Hey Dot Family! My name is Katie Kelbrants, a Dot member for the past couple years. The Dot has been an extremely inspiring community for me -I have met great friends, colleagues, and even met my business coach @ the Dot! Catherine Brine reached out to me about these blog write ups – and I LOVED the concept of third spaces. For those that know me, you may know I spend time living between Minneapolis (my hometown) & New York City. 

In an age where many of our interactions are filtered through screens and schedules, the simple act of “just being somewhere” with other people has become surprisingly rare. Yet, for generations, communities were built not only at home (the first space) or work (the second space), but in what sociologists call third spaces. The concept of third spaces was popularized by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, who described them as public places that are neutral, accessible, and centered around conversation and connection.

One thing New York City gets right is third spaces. A third space is an informal gathering place where people can connect, unwind, and belong—outside of the routines of work and home. It’s the dinner spot, the park, the café you always end up at, the bar hosting trivia night. It’s less about the place itself and more about what happens there: shared moments, spontaneous conversations, and the feeling of being part of something.

Europeans—and New Yorkers—have perfected this in a way few others have. The midday siesta, a casual spritz break, or a long coffee walk with a friend aren’t luxuries; they’re built into the rhythm of life. Third spaces represent something deeper than leisure; they’re the spaces where life happens.

 Summer coming in Minneapolis means more *given* third spaces. Warmth means run clubs, 8pm sunsets, strolls along the Stone Arch, and more. Why does this matter? Because third spaces are where connection happens without trying so hard. It’s the familiar faces at the lake, the people you see every week at your run club, the casual “hey” that slowly turns into something more. Minneapolis especially shines here in the summer—days at Bde Maka Ska, walks along the Stone Arch, patios that turn into hours-long hangs. You don’t have to plan it perfectly, you just have to show up.

Without these spaces, life gets smaller—home to work, work to home, everything scheduled and optimized. Third spaces add back the in-between moments, the ones that actually make you feel part of something. They remind you that community isn’t built in big, dramatic ways, it’s built in consistency.

So, lean into it. Pick your spots, become a regular, stay a little longer than you planned. Minneapolis makes it easy this time of year. The city opens up—you just have to meet it there. And – I am down to join you!

Author: Katie Kelbrants

Katie.kelbrants@nm.com // 612.505.2825 // The Dot Member