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Reader recommendations for “third places” around Lakeland

We asked our followers where their “third place” was in Lakeland — here are the spots they called out.

An exterior shot of Black and Brew's patio

Where’s your third place in Lakeland?

Photo by LALtoday

The third place. Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, the term describes the places outside of your home (first place) and your work (second place) where you find community. This could be a coffee shop, church, gym — really any place where you feel at easy and connected to others.

One of the things we love about Swan City is the community atmosphere, which prompted us to ask our followers: where is your third place in Lakeland? Nearly 200 comments later, here are a few of the spots that got called out.

  • Mitchell’s Coffee House | “I’m there so much, that my drink is usually done before I even get up to the counter.” — @_viledesigns_
  • Bonnet Springs Park | “Our Lakeland oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle.” — @lora_116
  • Marvelous Mud Pottery Studio | “The place to go for being creative among a great community of creative people.” — @laurie_and_tildy
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