Explore the real-world places that appear in Best Friends for Never by Lisi Harrison. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Octavian Country Day School (OCD), The Block Estate (Massie's Mansion), Claire's Guest House, Layne's House, OCD Benefit Venue and 2 more.
Bedford area, Westchester — the Clique's school (fictional)
OCD is the school where the eighth-grade Clique rules the hallways. Massie Block's announcement that she is hosting the first boy/girl Halloween party of the year makes her a hero to her friends. Rumors about who gets to invite Derek Herrington spread here. Massie's parents insist that the whole grade be invited, so the invitation list becomes a source of constant drama.
Octavian Country Day is fictional, but it is modeled on the private day schools of northern Westchester, such as those around Bedford and Mount Kisco. The area has been an affluent country retreat for New York City families since the 19th century.
Bedford Village is a historic hamlet with a green, boutiques, and estates. The fictional school itself does not exist.
Fictional Westchester estate — Massie's home and Halloween party site
Massie Block lives on a sprawling estate, the setting for the Halloween party. She has hired party planner Landon Dorsey, the hottest planner in the 9-1-4 area code, but her parents demand that she invite the whole class. Claire Lyons, whose family lives in the Blocks' guest house, is caught up in the preparations. She wonders whether a boyfriend would make her happy.
The Block estate is fictional. It resembles the large country estates built across northern Westchester, including Bedford and Pound Ridge, by wealthy New Yorkers from the Gilded Age onward.
Estates like this one are private, gated properties along the wooded roads of northern Westchester. They are not open to visitors.
On the Block property — Claire Lyons' temporary home
Claire lives in the guest house on the Block estate. From there she trades IM messages with Layne, who finds the party's mixed company so "DESPR8." She is stuck between the Clique's glamour and her own doubts. She wonders whether having a boyfriend will make her happy.
Guest houses and carriage houses are standard on large Westchester estates. They often date to the early 20th century.
Such outbuildings are private residences or staff quarters and are not open to the public.
Westchester suburb — Claire's outside-the-Clique friend (fictional)
Layne Abelli is Claire's friend outside the Clique. She IMs Claire that the party's boys make her feel "DESPR8." Her wry reaction contrasts with the Clique's excitement over the Halloween event.
Layne's home is not tied to a specific real address. Scarsdale, used here as a stand-in, became a commuter suburb after the railroad arrived in the 19th century.
Scarsdale is a well-known residential village with a village center near its Metro-North station. Private homes there are not visitable.
Westchester Country Club, Rye — site of last month's benefit (inspiration)
The OCD benefit took place last month. Dylan believes she was the one who danced all night with Derek Herrington. Kristen acts strange about it, and Dylan says "Whatevs" and offers Derek to her. She admits Derek was a terrible dancer anyway.
The Westchester Country Club in Rye opened in 1922 as a major resort and golf destination. It has hosted social events and sporting tournaments for a century.
It remains a private club. Public access is limited to members and event guests.
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains — shopping and costume hunting
The Clique's world revolves around shopping and labels, and a Halloween party means costumes and accessories. The mall in White Plains is the real-world equivalent of their go-to shopping spot. It is a natural place for the girls to plan outfits and exchange gossip about Derek.
The Westchester opened in 1995 in White Plains. It was built as a luxury mall anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
It remains a major upscale shopping destination with luxury and mainstream retailers and dining.
Visit: The Westchester (landmark)
White Plains area — the hottest planner in the 9-1-4 (fictional)
Massie hires Landon Dorsey, the hottest party planner in the 9-1-4 area code, for her Halloween bash. His plans for decor and entertainment are thrown into chaos when her parents demand that the whole class be invited. Massie must adapt her exclusive vision to a guest list that includes everyone.
The 914 area code, which covers Westchester County, was created in 1947. It is a shorthand for the suburban region north of New York City.
White Plains is the county seat and a commercial hub with event venues and caterers. Landon's studio is fictional.
More by Lisi Harrison: These Boots Are Made for Stalking locations map · The Clique locations map · All Lisi Harrison books
Other nearby maps: Vision in White by Nora Roberts locations map · Katie and the Cupcake Cure by Coco Simon locations map · From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg locations map · Mia in the Mix by Coco Simon locations map