KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Before I start making new memories here in Volunteer Land, I still have a few more thoughts on Nashville I want to get out.

They don’t have any particular theme or commonality, so I’ve decided to address all my final thoughts in the form of an imaginary interview with myself.

Like such:

Q: Say Moose, that’s a really good idea.

A: Thank you! We thought of it ourself.

Q: So, I’m sure the people want to know, did your impression of Nashville, Tenn., change after visiting?

A: Absolutely. Before I even stepped foot into Music City, I was mentally planning some sort of “oh wow, I really don’t know how I’m gonna stand all this country music” confession post, but the fact of the matter is this: Nashville is fully behind any and all music.

Country music obviously has the local flavor and heritage, as it came from the region, but Nashville has a rich history of hosting rock, R&B, soul, pop music, Motown, rap, hip-hop, electronica, the blues, etc. As Cameo famously sang in “Word Up:” If there’s music, we can use it — we need to dance.

Q: …In that song, his next line is that ‘we don’t have the time for psychological romance?‘

A: That’s right. Where’s the lie?

Q: Moving on. Did you try the famous Nashville Hot Chicken?

A: I did! I had thoughts about trying Prince’s, which our tour guide said was the place that started the whole local hot chicken thing, but I ended up settling on Hattie B’s because it’s the one every tourist who compares cities can recite, ala Lou Malnati’s (Chicago-style pizza) or Pat’s/Geno’s (Philly cheese steaks).

I even got the hot sandwich at standard “hot” spiciness to experience the real-deal. As mentioned in my birthday post, even medium-heat Indian food makes me melt and sweat. Hattie B’s was no exception, but I really liked it. It was less of an “acid chemical heat” and more of a “rich seasoning heat,” which is the same reason I’m drawn to Indian food but not like, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.

My experience also came after spending the whole day walking around downtown, so I was starved by the time the sandwich finally got to me around 9:45 p.m. I don’t even like cole slaw, but I dumped part of it on the sandwich to get things cooled down, and that make the experience much, much better.

I won’t bullshit you: I’m not a tremendously educated foodie. I’m a simple guy who likes good food and can utter out a few noises as to why.

Hattie B’s hot chicken is something I’d love to have after a long day at the pool. Maybe as a late-night drunk meal. Getting the (great, zippy) potato salad as a side was another way to reduce the sandwich’s heat.

The chicken was big and juicy, too. Lots of food in addition to the “hot” gimmick. A solid time all around. Glad I stopped by.

Q: Do you think you’ll eat cole slaw by itself any time soon?

A: (Grabs microphone and puts it in mouth) No.

Q: Was there any aspect of Nashville that was totally predictable or otherwise exactly what you thought it would be?

A: The idolization of Dolly Parton is everywhere, but the place seems to hold up Minnie Pearl and Willie Nelson in the same regard. Maybe Johnny Cash or any other members of the Million-Dollar Quartet. If you were on Hee-Haw or Grand Ole Opry, you reach divination status in some form. There was a big ovation for Garth Brooks when he was mentioned on the tour bus, so I’ll count him too.

The tour guide also spoke highly about Eddie George and the late Steve McNair, the two Tennessee Titans fans most respect, so put that in your pocket if you need to chat 1990’s AFC football to anyone (or everyone).

Someone on Twitter also called Nashville “the unofficial bachelorette party capital of the world,” and I saw at least 5 in process just during my time around the hotel. The new trend, apparently, is to put your Venmo handle on the back of a massive SUV and ask folks to “buy the bride a shot.”

Q: Have you gained any road trip secrets this time around?

A: Use a local parking app instead of the hotel’s option, or at least check the neighborhood when you get there before giving up and paying premium prices — odds are, if the hotel is using a valet service, there’s cheaper local parking, but you have to find it yourself.

Here’s how my fate has fared in each city so far, compared to the what the nearby hotel charges:

• IOWA CITY: Parked in Graduate’s lot; validated due to ongoing construction
• MADISON: Parked 1.5 blocks north in a city garage; saved $46
• EVANSTON: Parked 1.5 blocks west in a city garage; saved $48
• BLOOMINGTON: Parked at my house (kind of cheating, but not really); saved $60
• NASHVILLE: Parked 1.5 blocks southwest via SpotHero; saved $90
• KNOXVILLE: Parked 2 blocks west by finding a municipal cheap lot app; in the process of saving $45

So far, this means I’ve been able to save a whopping $289 (before tax and tip!) to apply towards my travels. Three-hundred dollars is three-hundred dollars.

Don’t get me wrong — the valets at each location have been friendly and on-the-money everywhere I’ve gone. But I don’t mind spending an extra 20 minutes doing it myself if it means saving that much dough.

Q: Is there anything you regret not getting to do in Nashville?

A: Absolutely. My buddy Sveta who used to live in Nashville and used to work as a professional sommelier/wine server/local food extraordinaire, gave me some really tempting options to try, but I could only muster my fly-by-night bus tour and a few other quick-trip jaunts.

Here’s what she recommended, if you find yourself in Nashville:

“Henrietta Red has a great menu and wines, Attaboy is a speakeasy type place for a great pricey cocktail, and I really love Bastion (they have a tasting menu and a casual bar with good cocktails and nachos). For dive-y places, depends on how dive-y you want it. Dino’s was my go-to for drinking beer out of plastic cups and having a burg. There’s a place called Springwater Supper Club that’s like the oldest bar in the city I think? They’re beer-only and are right next to the Parthenon.”

(Thanks Sveta!)

Q: Would you ultimately go to Nashville again?

A: Absolutely. It’s a bit expensive, but not unlike any other major U.S. city. It seems like Las Vegas, if it were a little more suburb-aware and less “desert magic.” I’d really like to pop down there for a concert or Packers-Titans game at some point. But that will have to be a trip for another day.

Q: We’re in Knoxville now, yeah? Safe and sound?

A: Ah damn. Yeah. That’s right.We’d better get to seeing some stuff.

Until next time folks, thanks for reading.

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-moose