I used to enjoy going to the States but ever since 911 and the introduction of The Patriot Act and the destruction of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and America's rapid advancement to a Police State. I refuse to go.
BS
Sadly, have to agree about the American Police State. On at least three occassions, I`ve been given `the works` at the border, (Cornwall/Massena NY), having done absolutely NOTHING! The Patriot Act,/Homeland Security BS, gives, I think, these individual customs officers waaaay too much power! (Last year, I crossed at the Odgensburg bridge, nervous as hell, expecting the worst, but behold, no problems! Got a guy who must`ve been in a good mood that day. Go figure...)
Anyway, when I do go, I personally enjoy smaller, picturesque places in New England, and in particular, Burlington Vermont. Not very big, but very clean, very vibrant downtown with many little cafes/bistros, shops, museums, etc. And taking a drive through the little `Norman Rockwell, small town America` towns throughout the mountains, a lot fun.