b'Home & Co. will haveheaters,hotcommunity cafecocoaandtartan blanketsoutsideinspired by lumin ecosystemto make the Table-top Smores nightsA Vibrant Hub Uniting Cultural Flavors morecomfort- Sparking Creative Connectionsable. Classic mov-ieshowingsareImmerse yourself in our dynamic, inviting ambiance!also in the works.90 Laurel Ave, Union, NJ 07083Ifyoudrather beinsideexpe- 646-580-1516 riencingtheEn- communitycafe@lumin-eco.comchantedForest@communitycafe.luminholidaytheme, youwontwant tomissaformal holidayteawith vintageteacups andpropersand-wiches. Check the website to sign up.Perch Home & Co. owner Michele Bessey and store man- Just as ancient ager Claire McGee in their transformed space. societies had their gatheringplaces, er to Perch Home Cafe. He jumpedUnique Handcrafted GiftsinwithbothfeetandnowoffersNew items arriving dailyExtended Holiday Hoursbrunch, special dinners (check Perch- kokoromaplewood.comHome.com to sign up) and fabulous pastries. There is a special emphasis onnon-alcoholicbeveragesandan extensive menu of mocktails.PerchHome&Co.hastrans-formedintoaperfectthirdspace. The community is responding. The new space now opens early for a new moms group. It also hosts a quiltingPerch Home offers gelato, food and group, a felting group, people work- beverages served inside and outdoors.ingonscriptstogether,andmanySouth Orange and Maplewood are first dates. fortunate to have their own vibrant SaysJennyWintersassheandthird spaces. These are the modern-herdaughtercheckoutajewelryday agoras, where community mem-case, coffee in hand, Every time Imbersmeet,relax,andconnectover here it seems I run into someone shared experiences. From the com-it happens so much that now I lookforting aroma of fresh-baked goods forward to going to Perch to discoverat Able Baker, to the creative buzz who I might see next. of Indigo Road Studio Pottery, and The space is so well designed itthe warm ambiance of Perch Home, wonthetopawardfor TopRetailthese spaces are more than just plac-StoreRedesignthisyearfromthees to visit. They bring us together, 2024 Retailer Excellence Awards inreminding us of the importance of Dallas. For those readers who dontcommunity, conversation, and con-speakretail,thisawardisakintonection. As we support and nurture the Academy Award of retail spacethesespaces,wehelppreservethe design. The space is efficient, warm,richsocialfabricthatmakesour uncramped, and inviting.towns feel like home. PerchHomehasalargepatioAdrianna Donat is a writer enjoying space to further its appeal to the com- SOMAs third spaces, one pastry and munity.Thiswinterseason,Perchpot at a time.feature story /37'