Leslie Walker

Leslie Walker is the heart behind Leslie Walker Consulting, where she helps organizations grow stronger through strategic planning, leadership coaching, and practical solutions. She’s especially passionate about making communities and businesses more accessible and inclusive for everyone. With years of hands-on experience, Leslie is known for her down-to-earth approach and genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Ashlee Crosby

Ashlee Crosby is a hospitality professional with over two decades of experience in the hotel industry. Originally from Joliet, Illinois, Ashlee began her hospitality journey in 2001 at a Hampton Inn in Corinth, Mississippi. In 2008, she relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, where she continued to grow her career in hospitality. In 2017, Ashlee joined Yedla Management Company, where she has served as a General Manager across several properties. She currently leads the team at SpringHill Suites Huntsville Downtown, where she is known for her commitment to exceptional guest service, operational excellence, and team development. Ashlee is a proud mother of three and, in her free time, enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with family. Ashlee has a personal connection with accessibility through her daughter who uses a wheelchair.

A Weekend Close to Home:

Family Exploration in Accessible-friendly North Alabama

A young girl wearing a construction hat and vest sitting in the construction play zone at the Imagination Place.

Sometimes the best adventures are waiting just down the road. For Ashlee, a hospitality professional in Huntsville, her husband Demetrius, and their daughter Samone, a recent two-day getaway proved that North Alabama can feel like a whole new world, and it is closer than you think.

Staying at Guntersville State Park’s Accessible Chalet

A mother opening an accessible, friendly door for her daughter in a wheelchair.

The family checked into one of the ADA-friendly chalets at Lake Guntersville State Park on a Thursday afternoon. These roomy cabins are built with accessibility in mind, giving travelers who use wheelchairs or mobility aids easy entry, wide doorways, and practical features without sacrificing comfort or charm.

That evening, they enjoyed dinner at Rock House Eatery in Guntersville, then returned to their chalet for a quiet night on the porch. Ashlee loved hearing the sounds of the surrounding forest. “We even heard an owl calling nearby,” she shared. It was a simple but magical moment that set the tone for their nature-focused weekend.

Day 1 Adventures in Gadsden

Friday started with a scenic drive to Noccalula Falls Park & Campground. The family began their visit with a ride on the park’s wheelchair accessible train to get a lay of the land before exploring further. Samone loved feeding the park’s star, Angel the Llama. Ashlee had a moment she will never forget when she balanced a baby alligator on her head for a once-in-a-lifetime photo. Both mom and daughter also had the chance to get up close with the sloths, an experience that brought out big smiles and quiet wonder. Dad, Demetrius, was happy to wave from the other side of the glass.

A young girl with red shirt and a red bow in a wheelchair, feeding a llama from her hand with her mama looking over her shoulder.

After all that excitement, lunch at Back Forty Beer Company hit the spot. The family shared delicious buffalo wings, a Conecuh hot dog, and a little cheese pizza. Samone, a certified pizza connoisseur, gave it her personal seal of approval!

Little girl wearing a red shirt and a straw hat watering a play garden at Imagination Place.

The afternoon was for play and discovery at Imagination Place Children’s Museum. Samone loved riding the elevator to explore every level with ease. The family took a spin in the tornado simulation machine, felt the rush of wild winds, and even sank a few baskets together in the sports and games exhibit. It was a perfect mix of learning and fun.

Mother and her daughter in the tornado simulation tube at Imagination Place.

After a full day, they returned to their chalet for a cozy evening surrounded by nature.

Saturday: Slowing Down and Taking It All In

Family with child in wheelchair at a beautiful overlook Bobo Accessible Trail

Saturday morning began with some relaxed filming around the chalet to capture the experience of an accessible stay. Then the family explored the Bobo Accessible Trail, an easy and inviting route perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the forest without worrying about obstacles.

Mother holding her child looking at the lake on the Bobo Accessible Trail.

From there, the day was theirs to enjoy, whether that meant more porch time listening to the breeze and birdsong or simply soaking in the peace of a short trip that felt worlds away.

Why This Weekend Mattered

As someone who works in the hotel industry, Ashlee sees firsthand how important thoughtful accessibility is for guests. Experiencing it with her own family made the trip even more meaningful. Samone felt welcome and comfortable, and everyone could relax and have fun without worrying about barriers.

Girl surrounded by colorful balls in the ball pit at the Imagination Place.

This weekend showed that accessible adventures are not always far away. Sometimes they are just a short drive from home, waiting to be discovered.

If you are looking for an easy, inspiring, and accessible escape of your own, start planning with Visit North Alabama and uncover destinations designed to welcome every traveler.