Sometimes called the biggest small town in America, Louisville is (literally and figuratively) at the crossroads of the urban north and rural south.

The 16th largest city in America is like no place else in Kentucky, an odd mixture of southern values and progressive ideas. The outlaying areas of Louisville are sprawling suburbs more slanted to the southern way of life, while the urban area is a northern metropolis waiting to happen.

Home to a vibrant underground music scene and burgeoning art community, Louisville of course also hosts the Kentucky Derby and two week celebration surrounding the event.

It is also the home of what many in the widwest call "little Burbon Street", Baxter Avenue. Situated at the northern end of the Highlands neighborhood, the four block stretch of Baxter Avenue boasts 16 bars. The Highlands in total holds over 40, all of which are open till 4am. The epicenter of this neighborhood (and Louisville's cultural scene) is Bardstown Road, a one mile stretch of odd shops and art galleries.