In this day and age, many individuals lack a third place, a.k.a. a space dedicated solely to unwinding and connecting with others, separate from your home or work. The lack of third places could be due to the increasing presence of technology in our everyday lives, not to mention COVID-19 indelibly shifting our daily routines and decreasing the number of spaces designed for socialization.
Third places are those social settings that are different from the ones in your day-to-day life. The typical first place is your home, where you feel the most comfortable. Then, a place of work acts as your second, seen that’s often the next atmosphere that occupies most of your time. Following this, a third place can be more flexible, represented by anything from a café, bookstore, park, or church to other public and social spaces.
People seek a third place for different reasons. It’s beneficial to find an atmosphere where you can go to unwind, have a good time, and connect with others who aren’t in your home or office. Third places welcome community, conversation, and spaces you look forward to going when you’re out of the house and away from work.
Here are a few potential third places to check out in Westchester.
Breweries
It’s always an enjoyable time when you hit up one of Westchester’s breweries. If you’re looking to unwind but want a different scene than the dim bar in your town, breweries offer an inviting, electric environment for beer connoisseurs. In addition to sipping on a locally brewed pint and having amusing conversation, breweries host a handful of events including bingo nights and trivia, marking the perfect occasion to round up the troops.
Captain Lawrence
444 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford; 914.741.2337
369 Lexington Ave, Mount Kisco; 845.261.3279
Westchester’s largest craft brewery boasts a 25,000-sq-ft brewery facility, 2,500-sq-ft beer hall, and 6,000-sq-ft outdoor beer garden. The industrial setting paired with Captain Lawrence’s knowledge staff makes for a top-tier hangout spot.
Simple Motive Brewing Co.
222 Lake Ave, Suite 1B, Yonkers; 914.968.1406
Opened last year in the Yonkers Arts District, Simple Motive Brewing has brought a lot to the scene. For starters, the lively taproom is lined with wooden beams, exposed brick, and plenty of greenery for a serene feel. The venue hosts trivia nights every Wednesday, with food by El Cantito Café, and welcomes an array of comics and musicians.
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Cafes
Westchester’s coffee shops continue to be a safe space for creativity, gatherings, and conversation. There’s so much potential when you’re sitting in a homey coffee shop with a few friends and a steaming cup of joe.
The Black Cow
4 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson; 914.271.7544
7 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville; 914.495.3153
A warm, welcoming space for all, this coffee shop has been a staple in the community for decades, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a few hours with a good book or playing a card game with friends, The Black Cow is an ideal spot. Additionally, the shop hosts an open mic every last Thursday of each month.
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The Peekskill Coffee House
101 South Division St, Peekskill; 914.739.1287
This charming coffee house opened to the community in 2003 and recently made some interior renovations. The multi-room space boasts a cozy vibe, superb coffee, and plenty of seating to catch up with friends.
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Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co.
6 Purdy St, Harrison; 914.688.6848
This Best of Westchester winner serves up specialty coffee and tea in Harrison. It sources organic, fair-trade coffee and tea and works exclusively with local dairy owners and bakeries to stock its shelves with the freshest treats and ingredients. The indoor seating is homey but, when spring and summer roll around, be sure to enjoy the large outdoor patio.
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Bookstores
Good books and great vibes are a running theme across Westchester’s bookstore scene, with a medley of independent shops scattered around the county.
Katonah Reading Room
19 Edgemont Rd, Katonah; 914.334.8019
For avid readers in search of a coffee shop/bookstore combo, the Katonah Reading Room is a no-brainer. The store is stocked with bestsellers, new arrivals, and seats along the window to enjoy your coffee with a view. Plus, the café serves freshly brewed coffee, avocado toast, and pastries.
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Additional Spots
Movement Valhalla (Formerly The Cliffs at Valhalla)
1 Commerce St, Valhalla; 914.328.7625
If you prefer a sporty third place, The Cliffs at Valhalla welcomes everyone to its shared space. The gym isn’t just about reaching your individual goals, but about building community and friendships with fellow climbers. The Cliffs is a collaborative environment where climbers can support each other, and you can do that with a monthly membership for $85/person.
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Flying Fingers
14 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.631.4113
Whether you’re picking up a new hobby or endlessly adding to your knitting collection, taking knitting classes can be a great way to meet like-minded people. Flying Fingers is a family- and women-owned yarn store that offers six-week group sessions for both knitters and crocheters.
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Related: The Black Cow in Croton-on-Hudson Is Under New Ownership
