Southern Hospitality at The Flying Fifty Hotel in Cullman, Alabama

Last Updated on June 24, 2026

Cullman, Alabama is a small town with a big heart. In that heart lives The Flying Fifty, a boutique-style hotel oozing charm and welcoming visitors with a unique blend of local history and modern amenities.

My husband and I stayed at the Flying Fifty over a December weekend in 2025 while Cullman’s annual Christkindlmarkt was in full swing, and found its warm, cozy atmosphere a joy after a day of taking in the town’s delightful offerings.

The Story of The Flying Fifty

The tale of The Flying Fifty consists of local history, community support, and a touch of romance. Since the hotel opened in 2024, owners, Paul and Challie Knetter, have been transporting their guests to the 1950s through seven historically-inspired suites, works by local artists, and an atmosphere that harkens back to a simpler time.

The 1950s were difficult years for small towns like Cullman, and opportunities for personal and civic growth were limited. One day, word got out that a group of men were headed to Mississippi to scope out land for a King Edward Cigar Plant.

Cullman’s Chamber of Commerce recruited a group of 48 local movers and shakers.  They called themselves The Flying Fifty because it sounded better – to immediately fly out and meet with theKing Edward’s board of directors. The group succeeded in persuading the company to locate their plant in Cullman, effectively saving the town.

Love, Luck, and Good Timing

Paul and Challie met as students at Wallace State and fell in love with Cullman and each other. After graduating, Challie completed her studies at the University of Alabama. Meanwhile, Paul remained in Cullman to build his business, Traditions Roofing and Construction. Shortly after the couple married in 2022, they became involved in plans for a new boutique-style hotel in Cullman.

It happened that John Riley, president of Cullman Savings Bank wanted to build a drive-through on a piece of the bank’s land. The idea grew into a building housing three businesses and the drive-through on the ground floor and The Flying Fifty occupying the entire top level.

Paul and Challie were gracious in spending time showing us around the premises and sharing their story and that of The Flying Fifty. Throughout our conversation, our hosts displayed their enthusiasm for Cullman, its history, and the opportunity to provide a unique and welcoming experience for their guests. They also expressed genuine gratitude for John Riley’s mentoring and support and for the community that continues to embrace their efforts.

More Than a Good Night’s Sleep

The Flying Fifty offers seven suites. The rooms range between 500 and 850 square feet with 15-foot-high ceilings, each with its own unique theme and décor. The common areas exude a calm atmosphere where guests can gather for conversation or group activities. But it’s the extra thoughtful touches that make a stay special.

We enjoyed a pleasant and comfortable stay in The Wallace Suite, an 815 square foot space that was bright and airy. The décor showcased the state community college located in Cullman.

We slept like babies in the king bed, relaxed on the unconverted convertible sofa bed and armchairs, and delighted in the complimentary coffee. Had it not been a chilly December weekend, we would have spent time on the private balcony as well.

Paul and Challie are fully invested in their community. So, it’s no surprise they make every effort to support businesses based in Cullman and surrounding areas. From the premium mattresses and luxurious bedding, to the Blue Springs Living Water, they make sure to buy local whenever they can.

When you stay at The Flying Fifty you can expect quality and convenience with:

•    Smart TVs – a 75-inch TV in the living space and a 65-inch TV in the bedroom area

•    High-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel

•    Marshall Bluetooth Speakers for high-quality sound

•    Nespresso coffee/espresso machine

•    Blue Spring Living Water

•    Refrigerator with freezer (the Frankweiler and Wallace Suites only have a refrigerator)

•    Robe and slippers for each guest to use during their stay

•    Hairdryer

•    Complimentary onsite parking, including accessible spaces (there is also a public parking lot directly across the street)

•    Complimentary gym access with full use of the Cullman Wellness and Aquatics Center

•    Complimentary access to the nearby WildWater waterpark based on availability of passes.

The Flying Fifty doesn’t have a restaurant, but you can find excellent meals and snacks on the ground floor of the building and within easy walking distance.

Some options include:

•    Jubilee Kitchen and Bar conveniently located downstairs and offering premium coffee, curated wines, and tasty food options. (The spinach artichoke dip is a winner).

•    Seven Daughters Scoops, also located in the building, offers a rotating selection of outstanding ice cream flavors.

•    Sipsey Vineyard and Winery Tasting Room serves locally crafted wines including a superb red called The Flying Fifty without making you leave the property.

