By Erin Fisher, Stowe Operations Manager + Caitlin Conner, Stowe Marketing + Communications Manager

I recently came across a term in urban planning that perfectly describes spaces that many people enjoy without realizing it: third space, or a place you can enjoy relaxation outside of of home or work. According to the University of Chicago, third spaces are a “casual and social environment where no one is obligated to be there and cost should not prevent people from attending…. it is a meeting ground to build relationships with others outside of home or work.” If you’ve visited the Gardens at Stowe, you’ve driven right past our own third space – the Village at Stowe, and our trails and adjoining open meadows and fields.
Our founder, Daniel Stowe, set out to create his botanical garden with grand plans to activate the entire property and our rebrand last year from Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden to Daniel Stowe Conservancy signifies that we are still committed to making the most of our 380 acres. Most of our visitors are familiar with The Gardens at Stowe, which require an admission fee or membership to enter the 90-acre botanical gardens. These admission fees and membership contributions support the gardens and the Conservancy’s mission to inspire a love of nature and its beauty through unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Alternatively, The Village at Stowe serves as a community hub for socializing, hiking, eating, drinking, enjoying live music and spending time with friends and family. We live in a world where we’re increasingly tied to work and home, while the community third spaces that bring people together continue to disappear. That’s why places like the Village at Stowe matter.

The Village provides several indoor and outdoor hang out spots that you can access completely free of charge. If you’re familiar with The Village, you’ve probably visited The Trailhead Store, our cozy coffee cabin located in front of our pond loop trails. The Trailhead Store serves as a gateway to our 8+ mile trail system that connects to the Carolina Thread trail, giving you access to miles and miles of free hiking. The location of The Trailhead Store is crucial, as it gives our hikers the chance to fuel up with snacks, caffeine and hydration before embarking on their adventure and all visitors can appreciate kicking back in our outdoor seating area with a craft beer, bottle of wine to split between friends or cold N/A beverage while enjoying the scenic Village Views.

The Trailhead Store sits directly in front of our Dog Park! While dogs are not allowed in The Gardens at Stowe or inside buildings on the property (learn more about our Pet Policy here), dogs are more than welcome on our trails, in the outdoor areas of The Village and, of course, in the Dog Park. (Thank you to New Hope Veterinary Hospital for sponsoring the Dog Park!)

Third spaces are also a great way for remote workers to get out of the house and shake up their routine. The Trailhead Store’s large porch area plus indoor couches and chairs in our cozy Sasquatch Attic (complete with working record player!) make The Village at Stowe a WFH dream. You could even squeeze in a trail walk over your lunch break!

The Big Pond Loop in The Village

The Sasquatch Attic

The Village also frequently hosts free events for our community. Pickin’ on the Porch, our free, weekly live music series hosted on Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. gives our neighbors the chance to get outside and enjoy some cost-free tunes in the afternoon. Our Village Markets, guided hikes and photography walks have become staples in our community as ways to slow down, get outside and make plans after work other than hitting the couch.

The Village Markets in particular have been a transformative addition to The Village. Each month The Village hosts 10+ vendors in the walkway between The Trailhead Store and The Farmhouse Garden Center for visitors to browse and shop local produce, home goods, art, bakery items and much more. Check out all upcoming events here. 

The Farmhouse Garden Center is the newest addition to The Village at Stowe. The outside features a charming, wrap-around porch featuring native plants for sale grown right at our Native Plant Nursery! You can learn more about our Native Plant Nursery and why planting native is so important here.

Farmhouse porch featuring native plants for sale

Speaking of fresh produce, our visitors don’t even have to wait until the next Village Market to pick up farm-fresh ingredients. The Farmhouse Garden Center has partnered with Freshlist to sell delicious fruits, vegetables, jams and meats every single week, all sourced from local farmers.

The Village Market

We’ve often heard The Village (and even The Gardens) referred to as a public park, but this is not the case. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the conservation and protection of our 380 acres. Public parks are run by local government and thus receive local and federal funding. Stowe relies on support from you, our community. This includes daily admission, membership, tickets to special events, weddings, commercial photography fees and donations. All of these funds we receive go directly back into our Conservancy, making it possible for The Village to remain a free third space in nature for our community.

With developments popping up all around Belmont, Charlotte and the surrounding area, more people than ever need that critical third space, and we are happy to help everyone connect and find their path to nature. There are many ways that you can help us protect and care for Stowe, too! By following our Code of Conduct, Pet and Photography Policies during your visit to The Village or Gardens, you support the spaces you enjoy. Follow the basic rules of outdoor enjoyment: leave no trace and take nothing that doesn’t belong to you. Every respectful visit, membership, volunteer hour served and donation helps ensure that these trails, meadows, gardens and gathering places remain open for everyone. That’s what makes a third space work and what keeps nature accessible for our community.