There’s no denying that Austin Abrams (Dash) and Midori Francis (Lily) are the leads of this fun holiday miniseries on Netflix, but there’s a third star that we can’t overlook – New York City!
As much as this is a love story between cynical Dash and optimistic Lily, like the best-selling novel the series is based on, it’s also a love letter to the Big Apple.
NYC is such a magical place during the holidays, which is the perfect setting for these teens to complete a series of dares. Since many of us won’t be able to visit New York in person this year, we’ll take a virtual tour of all the spots featured in Dash & Lily.
The Strand Bookstore – 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
This is where the story begins with a red “Do You Dare?” notebook tucked between two copies of J.D. Salinger’s “Franny and Zooey”.
Union Square Holiday Market – Union Square Park, E 14th St, New York, NY 10011
Put on your favorite festive sweater and a tinsel necklace, then join Lily and her caroling group to sing a tune or two.
Macy’s Herald Square – 151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Macy’s, sponsors of the famed Thanksgiving Day Parade, is also the home of Santaland … and an elf on a power trip.
Two Boots Pizza – 42 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Stop by for a slice and to say hello to Boomer.
Washington Square Park – Fifth Avenue, between MacDougal Street and University Place, New York
Located in Greenwich Village, this park has been a meeting place and a cultural hub for decades. Fingers crossed you don’t run into your soccer team having a party you weren’t invited to.
Tompkins Square Park – Avenue A to Avenue B, E. 7 St. to E. 10 St., New York
Whether you take a stroll through this East Village park with your brother, BFF or boo, make sure you have some cookies from one of the city’s finest bakeries.
Grand Central Terminal – 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Even if you’ve been to Grand Central Terminal, the chances that you’ve looked up to admire the stunning starry ceiling are slim. Make some time to visit during off hours so you can really take it all in.
Alice in Wonderland Statue, Central Park – Central Park, E 74th St and 5th Avenue, New York
Weird girls rule, and Alice is definitely the queen of weird. Of course one of Lily’s notebook drops is at the statue of the iconic book character located in Central Park.
Four and Twenty Blackbirds – 439 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Stop by this Gowanus bakery for a piece of apple pie. And don’t be scared to ask for a slice of cheese on top.
Ferrara Bakery – 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
There’s nothing like celebrating the season with a plate of Italian pastries from this famous bakery in Little Italy. The cookies and cakes are divine, but if you’re looking for the most heavenly treat, go for the cannoli.
Pretzel Cart at 72nd Street and 2nd Avenue, New York
Make a stop at this Upper East Side Pretzel cart and ask for the salty Lot’s Wife pretzel, inspired by Dash!
The Morgan Library and Museum – 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
With everything from works of art by van Gogh and Cézanne to the scrap of paper that Bob Dylan scribbled lyrics on for “Blowin’ in the Wind,” this Murray Hill institution is a must-visit.
Zinc Bar – 82 W 3rd St., New York, NY 10012
Work through some of your pent up feelings by taking the stage at Zinc Bar’s slam poetry open mic. Bonus points if your middle-school bully is in the audience.
Yonah Schimmel’s Knish – 137 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Although you won’t be able to see Jewish punk band, the Challah Back Boys, or talk to the fabulous Door Queen IRL, you can sample the best knish in NYC at this century-old bakery.
The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Bundle up and head to this Brooklyn neighborhood, famous for its elaborate Christmas light displays. The roughly mile-long stroll will take you past the Nutcracker House and other beautifully decorated homes.
McSorley’s Old Ale House – 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Following an afternoon of caroling, have a cup of holiday cheer at the oldest Irish saloon in NYC. Fun fact: women weren’t allowed in the drinking establishment until a law was finally passed in the 1970s.
Village East Cinema – 181-189 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Located in the East Village, this is one of the last Yiddish theater buildings standing in the city. Catch a Hollywood blockbuster or an indie hit, and don’t forget the popcorn.
Cha-An Teahouse – 230 E 9th St floor 2, New York, NY 10003
Indulge in some swoon-worthy Japanese Bento boxes, teas, and desserts at this second-floor hideaway, or learn the art of making the perfect mochi.
See NYC through Lily and Dash’s eyes once again by rewatching all eight episodes of Dash & Lily on Netflix, and don’t forget to add Wiretap to Chrome so you can post reactions to all of your favorite moments.
Images Courtesy of Netflix
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