I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit

I am always on the lookout for experiences that capture the spirit of the place. I especially love it when it's clear whoever dreamed up a concept put a lot of thought into ensuring visitors get a sense of the whole community—above and beyond whatever brought them to the destination. One of my favorite recent finds that exemplifies this is The Flying Fifty, a luxury boutique hotel in Cullman, Alabama, which began welcoming guests in the spring of 2024.

When a friend of the owners' parents told me a little about how it was coming together earlier this year, I was intrigued. When we met up for a tour together a couple of weeks ago, I was even more delighted to see it in person, guided by Challie Knetter, who owns the business with her husband, Paul. The pair met at Wallace State College and eventually married in 2022. Soon after, they hatched the plan for their business. Challie said they knew it would be community-focused and hadn't landed on a theme until they learned of the story of The Flying Fifty at a Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce event.

During the 1950s, Cullman's economy was struggling, and many people had to leave the area to find work. Around that time, a local woman, Mrs. Betty Bledsoe got a call from a friend who'd just dined at the local Allsteak Restaurant with a group of colleagues. He was part of a site selection group headed to Mississippi to scope out a location for a new King Edward Cigar plant.

Betty relayed this message to her husband, Dr. Leroy Bledsoe, who sprung into action to mobilize the local chamber of commerce to intervene. Their community needed those jobs, and that plant would be theirs. The next morning, a group of 47 men flew to Jacksonville, Florida, the location of King Edward Cigar headquarters. They rented a hotel ballroom and hosted a lunch for the King Edward board of directors, where they made their case for visiting Cullman in consideration for the plant.

Ultimately, the entire community got involved in raising money to purchase the necessary land to incentivize the deal. Even local children got involved, collecting money and donating themselves to raise over $83,000 in a few days, securing the land, and then, the plant. The initial group, The Flying Fifty, formed the core of what would later become the industrial development board of the chamber of commerce, recruiting many more companies to further diversify the local economy in years to come.

An image of the men is emblazoned on the side of the hotel's new building, which was constructed with material and design elements to blend well with older, historic buildings in downtown Cullman and its warehouse district, both within walking distance. The last living member of The Flying Fifty, Roy Drinkard, christened the building.

Located on the upper floor above Cullman Savings Bank's newest location, the hotel offers seven beautifully themed suites that pay homage to the story and other aspects of Cullman's rich heritage and character. As we explored the hotel, it was clear that The Flying Fifty isn't just a place to rest your head but an opportunity to connect to Cullman's identity and the resilience of its people.

As I explored the suites, I was struck by the attention to detail and the thoughtfulness behind every design element. The Steeples Suite honors the city's many beautiful churches, while The Lakes Suite soothes you with its peaceful, aquatic colors and images of area waters. The Frankweiler Suite recognizes Cullman's German sister city, which is the birthplace of city founder Col. John G. Cullmann. Every corner of The Flying Fifty is a celebration of history and connection to the land.

Even better, the experience doesn't end within the walls of the hotel. Alongside the bank downstairs, the development houses a Seven Daughter Scoops location (Caramel apple pie ice cream? Yes, please.); a new Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar (opening soon); and another soon-to-open destination, a Sipsey Wine Co. tasting room. Another Cullman business we've shared with you, Soak & Spa, is just across the road. I don't know about you, but all of these places scream friends-getaway to Cullman, stat!

I think you'll love a stay at this new luxury boutique hotel in Cullman, Alabama. You can see more images and suite availability on The Flying Fifty website and stay up to date on its latest news on The Flying Fifty Facebook page. When you plan a visit, consider the North Alabama Multi-Attraction Pass from Viator for savings on several of the region's most popular activities. Do tell us all about your experience when you go!