Amy Wood Tells Cullman’s Story in The Flying Fifty
Words by Ashley Locke
Photos by Madeline Raclawski & David Warren
If you know anything about Cullman, Alabama, you know it’s a place where history and progress walk hand in hand. It’s a town that thrives on its heritage but isn’t afraid to welcome what’s next. And nowhere is that balance more evident than at the Flying Fifty, Cullman’s first boutique hotel, where interior designer Amy Wood has woven the city’s past into every fabric, fixture, and finish.
For Amy, this was more than just a project—it was a homecoming of creativity. A Cullman native, she grew up sketching Barbie clothes, dreaming of a future in fashion design. But when she thought about the life she wanted to build, interior design felt like the perfect fit—a blend of artistry, storytelling, and the ability to make a space feel like home. After earning her design degree from Auburn University, she came back to Cullman and joined her family business, Cullman Cabinet & Supply, where she has spent nearly three decades shaping the interiors of homes and businesses across North Alabama.
The Flying Fifty is a love letter to Cullman’s resilience. The name itself honors a group of 47 local men who, in the 1950s, chartered a flight to Florida to convince King Edward Cigar Company to bring its factory to Cullman. At the time, the town was struggling—farmers were hit hard, and many were considering moving north. But these men rallied the community, raised money dollar by dollar, and brought industry back to Cullman. Their boldness shaped the city’s future, and the hotel now stands as a monument to their legacy.
That legacy is reflected in every inch of the Flying Fifty. Each of its seven suites tells a different story, celebrating the industries, institutions, and traditions that built Cullman. Amy worked closely with the hotel’s owners, Paul and Challie Knetter, to create spaces that feel both nostalgic and elevated, ensuring that visitors don’t just stay in Cullman—they experience it.
From the moment she walked through the hotel’s unfinished spaces, Amy’s mind buzzed with ideas. Every suite needed to honor a piece of Cullman’s history, but it also needed to feel fresh, inviting, and luxurious.
The Founder’s Suite pays tribute to the Flying Fifty themselves, complete with artifacts and imagery that transport guests to Cullman’s pivotal moment of reinvention.
The Lakes Suite celebrates Smith Lake and Hurricane Creek Park, featuring local photography and a serene, water-inspired palette.
The Wilderness Suite brings the rugged beauty of North Alabama’s forests and wildlife indoors, complete with a handcrafted bed by local artisan Paul Moss.
The Steeples Suite offers a breathtaking view of seven Cullman churches, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted faith and community spirit.
Amy sourced materials from local businesses and artisans to ground each space in authenticity. Lighting, furniture, and décor from Cullman Cabinet & Supply fill the hotel, while a salvaged cathedral rose window adds a spiritual touch to the Steeples Suite. Even the bedding and linens are locally made, a nod to the town’s craftsmanship.
One of the most striking aspects of Amy’s work at The Flying Fifty is how deeply personal it feels. This isn’t just a stylish boutique hotel—it’s a living, breathing extension of Cullman.
Even down to the small, whimsical details, like the hotel’s themed animal mascots:
Louis the Mouse in the Steeples Suite, inspired by the legend of “The Church Mouse”
Charlie the Duck in the Lakes Suite, a nod to Cullman’s waterways
Beatrice the Bear in the Wilderness Suite, embodying the untamed beauty of North Alabama
The Flying Fifty is a love letter to Cullman’s resilience.
Each suite is a conversation starter, an experience that connects visitors to the city in a way that a chain hotel never could. And locals have embraced it just as much as visitors—many Cullman residents book staycations, eager to experience a slice of their own history in a new way.
For Amy, designing the Flying Fifty wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a full-circle moment.
“I love Cullman. I love the people, the history, and the way this community supports each other,” she says. “To be able to design a space that not only honors Cullman’s past but also contributes to its future—that means everything to me.”
Amy’s roots in Cullman run deep. When she’s not transforming spaces, she’s enjoying the town’s outdoor dining scene, visiting local boutiques, or participating in community events like Oktoberfest—where she was named Burgermeister (essentially, mayor of the festival!).
The Flying Fifty is just one of the many signs that Cullman is experiencing a renaissance, attracting visitors from across the state (and beyond) who are eager to experience its unique blend of charm, culture, and creativity.
As Cullman continues to grow, Amy remains a force behind the city’s evolving aesthetic—a designer, a storyteller, and, most of all, a dedicated champion of the place she calls home.
Stay, Sip, and Scoop: Two Must-Visits Inside the Flying Fifty
Seven Daughters Scoops
Whether you’re a classic vanilla kind of traveler or a thrill-seeker chasing the next outrageous flavor, Seven Daughters Scoops is a sweet stop on the way to your room. This dreamy little shop inside the Flying Fifty serves up small-batch, big-flavor ice cream sourced from the legendary Chocolate Shoppe in Madison, Wisconsin. Yes, the classics are here—but you’re going to want to try something bolder, like Fat Elvis (banana ice cream with peanut butter swirls and chocolate chips) or Halley’s Comet (a galaxy of chocolate, vanilla, caramel ribbons, and truffles). It’s the perfect post-adventure treat or late-night indulgence—no judgment.
Jubilee Coffee and Wine Bar
If your perfect day includes a cappuccino at sunrise and a cabernet by sunset, Jubilee is your kind of place. This chic coffee and wine bar is where craft meets comfort. A sister concept to Karma’s Coffee House, Jubilee pours everything from morning lattes to evening cocktails, with a full tapas menu that covers every craving in between. Don’t miss the interactive wine dispensers, which let you sample wines from around the world—one ounce at a time. It’s like a tasting tour without the airfare. And yes, you can take a bottle (or three) home with you.
