As I booked travel for my second work trip of the year to Birmingham Alabama, I didn't know what to expect. My only previous experience with Alabama was passing through on the way home from college spring break in 2011. Without hesitation, I booked my flight to go down a day early so I had extra time to explore. After not traveling for so long during the pandemic, I was desperate to go anywhere.

Upon arrival, I went straight to Caveat Coffee for my morning brew and to plan out the rest of my day. My next stop would be Vulcan Park for a quick hike on Vulcan Trail. I had read that it was a great place to take in the city skyline and I wanted to get in a bit of exercise before checking out a few breweries that afternoon.

After checking into my hotel downtown, I decided to make my way to Cahaba Brewing Company via the Rotary Trail (more on this later). The weather was perfect for walking through the city and the cold beer was refreshing upon arrival. I went with a flight, which is my favorite way to try a few beers without going overboard. Cahaba's outdoor space reminded me of a large front porch, it was ideal for relaxing.

My next stop of the afternoon was for another flight, but this time not of beer. I headed to Big Spoon Creamery for a flight of ice cream. I think all ice cream shops should offer this option...getting to try multiple small scoops of different flavors is the way to go! My last two stops of the day took me to Avondale Brewing and Ghost Train Brewing for more flights of beer. By the time I arrived back to my hotel for the night I had walked a total of 12 miles, I was ready to dive into the hotel bed.

The next morning I made my way to Revelator Coffee and Hero Doughnuts for breakfast. After a few morning meetings and catching up on some work, I went for a sightseeing run at lunch. Going for a run through a new city is one of my favorite ways to sight see. I ran through Kelly Ingram Park next to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Railroad Park and along Rotary Trail. I found Birmingham to be one of the most runner (and walker/biker) friendly cities I've ever visited. The multiple parks and trails throughout the city are beautifully groomed and maintained, making it easy to want to keep going. Rotary Trail was my favorite; running through the heart of downtown, it travels from one side of the city to the other, creating a safe pedestrian path free from traffic. With benches and picnic tables along the way, Rotary Trail provides something for anyone looking to get outside.

Tuesday was a full day of work St. Vincent hospital followed by dinner with my coworker. We had fantastic Mexican food at El Barrio, where reviewers said they would eat the queso on anything, which we both agreed with.

Other notable stops on my trip include Automatic Seafood and Oysters, Santos Coffee, Cayo Coco Rum Bar, The Atomic Lounge and The Peanut Depot.

I was pleasantly surprised by all that Birmingham had to offer. From the beer to the food to the coffee; every place I stopped was excellent. I would not hesitate to return to Birmingham!