Lived Experience

TRAVELS WITH DARLEY returns to PBS this January with two fresh episodes that put North Alabama firmly on the map, not just as a classic American road trip, but as a destination increasingly thinking about access, inclusion, and meaningful experiences for travelers of all abilities.

Season 13 of the Emmy-nominated series blends what host Darley Newman does best – culture, history, food, and adventure – with a growing focus on how destinations can welcome more people to the table. The result is a pair of episodes that feel both aspirational and practical.

An Accessible Road Trip Rooted in Story

In the first episode, Darley begins in Huntsville, where science and space exploration set the tone, before heading west toward Muscle Shoals, home to legendary recording studios that shaped American music. Along the way, she stops at Scottsboro’s Unclaimed Baggage Center, explores the natural wonder of Cathedral Caverns State Park, and reflects on the legacy of Jesse Owens at the Jesse Owens Memorial Park and Museum.

The second episode, Travels with Darley: Accessible North Alabama, shifts the spotlight to inclusive travel, highlighting experiences designed with access.

Working alongside local experts, Newman explores how adaptive and accessible experiences are taking shape across the region. Viewers are introduced to Wheel the World experiences in Decatur, Paralympic cycling events in Huntsville, and sensory-friendly attractions that make it easier for families and individuals with disabilities to participate fully.

Outdoor access is a recurring theme, with visits to Noccalula Falls and Little River Canyon showing how nature-based experiences can be made more inclusive. The episode also includes a stop at Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller in Tuscumbia, tying accessibility to a deeper historical context that feels especially fitting.

“Making travel more accessible is beneficial to us all,” Newman says in the episode, a sentiment that clearly reflects Visit North Alabama’s approach. 

Both episodes go behind the scenes to introduce viewers to the people who preserve North Alabama’s history and shape its future. From the Scottsboro Boys Museum to Will’s Creek Vineyard, where guests are welcomed by Mr. Mittens, a well known mascot, the series highlights entrepreneurs and storytellers who give the region its character.

An Example Worth Watching

Once again, North Alabama is setting the precedent. For destinations, travel professionals, and travelers, these episodes offer more than inspiration. They provide a clear example of how accessible experiences can be woven naturally into destination storytelling without losing the sense of adventure. This is what it looks like when an entire ecosystem is built on true welcome: adaptive outdoor recreation, cultural sites that acknowledge disability history, events that welcome disabled athletes, experiences designed for families, seniors, and travelers with sensory needs. Accessibility here isn’t hidden in fine print: it’s part of the destination’s identity.

For other destinations watching, the takeaway is clear: inclusive travel doesn’t require reinventing everything at once. It requires collaboration, listening, and a willingness to show the work you’re already doing. When accessibility is integrated into destination storytelling, it benefits travelers and strengthens the destination brand.

On Alabama Public Television, the North Alabama episodes air throughout January, with additional encore broadcasts and a primetime marathon later in the month. Viewers nationwide can check local PBS listings for air times.

Check out a preview here.