Denzel Washington’s starring role in Othello is making waves throughout NYC, so much so it collected the title of highest-grossing Broadway play in history.
The Broadway production garnered $2.8 million in the opening week, and the star-studded lineup of Washington and also Jake Gyllenhaal is a huge reason why.
As we attempt to snag the hottest ticket in town, we reflect on one of the show’s biggest stars, Denzel Washington, and his hometown right outside of NYC!
That’s right, you can visit the acclaimed actors’ hometown in less than a half hour from NYC—and we’ve put together a guide on what to do, see, and eat as if you we’re hangin’ with Denzel.
Why Visit Mount Vernon, NY?
Tucked right outside of the Bronx, the small-town charm of Mount Vernon is unmatched and the close 30 minute proximity to New York makes it a lovely day trip.
The town itself is only 4.4 square miles in area and is home to just north of 70,000 people in Westchester County.
It’s home to plenty of history, nature, shopping, culture, and so much more to discover. Not to mention the deep film and popular connection that the town offers.
It’s of course the birthplace of Denzel Washington, but it’s also been featured in several notable movies, including Riding in Cars with Boys, The Thomas Crown Affair, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to name a few.
Denzel Washington: From Mount Vernon to Hollywood
Beloved actor Denzel Washington does call Mount Vernon home, and his background in the NYC suburb makes for a rag-to-riches story.
He was born there in 1954, and spent plenty of childhood years there, many in particular at the Boys & Girls Club of Mount Vernon.
His participation in the club kept him out of trouble, while his minister father and beautician mother raised him and eventually sent him off to Fordham University.
Washington’s love for his town is deep, often referring to himself as a “Mount Vernon actor” rather than a Hollywood one, and even securing a local legacy with a school named the Denzel Washington School of the Arts.
Plus, throughout his career he’s always paid homage to where he’s from, and even brought Hollywood to Mt. Vernon in movies like The Pelican Brief in 1993.
Things To Do in Mount Vernon, NY
- St. Paul’s Church National Historic Site: This historic 18th-century church is full of American Revolution history, and there’s a museum, church, and cemetry to explore. We recommend checking out Revolutionary artifacts and plan ahead on a day where they host special talks, events, or walking tours.
- Wilson Woods Park: The park is one of the oldest parks in Westchester County, and is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
- Mount Vernon Public Library: The largest library in the county and dates back to 1896 with stunning architecture. Spend a day admiring murals, 600,000 items in the collection, and community programming.
- Ac-Baw Center for the Arts & Mackey Twins Art Gallery: This contemporary art space showcases over 80 works from more than a dozen artists, particularly highlighting artists of color!
- Hartley Park: A large, serene green space to work out, picnic, walk, and enjoy community events.
Where To Eat in Mount Vernon, NY
- Johnny’s Pizzeria: Get your fix of NYC pizza just outside the city at Johnny’s Pizzeria. The light, crispy pies make it feel just like The Big Apple. View here
- Ripe Kitchen & Bar: A well-known Caribbean neighborhood restaurant & bar serving jerk chicken & steak, plus a backyard with palm trees & a bar. View here
- The Bayou: A Cajun-inspired restaurant with New Orleans-style menu and live blues and zydeco performances. View here
How To Get There from NYC
As mentioned, Mount Vernon is extremely accessible from NYC, and you can even get there by train in about 30 minutes!
The Metro-North Railroad’s New Haven Line is the easiest and fastest way to get there, with direct trains departing every 30 minutes from Grand Central Terminal or 125th Street–Harlem station to Mount Vernon East.
The speedy train takes less than a half hour to whip uptown and a ticket only costs between $7 and $13 one way.
Other ways to get there include the MTA bus from Manhattan (Madison Avenue/E 84th Street) to Mount Vernon which will take a little longer (around an hour) or driving the 19ish miles in about 30 -45 minutes depending on traffic.