Mel is one of my favorites, and it’s her birthday today so I figured I’d skip ahead and answer her question(s) for interview week. Happy birthday, Mel! Don’t say I never gave you ‘special treatment.’

No. 1. If you came to Cleveland to be my Bestie for the weekend, what would you like to see and do?

The only parts of Cleveland I’ve seen are the airport and Cleveland-Massillon Rd. thanks to my aunt and uncle who used to live outside Akron, so yeah, I’ve got some stuff to see in Cleveland. The first answer to any ‘what would you like to see and do’ for any large city is Major League Baseball, so a trip to Progressive Field would be in order. Bonus points if the Indians are playing my Cardinals (ahem, June 12-14). I’m not much of an NBA fan, but I also wouldn’t mind seeing LeBron play.

I think a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is also a must for a Cleveland virgin, right? You know, when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was looking for a city where to locate its museum, my hometown of Memphis was one of the ones that lobbied it hard, but obviously it lost out (story of Memphis’ life). I’ve always been a twee bitter about that, so Cleveland better prove to me it was the better choice.

And of course, no trip to Cleveland would be complete without visiting the rest of the Plum city bloggers such as Alexis and Allison and checking out all the awesome bars y’all are always talking about (will I be mocked for using the word ‘y’all’ there?)

No. 2. Without visiting (yet) and by reading my blog, how do you think the singles scene differs between our two cities? What are some similarities?

Well, even without reading your blog, I could tell you this: Cleveland metro area population, 2,250,871; Knoxville metro area population, 681,525. So I’m guessing your pond is a little bit bigger than mine?

Seriously, I think I know almost every single person in town. The 20- and 30-something crowd in Knoxville is mostly filled with people who graduated from the local college, and many of them get married or at least are in a committed relationship upon graduating which leaves our singles scene on life support. We have a fairly strong but small local restaurant and bar scene where you can meet people, but those people rarely turn out to be single. All of the dates had by myself and my single friends recently have all been the result of meeting someone through a friend or work or just because we’ve seen them 20 times at the same restaurant.

From your stories, Mel, I gather Cleveland actually has a legitimate singles scene. Cleveland actually has a nightlife and more than just a couple of decent bars, restaurants or clubs to try when you want something new. More people at more places means a better chance of meeting someone who’s single, right?

As far as similarities go, I’d say Cleveland and Knoxville both offer the chance for adventure if, once you’ve actually met someone, you’re looking for something fun to do on a date. I specifically remember this post you wrote a few months back suggesting camping, kayaking and rock climbing as the kind of dates you love. I love that stuff too, and with Knoxville located both on a river and right next to some mountains, we’ve got all that to offer.

No. 3. Also, do you think you could hang? 🙂

Duh.

No. 4. That, and like, would you be interested in creating a future Penis Tuesday post? Ahhhh, of COURSE you would! LOL

I guess it’s Saturday not Tuesday, but since you were asking about my city, take a look at our most prominent (and awesome) landmark, directly from the heart (or groin) of Knoxville. You tell me what comes to your mind when you see it.