Main Street as the Ultimate “Third Place”.

Third Places in the 20th Century. Ray Oldenburg, see sidebar, effectively describes gathering spots that serve as third places; places where people relax and commune; the “in-between” places, not work and not home. His idea extends from small town cafés to the “Cheers” bar in bigger cities. Entry is freely accessible to customers, visitors and a regular clientele; no exclusivity allowed. “Third places” are the idiosyncratic places that are the essence of character towns and their main streets.