UFO capital of the East Coast
The Town of Crawford is a small farming community in New York that would be easily overlooked if it wasn’t for the hamlet of Pine Bush, which claims to be the UFO capital of the East Coast. Residents take pride in its folklore, which attracts UFO fanatics every June for the annual Pine Bush UFO Fair & Parade and weekenders looking to explore The Pine Bush UFO & Paranormal Museum. “You hear stories of people who have had sightings and people who have not,” says Marion Bruhns, a resident and top-producing associate broker with Howard Hanna Rand Realty. “But one of the most salient features is the friendliness – people are gracious and kind, and it’s just a relaxed atmosphere. The ease of living is what people looking to escape the city want.” Bordered by the scenic Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Hudson River to the east, Crawford offers a rural lifestyle where strange encounters are common talking points, and the mysteries hidden amongst the great outdoors are a stone’s throw away.
Extraterrestrial beings on Main Street
The annual Pine Bush UFO Fair & Parade is the largest event in town. “I attended the last one,” Bruhns says. “People come from all over. It’s one of the main draws that attracts visitors from across the nation.” Every June, Main Street Pine Bush reflects a scene from outer space, with patrons turned into extraterrestrial beings from across the galaxy. Apart from tinfoil hats, creative ensembles and costume contests, patrons of all ages can enjoy a range of games, live music, and eclectic craft and food vendors. Before the event, locals can brush up on the latest paranormal and UFO news and win a prize during trivia. “Hudson Valley still has its dose of culture, art events, and many things to offer,” Bruhns says. Alien talk is replaced with art during annual events like Fall Art Walks, Art in the Square, and Pine Bush’s First Fridays, where locals can peruse artists’ studios from May to December. Its breathtaking landscape has attracted artists like Bruhns throughout the years. “We’re also not too far from where the Hudson River School was, which was a haven for painters in the 19th century,” Bruhns says.
A mix of homes scattered between farms
Located approximately 75 miles from New York City, winding country roads give way to swaths of farmland and sparse residential streets. Pockets of dense residential development are primarily found in the heart of Pine Bush, where styles range from single-family dwellings to townhouse complexes along Boniface Drive. The latter has units priced from the low $200,000s to $300,000. Other properties, often on large lots, include a mix of bi-levels and ranch-style homes that range from the mid $200,000s to the high $400,000s. Contemporary homes and colonials can sell from the $500,000s to the $900,000s, with properties on acres of land selling for over $1 million. “The newer builds out here are spectacular with interesting contemporary designs. Or they’re made to blend in with the quaint historic homes,” Bruhns says. Homebuyers should note that nearby streams are prone to localized flooding, and nearby woodlands pose a seasonal wildfire risk.
Camping at Winding Hills County Park
Bordered by the Appalachian Mountain Range to the west, miles of hiking trails are easily accessible just 10 miles away. Hudson Valley also has many sleepaway summer camps for kids, like Camp Echo and equestrian facilities. Highland Lakes State Park offers even more trails, and those who prefer a stroll can explore the 2-mile Crawford Walking Trail in the heart of town. Pine Bush Town Park is the community’s crown jewel, boasting multiple sports fields like baseball diamonds, pickleball courts, a playground, and picnic pavilions. Nearby Winding Hills County Park is a relaxing weekend getaway with campgrounds, wooded trails, and a 40-acre lake open to anglers and car-top boaters. In winter, locals can ice skate or fish along the water. Right down the road is Winding Hills Golf Club, a members-only course open seven days a week.
Extracurricular activities at Pine Bush High
The Pine Bush Central School District serves the Crawford community, scoring average ratings on Niche. Students are split between the C-plus-rated E.J. Russell Elementary School and the C-rated Pine Bush Elementary School. Middle schoolers may attend Crispell or Circleville, both scoring a C-plus, and Pine Bush High earns a B. The latter offers Advanced Placement courses and a range of extracurricular activities, like Pine Bush’s Odyssey of the Mind team, which won second place at the Worlds competition in 2024. Locals are also just 12 miles from SUNY Orange County Community College in nearby Middletown.
Other-worldly eats at The Cup & Saucer
Local spots like The Cup & Saucer Diner showcase themes from outer space, serving up out-of-this-world American classics in a retro atmosphere. Pine Bush Deli and Pizza is one of the few pizza joints around town, and summer evenings lead to crowds at Hometown Ice Cream and Grill. Bistro Du Mexique is a local favorite, offering a fusion of French and Mexican flavors. Angry Orchard Cider House, a nationally recognized brand, offers fun weekend outings with scenic views of its 60 acre apple orchard just 7 miles away. “You don’t have to leave town for anything,” Bruhns says. “We have restaurants, shops and grocery stores. You can pump your gas at Stewart’s and pay at the counter afterward.” Weekly essentials are found at stores like Hannaford, Dollar General, and Tractor Supply Co. Seasonal produce is available at the Pine Bush Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. About 11 miles away, Middletown has many big box retailers and shopping malls like the Galleria at Crystal Run.
80 miles to New York City
The ShortLine Hudson bus route runs along nearby New York State Route 17, and Dial-A-Ride service is available, but Crawford is extremely car-dependent overall. State routes 302 and 52 are essential arteries in town, along with nearby Interstates 84 and 87. New York Stewart International Airport is about a 17 mile drive along New York State Route 17K, and Orange Regional Medical Center is the nearest hospital, approximately 12 miles south in Middletown. With New York City about 75 miles away, residents have about a 2 hour commute via Middletown’s train station or car.
Buddhist centers around the Hudson Valley
Around Crawford, houses of worship cater to diverse congregations that range from Christianity to Hinduism to Islam in nearby Middletown. Hudson Valley is also home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and centers due to its proximity to New York City, where themes of meditation and mindfulness flourish, and its access to natural beauty. Nearby spots include the Dharma Drum Retreat Center, about 6 miles northwest, and Blue Cliff Monastery, about 8 miles northwest.
Photography Contributed By
John Gallino
