Hometown

Birmingham, Alabama 

My neighborhood and why I like it

I live in Mountain Brook, a suburb of Birmingham that is only three miles from the hospital. My wife and I love living here because of the short commute and the close proximity to many local attractions. We are able to walk to many restaurants, shops, a grocery store, nature trails, plus the Birmingham Zoo and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

Favorite spots for a date night

Gianmarco’s Wine Bar is our go-to for a Friday night date. For special occasions, we enjoy celebrating at Hot and Hot Fish Club by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Hastings.

Favorite places to take guests

When we have guests in town, we love to start the day at the Market at Pepper Place on Saturday mornings, and in the afternoon we visit the local breweries and sample the best local craft beer. We also love catching local minor league sports games. The Birmingham Legion FC minor league soccer games are always a fun experience. 

Where I unwind after a long day

I like to go for a run or walk with my wife on the Jemison Park Nature Trail. After work on Fridays it’s always great to meet fellow residents for drinks on the patio of Moe’s Original BBQ in the Lakeview District of Birmingham. 

Where I take in the scenic views

The rooftop bar at the Redmont Hotel or the park at the Vulcan statue atop Red Mountain provide amazing views over Birmingham.  Best nearby vacation spots: We love the beaches on scenic highway 30A. It is just a four-hour drive to the Gulf Coast, which has some of the bluest and clearest water. On the weekends, we escape to the lake.

Why I like this city

Birmingham has been an amazing city to grow up in and call home. The living is very affordable, the restaurants are top notch, and there is always something to do. It is also the perfect size; you get a city feel without the big city traffic. It is called the Magic City for a reason!

Brendan Feehan, M.D.

Hometown

Rapid City, South Dakota

First visit to Birmingham and why

My UAB interview!  I had never been to Alabama previously.

My neighborhood and why I like it

My wife and I bought a house in Crestline Park. It is a wonderful, quiet neighborhood in the southeast part of Birmingham. It’s only a 10- to 15-minute drive to the hospital and has easy access to many of Birmingham’s other attractions.

Best places for soaking up the local culture

Avondale Brewery is a great spot to grab a local craft beer and enjoy the sunshine in their huge outdoor space. They also have one of my favorite outdoor concert venues in Birmingham and get a good variety of musical acts.

Favorite spots for a date night

Birmingham’s restaurant scene provides plenty of great options—Chez Fon Fon, Highlands Bar and Grill, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Blueprint on 3rd, Ollie Irene, Bottega—the list goes on. There is no shortage of options for a memorable night out.

Favorite places to take guests

We like to go on a brewery tour. Birmingham has plenty of great options with lots of outdoor seating. Best park, trail, or golf course: That’s a tie between Oak Mountain State Park and Ruffner Mountain. Ruffner is right within Birmingham and about a five-minute drive from my house, making it a frequent trip with my dog for a quick outing. Oak Mountain is a little bit further away but has a great lake and plenty of trails for a perfect day trip.

Where I take in the scenic views

Moss Rock Preserve in the southwest area of Birmingham is beautiful. Numerous waterfalls and streams and the unique outcroppings of boulders make for a great afternoon getaway.

Best nearby vacation spots

The beach is always a great option for a weekend excursion. Atlanta and Nashville are also within easy driving distance and provide numerous options for music, food, and night life. 

Why I like this city

With about a million people in the metro area, Birmingham is a great size. Housing  is readily available and within a resident budget but at the same time there are plenty of attractions and things to do. What I’ll miss the most: My co-residents! We have such an amazing group of people here at UAB, and I will truly miss seeing them every day.