Thoughts from the past and present On third places

I've lived in Monticello my whole life, and I always remember it being pretty quiet. Over the past few years, though, I feel like something's changed. It's not a bad change, either.  I don't know if it's just because I've gotten more observant or my work makes me notice things around town more, but it really does feel like Monticello is more socially active than it used to be just a few years ago. Drive through town on any day (except for Monday, of course), and chances are, you'll see people lingering around town, perusing the shops, exploring downtown, sitting outside and chatting with friends at tables. Even in the evenings, when some businesses are closed, it feels like Monticello is