Located in downtown Deland, ‘Sidecar’ is a hidden gem. Half coffee shop, half lounge, the space is decked in colorful wallpaper and cozy reading nooks — even offering jewelry, clothes and trinkets for sale. After stumbling upon the shop, Professor Leah Sandler, who teaches a culmination of arts classes at Stetson, made it her go-to spot. I sat down with her at Sidecar to get her perspective on how local hangouts can be vital for both professors and students–and how these shared spaces form the lifeblood of small communities.
- How did you discover Sidecar, and how is it an outlet for you?
I actually came to Sidecar on one of my very first trips to Deland when I knew I would be moving here, before I even started working at Stetson. I had just picked up the keys to my new rental house, and we walked along Woodland, we stumbled upon it and happened to walk in. That first time we dropped in spontaneously and thought it was a cute place. I always have my eyes out for cute spots like this one.
- In what ways, as a professor here at Stetson, do you utilize “underground” spots like Sidecar? Would you say it aids you in lesson planning?
As an art professor specifically, a big part of my pedagogical approach is community building. I don’t like to view students as being completely separated or isolated for myself as a professor, so it was really important for me to find a gathering place that felt democratic in that way. In the classroom, it’s designed so that there is an obvious hierarchy. Whereas in a coffee shop, everyone can sit in a circle or at tables and communicate as equals without that hierarchical structure. Approaching the arts and creating things, I think being able to communicate like that is really valuable.
I come here to work on lesson plans and occasionally grade, but I feel like most of the time it’s to gather with friends and other professors. I meet with other professors here pretty frequently. One of the cool things is that Deland is small and fairly walkable. So a lot of the time, I’ll drop by and see people spontaneously. I think that is a really special thing about this part of town.
- Are there any other hidden gems on or near campus where you enjoy personal R&R?
For food, I would say Pervafi’s Kitchen is amazing and somewhat new. It is in the Artisan Alley area and it’s a takeout kitchen with unique hours. There is a nice sitting area next to it, which you find a lot of in Deland. It has some outdoor spaces where people can gather and not be compelled to behave in a particular way; there can be organic interaction. Another gathering place that doesn’t force you to consume or spend money is the Chess courtyard. It is meant for people just to exist and be present without any restraint. Even if it is just something as simple as a couple tables, there needs to be more of that. Steve’s Records is also fantastic; I love going in there and looking through the record crates. The collage of posters on the walls is an archive of the live music history in Deland, and it’s really worth looking at.
- How do these places add color to the Deland community?
Going back to the idea of a third place, a place where people can gather and not be compelled to behave in a particular way. There can be organic interaction. With the town being the size that it is, it does create the sense that as you walk through it, you already know all the hangout spots. There is something very surreal about the way people interact in Deland. I’ve only lived here two years now…but there is always something going on here, and it really contributes to the color of Deland. It is beautiful to see that type of communication happening between the people in town.
- Why would you argue there is importance in finding personal recreation and study spots? Why is it so vital?
Being able to have a place in common with your community, having a shared stake in a place. Especially if that space is something that can help break down hierarchies and create a more level playing field for different values. It is a forum for seeing where the people in your community stand.
