Where is your third-place?

I was reading the NY Times last weekend and came across an article referencing Howard Schultz’s vision for the ascent of Starbucks. It’s a familiar formula to us now: friendly baristas, aromas of freshly ground coffee beans, and an inviting, leisurely décor. From the onset it was more about the environment than the coffee. Mr. Schultz wanted to create a communal gathering place as a respite from both the office and home -- a self-described “third place” for his customers.

I think it’s safe to say he succeeded.

By itself the Starbucks’ article wouldn’t have led me to the keyboard. However, when combined with another occurrence, it got me thinking. As it happened I was recently at a bar talking with a collegiate friend that I hadn’t seen in years. After a few hours conversing about memories & people of yore, it was time for us to part ways. Then, in anticipation of her question yet to come, I went ahead and referenced my next destination for the evening: “it was great seeing you; I’m headed to Vision.”

Her reply: “Vision????”

For those of you not local to Chicago, mere mention of Vision Night Club is likely to raise an eyebrow (or two…or three). If Vision made its way into a Tolkien tale, it might be the late-night hangout in Mordor. In truth, six nights a week Vision wouldn’t appeal to me even if Frodo was hosting a meet & greet with The Ring. But if you like electronic music, on Saturday night, Vision is often THE place to be.

Thankfully, I’m not alone in the electronic music fan club. Vision is the Saturday standby and Cheers equivalent for a decent percentage of my closest friends. Confessedly, the venue may be too large and dark to draw visual comparisons to the cozy, Boston pub. Nor is Vision a likely congregation point for ex-ballplayers and mailmen who live with their mothers. But Mordor comparisons notwithstanding, on any given night I’m likely to come across several familiar faces who always offer me an enthusiastic hello or embrace (“Norm!”).

In short, Vision is becoming my “third-place.” .

Admittedly, I’m not sure a third locale alone warrants ending the list. Einstein’s, with their darn good coffee, and Barnes & Noble would certainly deserve consideration for the fourth and fifth slots. Still, neither is on par with my affinity for Vision. They are appreciated, weekly stopovers. Not ordained tertiary homes. I could do without my Asiago-bagel egg sandwich for a fortnight and still operate within a standard deviation or two of my mean.

I’m not sure I could say the same for Vision.

Vision is not for everyone, but it’s the ideal late night spot for me. It feels right every time I walk in the door, especially in the company of friends.

The overarching point to emphasize here is that Mr. Schultz is onto something. It’s healthy and therapeutic to have a peripheral locale to set up shop. A place away from home that nonetheless feels homey, in whatever connotation you need it to afford.

Perhaps your third-place is the gym. Perhaps it’s Starbucks. Perhaps it’s a nook or cranny yet undiscovered by the masses. The specifics aren’t important. If you’re like me, you’re merely better off because it exists.