Exploring North Alabama: An Accessible Adventure with Curb Free with Cory Lee
Hosted by Leslie Walker Consulting in partnership with Visit North Alabama
In May 2025, North Alabama had the pleasure of hosting Cory Lee of Curb Free with Cory Lee, an internationally recognized voice in accessible travel, for a multi-day tour highlighting some of the region’s most inclusive attractions. As a local, a friend of Visit North Alabama, and someone who’s followed Cory’s work for years, I knew this would be more than just another FAM trip. This was about showing, not just saying, that accessibility in North Alabama isn’t an afterthought. It’s a priority.
Our original Day 1 plans were washed out by storms (goodbye, Marbut Bend Trail and patio dinner at Old Black Bear Brewing…another time), so we eased into the trip at Joe Wheeler State Park, where Cory stayed in one of their recently renovated accessible cottages. Nestled on the lake, it was the perfect place to reset and get excited for what lay ahead.
Day 1 (Take Two): Hits, Heritage, and a Little Friendly Competition
We kicked things off the next morning at FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. It’s one of those places where the walls feel alive with music history, and watching Cory experience that space, barrier-free and full of soul, was unforgettable. From there, we made our way to Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s birthplace. The accessible rear entrance winds gently through a garden, and while Cory always notices the mechanics of access, I noticed how present he was in the story. He doesn’t just visit places; he connects with them.
We had lunch at The Red Clay Table in Sheffield, where we talked about travel, storytelling, and how accessibility isn’t just about ramps and restrooms. It’s about being considered, welcomed, and expected. The staff there did exactly that.
Afterward, we explored the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, a place Cory called “surprisingly accessible” in his blog… which, honestly, is one of the highest compliments in accessible travel. Wide aisles, automatic doors, and intuitive layouts can be harder to come by than you'd think in historic or legacy sites.
Later that afternoon, TJ Johnson and Clayton Davis with the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area met us for a walk on the Old Railroad Bridge and the Muscle Shoals Waterfall Trail. The slope and bumps were well described in advance, something Cory always appreciates, and the riverside views and storytelling from TJ made it well worth the effort.
Dinner that evening was at 360 Grille in Florence, North Alabama’s only rotating restaurant. And this is where Cory’s quietly fierce competitive streak revealed itself. As the floor slowly spun and the Tennessee River glowed in the distance, we started placing bets on how far we’d rotate by the time dessert was served. I lost count of how many times we the compass markings painted on the wall. I won't say who won (Cory), but I will say he celebrated like he’d won a gold medal.
Day 2: Schoolhouse Stories and the Speed Queen of Sheffield
On our final day, we joined TJ once again for a tour of Historic Nitrate Village One, a TVA-planned community with a fascinating backstory. The restored schoolhouse offered a glimpse into New Deal-era life and an unexpected reminder of how even small towns hold big stories.
We ended with lunch at Russell Barbecue, a local gem where curb cuts and flat entry made arrival easy, and the banana pudding made departure difficult. But the real highlight? Meeting Piper, the owner’s daughter and Cory’s wheelchair-racing nemesis. What started as a playful back-and-forth turned into a full-on series of races through the restaurant. Cory may be fast, but Piper was faster, and she had the victory taunts to prove it. It was one of those spontaneous moments that turned a good trip into a great story.
As someone who works with destinations to improve their storytelling and inclusivity, this trip was a masterclass in what’s possible when accessibility is approached with heart and intention. Every stop was selected not just for its features, but for how it fits into the North Alabama narrative; a region of music, movement, and moments that matter.
Don’t just take my word for it. Cory shared his own experience and honest impressions in his blog: Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Northwest Alabama. You’ll see that what we’re building here isn’t just accessible travel. It’s memorable travel for everyone.
Because accessibility isn’t just about meeting regulations. It’s about meeting people where they are and showing them, they belong.
