by Allison Rogers, PGY-2
Moving to Birmingham, Alabama, and not sure what to expect? I caught up with several of the interns to hear their tips, tricks, and takeaways from moving to Birmingham this year. Included is where in town they live, you’ll see that residents live all over this terrific city.
What’s been the most surprising part of Birmingham?
It’s not a big town, it’s a small city. You can do pretty much anything you could do in a bigger city. It’s got a town feel—you can get anywhere in 15 minutes or less and the great outdoors is close—with city necessities like breweries, concerts, and great restaurants. ~Eduardo Mulanovich, Midtown
I had no idea Birmingham was so dog friendly! There are so many restaurants and stores that allow you to bring your pups along with you. ~Elena Stuewe, Eastwood
The great food scene here, particularly the surprisingly diverse options. Also, the lack of traffic for a city this size. ~Zac Doegg, Lakeview
Having so many beautiful parks and trails within a short drive is one of the best perks of living in Birmingham. Going for a quick hike on a day off has been a great way to relax and get away from the hospital. ~ Cameron White, Highland Park
All of the beautiful parks and hiking trails. Living in Arkansas has made me a bit spoiled when it comes to nature, but Birmingham has a lot to offer! My husband and I love Jemison trail for a quick walk with our dogs, Ruffner Mountain for an awesome view, and Oak Mountain for a full day of trail hiking. ~ Lauren Pacheco, Mountain Brook
What’s your favorite activity in Birmingham?
Walking around all the parks/trails – Railroad park, Red Mountain, Ruffner mountain. ~Brandon Bringuel, Glen Iris
One of my favorite activities has been going to Barons game for Thirsty Thursdays! ~Cameron White, Highland Park
We’re weird and love to stalk out Birmingham’s vibrant Estate sale scene. On my weekends off, we get breakfast at Bogue’s/Over Easy/Salem’s, grab coffee to go, and make a morning of it. Follow sales at EstateSales.Net. Mountain Brook sales are not to be missed. ~Emily Bufkin, Crestwood
Red Mountain Park when it’s nice outside - or the Botanical Gardens are great, too. ~Brett Barlow, Homewood
I love taking my dogs for a hike at Ruffner Mountain or the Flora Johnston nature trail. It’s really nice how accessible green space is here. ~Elena Stuewe, Eastwood
What’s been the best event you’ve participated in?
Either “Zoo, Brews, & BBQ” in June or “Art on the Rocks” monthly during the summer at the Birmingham Museum of Art. ~Cameron White, Highland Park
“Art on the Rocks” at the BMA. Even if you’re not an art buff, there’s plenty of food, live music, and other performances to keep you entertained. ~Elena Stuewe, Eastwood
Any of the Avondale Brewery concerts. Favorite I’ve been to was Yacht Rock earlier this year. ~Zac Doegg, Lakeview
Sloss Fest! (July 15-16, 2017) ~JR Penick, Southside
Best work lunch tip?
Two tacos from the grill in the cafeteria if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck. Otherwise, make the walk to Taziki’s or Chipotle if you have time. ~Zac Doegg, Lakeview
Lunch is free most weekdays at conference, so I try to make it to all the conferences (for the learning of course). 60% off cafeteria lunch is nice too, but my favorite place for on-call lunch is Guthrie’s Fried Chicken, which is pretty comparable to Raising Cane’s. ~Eduardo Mulanovich, Midtown
Always eat lunch! Free noon conference lunch is always clutch but the best hidden secrets are Magic Wok and Sitar. ~Ashley Vorenkamp, Highland Park
Fajita Day in the cafeteria (Wednesday at World of Flavor) is delicious. Use that 60% off! ~Emily Bufkin, Crestwood
Favorite Restaurant?
La Paz in Crestline Village followed by coffee and a break-up cookie across the street at Church Street Books and Coffee. ~Brett Barlow, Homewood
Favorite everyday place: El Cazador on Montclair. They have great Thursday night specials.~Emily Bufkin, Crestwood
Slice on Lakeview - their BBQ pizza is one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had and it has an excellent local beer selection. ~Eduardo Mulanovich, Midtown
Bamboo on 2nd downtown. Their fire roll sushi is delicious, and their ramen bowls are great too. A little on the pricey end compared to some other sushi restaurants, but worth it. ~Elena Stuewe, Eastwood
GianMarco’s, an Italian restaurant in Homewood. The food is to die for, but I also love that there is an upscale, fancy side and also a more low-key, casual side. Not to mention you can buy wine for retail price on the casual side! ~Lauren Pacheco, Mountain Brook
Italian: Guiseppe’s. Pub food: Carrigan’s. Sushi: Okinawa and Wasabi Juan’s. Mexican: Babalu and El Casador. ~Ashley Vorenkamp, Highland Park
Best dessert?
Coconut Cake at Chez FonFon. One of my favorite nights in Birmingham was going to dinner in 5 Points after a long day with residency friends and then going to Chez FonFon and splitting four desserts between the five of us. The desserts take the cake (literally). ~Emily Bufkin, Crestwood
What’s Birmingham’s best kept secret?
How freaking awesome Birmingham is! ~Brandon Bringuel, Glen Iris