From Your Hosts

Your Pigeon Forge Guest Guide

Everything you need for an unforgettable Smoky Mountain stay — hand-picked by your hosts at Hawk's Crest Landing.

Dining & Restaurants

From down-home Southern cooking to mountain-view fine dining, Pigeon Forge has something for every appetite.

Old Mill Restaurant

Southern / Breakfast
10 min away

A Pigeon Forge landmark since 1830. Famous for grits, corn chowder, and hearty Southern breakfasts. Expect a wait — it's worth it.

Host tip: Go early on weekends to beat the crowd.
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Mel's Diner

American / Diner
8 min away

Classic 1950s diner with huge portions, great burgers, and milkshakes the kids will love.

Host tip: Try the banana pudding — it's legendary.

Local Goat

Farm-to-Table
12 min away

Upscale farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients and a rotating seasonal menu. Great for a special night out.

Host tip: Make a reservation — it fills up fast on weekends.
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Harpoon Harry's Crab House

Seafood
10 min away

Fresh seafood in the heart of the Smokies. Known for crab legs, shrimp, and a lively atmosphere.

Host tip: Great for groups — they handle large parties well.

Alamo Steakhouse

Steakhouse
9 min away

Hand-cut steaks, ribs, and classic sides in a rustic Western setting. A family favorite for over 30 years.

Host tip: The peanut butter pie is a must-order dessert.
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Texas Roadhouse

Steakhouse / American
11 min away

Hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and those famous fresh-baked rolls with cinnamon butter. A crowd-pleasing favorite for the whole family.

Host tip: Put your name on the waitlist online before you leave the property to cut down your wait time.
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Attractions & Activities

From thrilling rides to peaceful nature walks, there's no shortage of things to do in and around Pigeon Forge.

Dollywood

Theme Park
20 min (5 miles) away

Dolly Parton's world-class theme park with roller coasters, live music, craft demonstrations, and seasonal festivals. A true Tennessee treasure.

Host tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the gate lines.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nature / Hiking
20 min away

The most visited national park in the US. Hike to waterfalls, spot wildlife, and take in breathtaking mountain views. Free admission.

Host tip: Laurel Falls trail is easy and stunning — great for all ages.
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Anakeesta

Mountain Village / Views
15 min away

Ride the chondola up to a mountaintop village in Gatlinburg with zip lines, treetop skywalk, and panoramic Smoky Mountain views.

Host tip: Go at sunset for the most spectacular views.
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Titanic Museum

Museum
8 min away

A full-scale replica of the Titanic's bow houses authentic artifacts and immersive exhibits. Surprisingly moving and educational.

Host tip: Allow 2–3 hours for the full experience.
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Island in Pigeon Forge

Shopping / Entertainment
7 min away

Outdoor entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, a giant observation wheel, and live entertainment. Perfect for an evening stroll.

Host tip: The fountain show runs every evening — free to watch.
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Clingmans Dome

Scenic / Hiking
45 min away

The highest point in the Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet. A short but steep half-mile hike leads to a 360-degree observation tower.

Host tip: Dress in layers — it's significantly cooler at the summit.

Honeysuckle Hills Wedding Venue

Wedding Venue
2 min (1 mile) away

A beautiful wedding and event venue just one mile from Hawk's Crest Landing. Perfect for guests attending a wedding nearby — our rentals make an ideal home base for the whole wedding party.

Host tip: Staying for a wedding at Honeysuckle Hills? Book early — our rentals fill up fast around wedding weekends.
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Dolly Parton's Stampede

Dinner Show
14 min (4.3 miles) away

Dolly Parton's legendary dinner attraction featuring horse riding, trick riding, and a friendly North vs. South competition — all while enjoying a four-course feast. One of the most popular shows in the Smokies.

Host tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season — shows sell out fast.
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American Patriot UTV & Slingshot Rentals

Outdoor Adventure
1 min (0.5 miles) away

Just half a mile away, rent a UTV or Polaris Slingshot and explore the Smoky Mountains in style. A thrilling way to take in the mountain roads and scenery around Pigeon Forge.

Host tip: Book your rental in advance — UTVs and Slingshots go fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
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Shopping & Souvenirs

Pick up handcrafted goods, local art, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your mountain getaway.

Old Mill Square

Artisan / Specialty
10 min away

A collection of specialty shops around the historic Old Mill. Stone-ground grains, pottery, candy, and locally made goods.

Host tip: The Old Mill Pottery is a great spot for unique gifts.
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Tanger Outlets

Outlet Mall
6 min away

Over 80 brand-name outlet stores including Nike, Coach, and Gap. Great for deals on clothing and accessories.

Host tip: Weekday mornings are the least crowded.
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Christmas Place

Specialty
8 min away

The world's largest Christmas store — open year-round. Thousands of ornaments, decorations, and gifts across multiple buildings.

Host tip: Even non-Christmas fans enjoy the spectacle of it all.
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Host Tips & Local Secrets

A few insider tips from us to help you make the most of your stay.

Best Time to Visit Attractions

Timing

Arrive at Dollywood and popular restaurants right when they open to avoid peak crowds. Midweek visits are always less busy than weekends.

Parkway Traffic

Getting Around

The Pigeon Forge Parkway (US-441) can get congested, especially on summer weekends. Use the Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley as a stress-free alternative.

Host tip: The trolley runs daily and costs just $3 per person.
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Wildlife Encounters

Safety

Black bears are active in the area. Never approach or feed wildlife. Store food securely and use the bear-proof containers provided at the property.

Host tip: If you see a bear on the property, stay calm and give it space.

Grocery & Essentials

Practical
10 min away

The nearest full grocery store is Kroger on the Parkway. There's also a Walmart Supercenter about 12 minutes away for anything you may have forgotten.

Host tip: Stock up on breakfast items — cooking in is a great way to start a relaxed mountain morning.

Best Sunset Spots

Scenic

Your own porch at Hawk's Crest Landing offers stunning western-facing sunset views. For a different perspective, Clingmans Dome and Anakeesta are spectacular at golden hour.

Host tip: Keep your camera ready — the Smokies put on a show every evening.

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Have questions about the area or our properties? We're happy to help you plan the perfect mountain getaway.

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