Welcome to Pine Bush, NY

Tucked between the rugged Shawangunk Ridge and the rolling Catskills, Pine Bush feels more like a valley crossroads than a bustling city.

Folks swing through Ulster County on day trips, but anyone scouting homes for sale in Pine Bush quickly notices how the town leans into its own quirky personality: part small‑farm community, part “UFO capital of the East Coast.”

The local Paranormal Museum right on Main Street anchors those outer‑space legends, and curious visitors pop in year‑round to see if the stories check out. 

Explore the Great Outdoors in Pine Bush

Hike the Scenic Trails of Sam’s Point Preserve

Minnewaska State Park’s southern tip, Sam’s Point, delivers a classic Hudson Valley adventure.

A moderate trail climbs through pitch‑pine barrens to dramatic quartz cliffs with a sweeping view toward Lake Maratanza. In summer, the famous Ice Caves stay a cool 55 °F, while spring brings cascades over towering stone ledges and winter lays down rime‑frosted rock that photographers love. 

Educators even lead seasonal hikes so you can learn the area’s geology on foot.

Wander Through the Shawangunk Mountains

Locals call them “the Gunks.”

Climbers test world‑class quartzite routes, birders scan for raptors riding thermals, and weekend cyclists grind the carriage roads that hug the ridge. Because these mountains rise more than 2,000 feet, they protect one of New York’s last dwarf‑pine ecosystems, a rare green oasis that feels both historic and futuristic.

Bring your camera: sunsets flame orange over distant Catskill peaks and the Hudson River.

Embrace the Quirky: UFO Culture and Local Lore

Visit the Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum

Step inside, and you’ll find wall‑sized eyewitness maps, “abduction” audio, and artifacts from the famous Pine Bush UFO flap of the 1980s and ’90s.

Guided tours mix hard science with high strangeness, making the stop equal parts educational and entertaining. Kids gravitate to the interactive light boards; skeptics dig the local newspaper archive. 

Attend the Pine Bush UFO Fair

Every June, downtown transforms into a block‑long party featuring cosplayers, pop‑up art, and keynote speakers from TV’s Ancient Aliens franchise.

Live music, street food, and late‑night sky‑watches turn the event into Pine Bush’s unofficial summer kickoff.

If you’re planning a family visit, grab tickets early. Last year’s seats sold out weeks in advance.

Savor the Local Flavors

Dine at Local Favorites

Breakfast at the Cup & Saucer Diner means stuffed French toast and endless coffee refills beneath a neon‑green flying saucer mural.

Come dinnertime, the new One With Land restaurant, set inside an 1856 farmhouse, serves duck‑fat–fried dates and seasonal produce sourced from nearby fields, proving Pine Bush’s food scene is both rooted and cool.

Sample Local Wines and Ciders

Ten minutes near town, Magnanini Winery pours estate reds and hosts Italian‑style Sunday dinners overlooking vineyard rows, while Walden’s Angry Orchard pours small‑batch experimental ciders in a restored barn with Catskill mountain views.

Tastings here feel more relaxed than the busy routes around New Paltz, so you can linger and chat about barrel aging without the crowds.

Shop and Stroll Through Downtown Pine Bush

Explore Unique Shops and Boutiques

Main Street’s walkable strip invites you to discover treasures like Vincenzo Designs Boutique, where up‑cycled leather bags hang beside handmade jewelry, and Uptiquing, a paint‑your‑own ceramics studio that doubles as a creative activity hub on rainy days.

The vibe is laid‑back. Owners wave hello from open doors, and everyone seems to know a good hiking trail to recommend. 

Check Out the Local Farmers' Market

The farmers' market runs Saturday mornings from May through October, white tents unfurl at the corner of Main and New Streets. 

Expect fresh bread, pasture‑raised meats, leafy greens, and heirloom tomatoes you can actually pronounce.

Musicians strum folk tunes while kids nibble kettle corn, giving the market the feel of an old‑school street attraction rather than another errand on your list. 

Plan Your Visit to Pine Bush

Popular Times to Visit

Summer promises swimming holes and late‑night stargazing, but foliage season steals the show: the Hudson Valley hits peak color from mid‑October into early November, making every country road an Instagram reel of blazing maples.

Winter stays quiet, perfect if you’d rather snowshoe Sam’s Point solo.

Where to Stay

Options range from a renovated dairy‑barn hotel on a working farm to creek‑side Airbnbs with firepits and Catskill skyline views.

Book early for UFO Fair weekend, and consider a mid‑week stay if you want rock‑bottom rates plus space to roam.

Final Thoughts on Pine Bush’s Unique Charm

Whether you’re chasing lights in the sky, chasing your next big hike, or just chasing the best apple‑cider doughnut in Ulster County, Pine Bush rewards curiosity.

It’s the kind of place where farmers chat with astrophysicists at the same coffee counter, where every old barn holds a story, and where you can still pick your own dinner from the earth. Spend a day, and you’ll wind up plotting a longer tour, maybe even that long‑range plan to move here for good.

FAQ’s About Things to Do in Pine Bush, NY

Is Sam’s Point Preserve good for beginners?

Yes. While the cliffs look rugged, the main carriage road is gradual, and the Ice Caves loop adds manageable drama. Rangers keep maps stocked, and families often finish the loop in about three hours. 

When does the Pine Bush UFO Fair happen?

The fair traditionally lands on the first Saturday in June and spills across Main Street with vendors, speakers, and live performances. Tickets usually go on sale in early spring. 

Where can I grab a local drink after hiking?

Try Magnanini Winery for estate wine flights or Angry Orchard’s taproom for small‑batch ciders—both sit within a fifteen‑minute drive from downtown. 

Does Pine Bush have any kid‑friendly farms?

Families love Kelder’s Farm, about twenty miles north, where you can pick produce, mini‑golf, and meet animals. It’s an easy side trip that keeps kids engaged after a morning on the trail.

What’s the easiest way to reach Pine Bush from New York City?

Most travelers drive the 75‑mile route up I‑87 and Route 17K, but you can also catch a Short Line bus to New Paltz and grab a rideshare, handy if you plan to sip wine all afternoon.