This is an opinion column

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Today’s guest columnist is Dr. Lily Gutnik.

I’m a native New Yorker who moved to Birmingham three years ago.

I’ve lived in three countries and six states.

I’ve visited 80 countries.

I was nervous about moving here, but I found a gem of city I never expected.

Birmingham is a Goldilocks city: Not too big and not too small.

From easy access to our airport to not having to deal with paralyzing traffic, to being centrally located in the southeast with easy driving distance to surrounding top destinations, Birmingham is very accessible and offers a high quality of life .

Here are some of my favorite spots that make Birmingham feel like home to an urban nomad like me.

Food & drinks

Birmingham is well known for many James Beard nominations and winners, famous BBQ, and of course the classic southern meat + 3 (or veggie plate for those who don’t eat meat like me). Here are some places that really stand out to me, particularly for their ability to feel like a journey beyond Birmingham.

Birmingham has many great coffee shops, but for me June stands out for its welcoming environment with great staff and reminds me of being in a cool coffee shop in Brooklyn. I also love their signature pistachio rose latte which I haven’t really seen anywhere else.

Grounds is also a fantastic coffee shop that shares the same space with Basic. I love their vintage drinkwares, matcha lemonades, true European drinking chocolate, and fantastic ethically sourced and locally handcrafted chocolates.

Automatic Seafood & Oysters – One of the best seafood spots in Birmingham taking advantage of being so close to the coast for fresh fish and seafood but always adding interesting flavors.

Pizza Grace – A standout pizzeria serving artisanal, high-quality pies with fresh ingredients all locally sourced and sourdough base for the crust. The pies are true Neapolitan style that do remind me of Italy.

La Fresca is owned by an Italian with house made pastas and a neighborhood feel with a very warm and loyal staff.

For a reminiscence of France ,I go to La Fete for its French décor and food inspiration especially the bread, fries, potato pave, French style omelets and seasonal French onion soup. Continental Bakery also offers delicious breads and incredible French galettes (cherry is my favorite).

Salud has street tacos that can easily feel like Mexico City and its sister tequila bar Adios is one of best places for tequila in the U.S according to Food and Wine magazine.

To be transformed to an independent grower winery anywhere in the world, look no further then Golden Age Wine Bar. It now has two locations, a wine bar and shop in Mountain Brook, and wine garden in downtown. The selection is incredible and truly top-rated unique wines and very knowledgeable staff. I love getting the “Pick 3 flight” so I can taste a variety of unique flavors. They also offer great opportunities to learn more about various wines via themed Terroir Tuesday tasting events.

House of Found Objects is a quirky one-of-a-kind bar with all sorts of unique seating options, games on the tables, ability to be the DJ, and of course great alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Shops

Basic is an amazing boutique that offers thoughtfully curated clothing and lifestyle products that prioritize quality, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. The fashion industry, especially fast fashion, is notoriously harmful for the environment.

For the past several years, I’ve been continuously changing my wardrobe and spending habits to really support local business, slow fashion, and ethically sourced goods. I was so excited to find this shop and become friends with its amazing owners.

Situated across the street from Basic, which focuses on women’s clothing, is an incredible locally owned and designed menswear shop called Marc Dion offering custom design and high-quality ready wear all made here in Birmingham.

Birmingham also has quite a selection of jewelry stores. Avani Rupa not only sells beautifully made pieces but also specialized in working with clients for custom and heirloom pieces. They were able to create a beautiful necklace for me from a single earing when I lost its pair which carried a lot of sentimental value to me.

Levy’s in downtown Birmingham has quite a collection of vintage and new pieces and Etc. carries some of the best unique jewelry designers in the country.

Neighborhoods & cultural landmarks

Though I’m absolutely a city dweller, I love having urban greenspaces. Railroad Park is the great community gathering spot and calm and serene place surrounded by city views.

The Rotary Trail reminds me of my favorite place in my hometown of NYC- the Hi-Line. Both were converted from abandoned railroad tracks or rail beds into beautiful walkable urban trails.

Another converted space I frequent often is Pepper Place. I love the Saturday farmers markets and great businesses the gourmet food shops, restaurants, book store, and design stores.

Sloss Furnaces is a historic landmark with industrial charm and fascinating history that is great for photo backdrop representing an industrial chic style.

As an art lover who’s been fortunate to visit many of the world’s iconic museums, I’m incredibly grateful for and impressed by the Birmingham Museum of Art. Not only is it completely free, open on Sundays, and houses and impressive diverse collection across genres and mediums, it also offers amazing events like musical performances and artist speaking events attracting incredible international talent.

Similarly the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are beautifully kept, offering a free calm sanctuary for all. I’m also impressed by much of the well restored and preserved architecture of downtown ranging from European Neo-classical to art deco treasures.

Forest Park is another charming neighborhood filled with the Jefferson Country Historic Marker Signs. I especially love the stretch of Clairmont Ave which houses the incredible vintage store and art gallery MK Quinlan, Shop and Café General which transports you back in time to its namesake- a General Store and Juniper, a gin focused cocktail bar with great vegan food options which feels like I’m being transported to England in the Victorian Era.

Of course, the history and heritage and role of Birmingham in the history of the Civil Rights is well highlighted and preserved in Birmingham and can’t be missed whether visiting or living in this city.

Lily Gutnik is a breast cancer surgeon scientist at UAB. She is an avid traveler and speaks multiple languages. She was recently named one of Birmingham 40 under 40 and lives in downtown Birmingham.

David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. He’s past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP).

Invite David to speak for free to your group about how we can have a more prosperous metro Birmingham. [email protected]