•    Hank’s Sports Bar & Rumors Deli is located across the street from The Flying Fifty serves up a variety of sandwiches, mains, and other delights, as well as game-day specials. (My husband said his Philly Cheesesteak was better than any he ever had in Philly).

If you’re craving room service, fear not. Simply call Jubilee Kitchen or Hank’s & Rumors Deli and you won’t have to leave your room to enjoy a comforting meal.

As comfortable as our suite was, we also enjoyed the options available in the hotel’s common areas. An open area accessible from each suite with cozy seating provided an excellent place for guests to mingle. The space featured Italian marble, art by local artists (including the handcrafted table in the conference room), and a plaque with the names of The Flying Fifty.

A small library held an eclectic assortment of old books, including the entire Hardy Boys series. Also, a selection of vinyl record albums and games for all ages was available for guests to play during their stay.

Beyond the library, a door led out to a large patio with comfortable seating, a fire pit, and a view of Cullman. From our vantage point, we could see the lights and the Ferris wheel from the Cullman Christkindlmarkt, which was in full swing during our visit.

Explore Cullman

Once you’ve settled into your suite at The Flying Fifty, it’s time to explore charming, walkable Cullman. The town has a friendly vibe and a rich history. We were pleasantly surprised by the number and variety of things to do in and around this small but active town.

We were fortunate to be in Cullman during the annual Christkindlmarkt, which takes place from late November through mid-December. If you dream of experiencing a European Christmas market but haven’t yet had the chance, this event rivals the best of the overseas markets and is well worth planning a Cullman visit to coincide with this incredible holiday event.

Immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Christkindlmarkt was like holiday magic on steroids. We indulged ourselves in German-style holiday treats, purchased hand-painted ornaments to take home and share, and soaked up as much music, laughter and good will as our hearts could hold.

Here is a tiny sample of the many things to do in and around Cullman:

Cullman County Museum of History: A replica of the home of John Cullman, the 19th century German visionary who founded the colony that became Cullman County houses this compact but interesting museum. It’s filled with fascinating artifacts dating back 1,200 years. Animal skins, the six pack of the first cans of beer produced in Cullman County, and an 1889 washing machine are a few of the many items that combine to tell Cullman’s story.

Ave Maria Grotto: This tranquil four-acre park known as “Jerusalem in Miniature,” is set on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey. Here you can stroll a paved circular path lined with 125 handcrafted small replicas of iconic religious landmarks and scenes from the Bible.

Smith Lake: This sparkling oasis offers year-round fun and relaxation for people who love being in, on, and near the water. Go sunrise fishing, take a sunset cruise, and enjoy a variety of water-related activities in between. Or grab a good book and a picnic and soak up Smith Lake’s calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Cullman’s Culinary Scene

To say we ate well in Cullman would be an understatement. We wined, dined, and snacked with joyous abandon and big goofy grins. Here are some of Cullman’s must-try options to savor.

The Half Shell Oyster House: The menu features first-rate seafood with a Cajun twist. We enjoyed a sumptuous brunch that began with a Half Shell Mary that was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Along with an olive and lemon wedge, a tangy spicy green bean graced the top of the glass. My husband raved about his plump, juicy shrimp on a bed of grits in a smoky cheese sauce. I opted for the decadent Crab Cake Benedict, crunchy crab cakes with poached eggs topped with hollandaise. We each had a side of tender asparagus in a rich gorgonzola sauce, which was as outstanding as the rest of our meal.

The Busy Bee Café: If you want to hang out with the fine folks of Cullman, head on over to The Busy Bee Café, Cullman’s oldest – as in 100 years – restaurant. Try the Busy Bee’s famous burger, or tuck into a hardy breakfast. You might be one table over from the police chief or even the mayor. Also, if you like your eggs scrambled light, this is the place to go.

Bloom Winery: If you don’t think Alabama and wine belong in the same sentence, the family owned and operated Bloom Winery will prove you wrong. The wines were surprisingly good, and we fell in love with the blackberry, one of Blooming’s juicy reds. We were expecting sweet – definitely not our favorite – but the wine was dry and mellow, so we took a bottle home with us to share with friends. Blooming has a restaurant with two wood fire pizza ovens, turning out pies worthy of their wines. A brewery also occupies the large building, and you can grab a brew and take it to your table.

All I ever want from a hotel room is a clean space, comfortable bed, good shower, and reliable Wi-Fi. That’s why The Flying Fifty was such a delightful surprise. Not only did it check all my basic boxes, the entire experienced exceeded my expectations. Add to this all the enchanting aspects of Cullman, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Flying Fifty for a stay you’ll long remember with a smile.