spend a weekend night than in their underground bar. It’s perfect for people watching, connecting with new friends, and sipping on something special.
Here are a few additional spots we really enjoy:
- Bread & Chocolate, St. Paul
- Cafe Latte, St. Paul
- Emerald Lounge, St. Paul
- Fawkes Alley Coffee, Minneapolis
Favorite shops
The Wedge Co-op has been a Minneapolis staple for decades, bringing people together over a shared love for local food and farmers. It’s a favorite of ours.
We also frequent these great local shops:
- Black Blue, St. Paul
- Electric Fetus, Minneapolis
- Heimie’s Haberdashery, St. Paul
- Martin Patrick 3, Minneapolis
- Mill City Farmers Market, Minneapolis
- Parc, Minneapolis
- Surdyk’s, Minneapolis
Renewing our sense of community connection
We all live busy lives and the demands on our attention at work and home can make extending ourselves still further feel like an insurmountable challenge. Meeting new people, rekindling old friendships, and building deeper bonds within our communities, however, are infinitely rewarding.
After all, if there’s one thing we know, it’s this: We can change the world simply by making someone’s day.