From Past to Present
Amy Wood Tells Cullman’s Story in The Flying Fifty
Words by Ashley Locke
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
Photo by Madeline Raclawski & David Warren