The US East Coast

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Due to a sizeable amount of luck (and if I have enough money), I might be able to visit the USA next summer with my old man.

Potentially we want to go to New Jersey, with a view to being able to explore NY and, hopefully, Philly and some of South New Jersey.

I've been looking online for some resources, i'm a pretty experienced traveller, but a lot of stuff is either too dense or doesn't seem to be reliable in terms of its information.

As a big Springsteen fan, as a food fan and as someone who likes activities and obviously peoples' history and politics, where might I want to go in NJ, NY and South/West Pensylvania?

Yes, i'm horridly excited.

[NoOneIsIllegal]

New Jersey? eerrr.....

If you have time and like nature, check out Vermont.

[manic expression]

If you're into Springsteen, you should consider checking out Asbury Park (http://www.welcometoasburypark.com/landmarks.shtml). That's also close to Belmar, one of the places to go for the Jersey shore. Also, Princeton and its University are interesting (especially if you're into academic history...Einstein and Nash and all them) and not too far from there. IMO, Trenton, Newark and Atlantic City would hold very little interest for a visitor.

NJ pizza is top-notch, try it early and often. Our hoagies are delicious and varied (just as one example, the [in]famous "Grease Trucks" are highly recommended if you ever find yourself going through New Brunswick), and central NJ also has superb Mexican and Indian restaurants. Italian food is ubiquitous with the whole Tristate (incidentally I've heard Trenton has some excellent Italian joints but I'm not 100% sure on that).

NYC is a must, there's literally no end of things to see and do and eat. Perhaps you could consider Ellis Island since it covers primarily the experiences of working-class immigrants (as a general rule for the whole country, expect a right-wing spin on just about anything pertaining to US history). Philly has some noteworthy historical sights as the first capital of the country...and real good food. The rest of western PA is just a huge forest, honestly.

One more thing...if you're into soccer, you might want to check out either Red Bull New York or Philadelphia Union to see how the game is played on the other side of the pond (MLS plays throughout the summer). ;) A baseball game would be a quintessential "American experience" if you're up for that kind of thing (bonus Patriot Points if you can make it for July 4 haha).

That's what I have off the top of my head. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. :)

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

I heard that Asbury Park is a bit of a shithole now?

Cheers for the advice. It's just a pipe dream at the moment, but i'm a stickler for gathering information. I would make a good bureaucrat:lol: