Accessible North Alabama Road Trips Kick Off New Season of “Travels with Darley” Starting on Alabama Public Television & PBS Stations in January
Discover North Alabama’s beauty with accessibility, adventure, and heart with “Travels with Darley: North Alabama Road Trip” and “Travels with Darley: Accessible North Alabama” on Saturday, January 10th & 17th with a Marathon in PrimeTime Thursday, Jan 29th on Alabama Public Television
Season 13 of Travels with Darley takes viewers on epic road trips across the United States, blending culture, history, food, and outdoor adventure with meaningful stories — including chapters tied to the American Revolution and a growing focus on travel experiences designed for travelers of all abilities. The new season kicks off on PBS stations nationwide with two episodes spotlighting North Alabama, a region rich in mountains, lakes, caves, music history, and welcoming communities that make it ideal for road trips.
In Alabama, viewers can tune into Alabama Public Television throughout January to catch both new North Alabama episodes, along with encore presentations of host Darley Newman’s past adventures in the state.
North Alabama Road Trip
Airs Saturday, January 10 at 3pm on Alabama Public Television and repeats in primetime Thursday, January 29th between 8 to 10pm
In “Travels with Darley: North Alabama Road Trip,” Darley Newman takes viewers on a journey across the region, from Huntsville’s world-class rockets, museums, and gardens to Muscle Shoals’ legendary music studios. Along the way, Darley and local experts visit Scottsboro’s famous Unclaimed Baggage Center, the awe-inspiring Cathedral Caverns State Park, and meaningful outdoor and cultural stops that reveal North Alabama’s diversity of offerings.
The episode starts with a trip through music history at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Studio with musician Will Allison, who has played keyboard with the likes of Lana Del Ray. Allison leads Darley through this special place, where Cher recorded at the age of twenty-two. Other legends like The Rolling Stones recorded “Brown Sugar” and “Wild Horses” here. The Staple Singers sang “I'll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself.” You’ll hear the music as you walk through Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and then on to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Next, “Travels with Darley” honors the legacy of Olympic champion Jesse Owens at the Jesse Owens Memorial Park and Museum in Oakville, where Karen Hood shares the backstory. At the Scottsboro Boys Museum, local history is preserved and shared through community voices, before a trip to Unclaimed Baggage. Matt Owens — whose grandfather founded the attraction in the 1970s — and Sonni Hood reveal some of the most unusual finds at this center for lost baggage, from designer shoes to unexpected wildlife, that make this one-of-a-kind destination so memorable.
In Huntsville, Darley heads up Round Top Mountain to Burritt on the Mountain, where sweeping views overlook the city below. Elizabeth Jones leads Darley through what was once the 1950s home of Dr. William Burritt, now a living history destination where visitors can walk the grounds and explore the region’s culture and heritage. Getting lost in the maze of Mama Zelda’s hair at the Huntsville Botanical Garden is an experience unlike any other. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo, the Mother Earth Troll Garden, Darley weaves through this living maze crafted from recycled and found materials, including about 25,000 sticks cleared from construction sites, making it a place where nature, art, and imagination intertwine.
Food, drink, and local entrepreneurship also shine. At Will’s Creek Vineyard in Duck Springs, Janie Coppey welcomes travelers to taste Alabama wine — with the help of her beloved “wine mascot,” Mr. Mittens. Outside of Huntsville, we find a tried and true staple of the community with Jerry Evans at Old Greenbrier Restaurant, where Darley feasts on barbeque, hush puppies and fried catfish. Yogi Dougher moved to Decatur to help restore a historic building that draws the community in for Southern cuisine and groceries at 609 Social Market & Provisions in Decatur, where Darley savors one of her favorite Southern treats, pimento cheese.
Perched atop Lookout Mountain, Darley wakes up to sweeping views at Bee on the Brow, savoring morning coffee while taking in the scenery. She chats with owners Rachel and Pete, a husband-and-wife team whose years of travel — including Pete’s military service — eventually led them to discover and put down roots in this special corner of Alabama. These stops highlight how creativity and hospitality define the region, from charming small towns to growing cultural hubs.
“Travels with Darley: North Alabama Road Trip” premieres Season 13 of “Travels with Darley” on Saturday, January 17 at 3pm on Alabama Public Television and repeats in primetime Thursday, January 29th between 8 to 10pm. Not in Alabama? Check your PBS local listings for dates and times.
The second episode debuting Season 13, “Travels with Darley: Accessible North Alabama,” takes a deeper look at how travelers of all abilities can experience the region’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Joined by local experts and accessibility advocates, we explore destinations designed to be more inclusive — and share practical information that helps travelers plan with confidence.
In Decatur, we meet Veronica Gonzales of Wheel the World, an organization working to map accessibility at destinations and experiences. She invites Darley to tag along as she evaluates hotels and attractions, helping travelers better understand what to expect before they arrive. At the nearby Cook Museum of Natural Science, Darley stops by to see families enjoying hands-on exhibits that make learning about nature engaging and accessible for all ages and abilities.
At the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Pat Ammons gives Darley an insider’s tour, including a look at Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students, a groundbreaking program that has been empowering participants for more than 35 years. To learn more about adaptive sports in Huntsville, Darley meets Willard Brooks Jr., a two-time Paralympian, paracycling ambassador, and passionate advocate for inclusive athletics.
Nature remains front and center throughout the episode. At Little River Canyon National Preserve, located atop Lookout Mountain, Darley goes hiking to see accessible features such as ADA ramps near scenic overlooks. In Gadsden, Darley discovers the power and accessibility at Noccalula Falls, where a dramatic 90-foot waterfall can be enjoyed by many visitors regardless of mobility.
Along the way, we celebrate North Alabama’s creative spirit. In Fort Payne, Darley pays tribute to the legendary band Alabama, whose life-size bronze statues anchor a walkable downtown. Back in Gadsden, Darley meets local artist Nanda Patel, who welcomes travelers into her studio to share life lessons through art and stories drawn from her diverse heritage, including a saree experience and painting. Darley also stops for lunch and a locally brewed beer at Back Forty Brewing Company, a family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible space housed in a building rich with history, where co-founderTripp Collins shares how the past and present intersect.
The journey also includes time in Tuscumbia, where Sue Pilkilton, Executive Director of Ivy Green — the birthplace of Helen Keller — shares decades of insight into Keller’s life and legacy. The community’s commitment to preserving her story is evident, from the museum itself to the long-running local production of The Miracle Worker.
“I’m excited to showcase North Alabama’s beauty while sharing information on how travelers of all abilities can enjoy a wide range of adventures,” said host Darley Newman. “Making travel more accessible benefits all of us. North Alabama was made for road trips — with stunning scenery, charming towns, vibrant cities, and hidden treasures that reward curiosity.”
Together, these two Season 13 episodes reveal North Alabama as a destination full of discovery — where history, innovation, nature, and inclusivity come together to create unforgettable travel experiences.
How to Watch:
Check your local listings for PBS times in your area! On Alabama Public Television, watch:
“Travels with Darley: North Alabama Road Trip” on Saturday, January 10th at 3pm
“Travels with Darley: Accessible North Alabama” on Saturday, January 17th at 3pm
Enjoy a marathon of Darley’s Alabama adventures by in primetime on Alabama Public TV on Thursday, January 29th from 8 to 10pm:
8pm “Travels with Darley: North Alabama Road Trip”
8:30pm “Travels with Darley: Accessible North Alabama”
9pm “Travels with Darley: Alabama for Foodies Part I”
9:30pm “Travels with Darley: Alabama for Foodies Part II”
Watch “Travels with Darley” Season 12 on Alabama Public Television’s Create TV Channel on Tuesdays at 9am, 4pm and 10pm CT starting January 13th.