Where was The Book of Henry filmed?

Immersed in picturesque Hudson Valley suburbia, we meet 11-year-old Henry Carpenter, a genius, and his younger brother Peter. With the guidance of their single mother, Susan, these two exceptional brothers learn to deal with life's challenges. Susan, a waitress, passionately dreams of being a children's book author and uses her imagination to create colorful picture books.

The tranquil Long Island, New York, community of Williston Park was the setting for this iconic scene and most of the film. Charming residential neighborhoods, community parks, and local attractions like Herricks Park and the Shelter Rock Public Library are the hallmarks of Williston Park, founded in 1926. The filming location of Williston Park brings an authentic sense of suburban calm and reality to the film, making the remarkable lives of the people more approachable.

Williston Park, in Nassau County, Long Island, is conveniently accessible by car via major highways like the Northern State Parkway and the Long Island Expressway (I-495). With the East Williston station being the closest to the village's core, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides convenient service to the neighborhood for those reliant on public transit.

Henry defends Peter against a bully at school and builds intricate Rube Goldberg machines in their treehouse. Peter rushes to Henry's treehouse in one scene to check on the progress of the machine while he's gone.

This scene occurs in Nyack, a tiny village in Rockland County, New York. The picturesque town of Nyack provided the perfect backdrop for these crucial scenes, owing to its gently sloping hills leading to the Hudson River's western bank. This town, formed in 1872, has maintained its lovely, low-rise appearance, and is an ideal enhancement to the film's setting.

Filming took place on Division Avenue in the month of November, transporting the crew to a real-life paradise that perfectly reflected the story's mood. The genuine treehouse may no longer exist, which may disappoint some viewers, yet Nyack retains its allure as the film's backdrop.

Those from New York City or the surrounding areas can easily reach Nyack by car, as it is approximately 32 miles north of the Big Apple. Nyack is also well-connected to other parts of the New York City area and beyond via bus routes, so public transportation is another viable alternative.

Susan Carpenter works as a waitress to make ends meet. She works at Candy Hilderbrandt's Ice Cream, a bustling restaurant, but in one scene Susan arrives late for her shift. We witness a moment of vulnerability and camaraderie as she confides in her colleague Sheila (Sarah Silverman) about the challenges of daily life.

Candy Hilderbrandt's Ice Cream is filmed at the real-life Hildebrandt’s Restaurant, an establishment that itself is a character steeped in history and nostalgia. Located at 84 Hillside Avenue in Williston Park, New York, Hildebrandt’s is a classic 1920s soda shop that has delighted patrons with its ice cream and diner fare for nearly a century.

Hildebrandt’s has faced its share of challenges in recent years, with announcements of closing in 2020 followed by brief reprieves. Despite these hurdles, the restaurant continues serving its beloved dishes.

Williston Park is easily accessible and is nestled in Nassau County on Long Island. Visitors can drive to Hildebrandt’s, which has parking available in the area. It's a 40-minute drive from New York via I-495 E. For those relying on public transportation, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers routes that connect to nearby stations.

Henry witnesses a disturbing instance of abuse. Christina, a classmate of his, suffers at the hands of her stepfather, Glenn Sickleman (Dean Norris), who is not just any resident but the local police commissioner. Driven by a strong sense of justice, Henry reports the abuse to social services and the school principal, Janice Wilder (Tonya Pinkins).

The scenes depicting Henry and his brother's academic life are set in the fictional Cavalry School. However, Stewart Avenue Elementary School is the real-life location used for these sequences. This educational institution is situated at 501 Stewart Avenue in Garden City, providing the perfect setting for the film's school-related scenes. The choice of Stewart Avenue Elementary School adds a layer of authenticity to the movie, grounding its extraordinary narrative in a recognizable and relatable environment.

While Stewart Avenue Elementary School might not be open to visitors, given its operational status as a place of learning, fans of the film and enthusiasts of movie locations can still appreciate the school's exterior and the surrounding area.

Reaching Stewart Avenue Elementary School is quite convenient for those nearby, with the location being easily accessible by car and potentially by local public transportation. If you're coming from Williston Park, the school is just an 11-minute drive away via Jericho Turnpike.

Henry confronts his mother with a profound truth: when someone is in trouble, those in a position to help must take action. Moved by the plight of his classmate Christina (, who is living under the shadow of abuse, Henry meticulously crafts a plan to rescue her. His strategy and heartfelt desire to protect Christina are carefully documented in a notebook, symbolizing his innocence and extraordinary resolve.

To bring this compelling story to life, the filmmakers captured additional shots along Cross Street, enveloping the scenes in an ambiance that perfectly complements the movie's poignant themes. While the exact location of Henry's house within this area remains unspecified, the mystique of Cross Street adds an intriguing layer to the film's setting, inviting fans to immerse themselves in its cinematic world.

Visiting Hildebrandt's cafe can serve as a starting point for those inspired to explore the locations that framed Henry's journey. From there, a stroll down the atmospheric streets, including Cross Street, offers a chance to soak in the environment that backdrops the story.

For those in the vicinity, driving might be the most convenient way to reach Cross Street, Hildebrandt's cafe, and the surrounding streets. It takes just a 40-minute car ride via I-495 E from New York.