Explore the real-world places that appear in The Clique 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, Block Estate, The Guest House, Westchester County Center and Downtown White Plains, The Westchester Mall and 5 more.
Westchester County — Fictional private school of the Clique
Octavian Country Day School (OCD) is the posh private school where Massie Block, Alicia Rivera, Dylan Marvil and Kristen Gregory rule the seventh grade. Claire Lyons arrives here as the new girl and tries to win over the girls who control the social scene. Hallway whispers, cafeteria politics, and the Pretty Committee's rulings drive much of the plot.
Octavian is fictional, modeled on the elite private day schools of Westchester County, which have educated the children of New York City executives for generations. The county became a wealthy commuter suburb after the railroads arrived in the 19th century.
The real-world analogs are prep schools around Rye, Harrison and Greenwich. The campus itself is not a real, visitable place.
Fictional Westchester estate — Massie Block's home
Massie Block lives in a grand estate in Westchester, with her parents and her dog Bean. It is the headquarters of the Pretty Committee, where the girls hold sleepovers and vote on membership. Claire Lyons and her family are eventually offered the Blocks' guest house to live in, putting Claire into Massie's daily orbit.
The wealthy enclaves of Westchester County, such as Rye and Bedford, grew in the early 20th century as estates for New York City business families. Many large properties were built in the Gilded Age and later.
The Block estate is fictional, and the area is a mix of private homes and gated properties. Visiting would intrude on private residences.
Block property — Claire Lyons' temporary home
After moving from Orlando, Claire Lyons and her parents and brother Todd stay in the Blocks' guest house while their own house is being arranged. Claire's proximity to Massie makes her both an outsider and a constant target. It is the setting for tense interactions across the lawn and hidden attempts to win the group's acceptance.
Guest houses and carriage houses are a common feature of historic Westchester estates, dating from the era when large households needed separate quarters for staff and visitors.
The specific guest house is fictional. Similar properties around Westchester are almost all privately owned.
White Plains — The area's main shopping and city hub
The girls' weekend outings in the series revolve around Westchester's shopping districts, where Massie, Alicia and Dylan seek out the newest designer trends. Shopping is a social currency among the Pretty Committee, and fashion choices mark who is in or out. Claire's wardrobe becomes a point of ridicule.
White Plains developed as the county seat of Westchester and became a major commercial center in the 20th century. The Westchester County Center opened in 1930 as a venue for events.
Downtown White Plains is a busy hub with malls, restaurants and offices. The Westchester County Center hosts concerts, expos and sports events.
Visit: Westchester County Center (landmark)
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains — Upscale retail
The upscale mall is a natural stand-in for the shops where the Pretty Committee browses and gossips. Designer labels, lip gloss and the latest accessories define the girls' status. A shopping trip is also a test, since the clique judges whether Claire fits in.
The Westchester opened in 1997 as a luxury shopping destination in White Plains, anchored by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.
The mall remains a high-end retail destination with major department stores and dining.
Visit: The Westchester (landmark)
1 Playland Pkwy, Rye — Classic amusement park
Amusement and leisure outings suit the girls' social calendar, and Playland stands as a regional analog for the day trips they might take. The setting offers the type of public place where the clique's rivalries play out in front of everyone.
Playland opened in 1928 and is a National Historic Landmark, owned by Westchester County. It is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the United States.
The county-run park is open seasonally with rides, a boardwalk and a beach on Long Island Sound.
Visit: Rye Playland (landmark)
Forest Ave, Rye — Waterfront green space
Open outdoor spaces offer a backdrop for the girls' private conversations and plotting away from adults. Park settings let Massie hold court and let Claire try to find her footing.
Rye Town Park was established in the early 20th century on the Long Island Sound waterfront and has long served the local community.
The park offers a beach, picnic areas and walking paths and is open to visitors.
Visit: Rye Town Park (park)
1061 Boston Post Rd, Rye — Local library
Kristen Gregory is the studious, athletic member of the Pretty Committee, and quiet study spaces like a town library fit her side of the group. It represents the more ordinary school-life settings around Octavian.
The Rye Free Reading Room has served the community since 1878, making it one of the area's long-standing civic institutions.
It is an active public library with collections, programs and study spaces.
Visit: Rye Free Reading Room (library)
Harrison, NY — Setting inspiration for Dylan Marvil's neighborhood
Dylan Marvil, the redheaded, food-loving member of the Pretty Committee, lives in an affluent Westchester home. Her house serves as another sleepover and gossip spot. The group's inner politics unfold in these private homes.
Harrison developed into an upscale suburb of New York City during the 20th century, with many large single-family homes.
The area is residential, and the homes are private, so visiting would be intrusive.
Port Chester — Casual hangout inspiration
Hanging out over food and treats is part of the girls' routine, and Dylan's relationship with food is a recurring thread. Casual eateries around Westchester stand in as places where the clique plots social strategy.
Port Chester is an old waterfront village in the town of Rye, long known for its dining scene and diverse community.
Downtown Port Chester has many restaurants and cafes along its main streets.
Visit: Downtown Port Chester (landmark)
More by Lisi Harrison: Best Friends for Never locations map · These Boots Are Made for Stalking locations map · All Lisi Harrison books
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