ashley99 / Ashley

I was lucky enough to score a job in barcelona for about 3 months in 2005. I worked in a hostel in placa reial and was able to enjoy the city on a day-to-day basis, using my off-time to visit the museums, night clubs, and (most enjoyably) the bars, shops, and coffee houses tucked away in the alleys that aren’t on the map. Barcelona is a great place to visit no matter how much time you have, and while I would never define myself as a “local,” I’m glad I got a sweet little taste of what it’s like to live in such a fabulous city.

Kentucky is gorgeous, and Louisville is a great city to live in. Its location makes it a hub for many big businesses, and its attitude makes it possible for many independent businesses to flourish. And if you like horses, that’s a plus.

Get into the local music scene. Visit the Old City and stay away from Cumberland Avenue unless you actually attend UT. Kingston Pike has some good restaurants and shopping. Plan most of your travel time for hiking and camping, as some of the best sites in the Smokey Mountains are about an hour’s drive away.