Thanks for all the help with my impending visit folks, it was appreciated. As one point of this trip is to meet the real American people, what is the best way of going about this? Obviously I am going to stop and speak to people but I am not too keen on approaching strangers and saying stuff like 'Hi, I'm Tony from Scotland,how are you?'. any suggestions . . . ?

Just what are "real Americans"? All of the folks that call the good old USA home are real Americans. We are made up of all kinds of folks that each contribute in their own way. That is what makes this nation so great.

Sorry for the resonse but I really dislike it when people talk of "real" anybody whether is is Americans, Mexicans, etc.

As far as meeting people goes, just mull around in areas where people gather. You will probably have to break the ice but the vast majority of folks will be happy to talk to you. A good way to break the ice is to ask questions.

I would agree with the first poster that there is no such thing as a "real" American just as there is no such thing as a "real" Frenchman (certainly the average Parisian is different than the average Norman). I think in some countries this is an easier goal to achieve, but the U.S. is so diverse.

I didn't see the original post, so I don't know where in the U.S. you are going, but if you really want to meet people and learn about what people are like here try visiting different parts of the country. Might I suggest, to give you a good cross-section of people and interesting places, visit New York City; New Orleans or Charleston (South Carolina); the farmlands of Wisconsin, Minnesota, or somewhere else in the MidWest; San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego; Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio; and the towns of New England. Most people would agree that the "average" person from New York is quite different from the "average" person from Charleston.

I think you have a good goal, but it is a difficult one to achieve. As to where to meet Americans, go to places where it is easy to strike up conversations: parks, bars, college campuses, tourist sites where you can meet people from all over (maybe Washington, D.C.). In some places it is easy to just strike up a conversation with anyone; here in the South is probably the easiest region for that. You might want to find a sportsbar where you are going and go there on a Sunday to watch American football and drink beer (that would really give you insight into the American way of life).

Good morning Tony, I certainly agree with the previous answers, there is such a wide range of "Americans", you would be hard pressed to actually find an average American. We are such a diverse, eclectic, assortment of nationalities, that I think we surprise ourselves. You'll find it easy to talk to people, just ask a question. If you have that great Scottish accent, most folks will be asking you more questions, as soon as you speak. Welcome to America, Tony. If you get to the Seattle area, let me know. Me and my family live about an hour or so away and we could have a pizza and beer. Have a great trip

Well, you have a good head-start by asking these questions on a board such as this.

As was written earlier, Charleston, SC is one of the friendliest cities in the US. If you plan to get this way and we're around at the time, I can give you some hints and maybe even show you our beaches and great seafood places.

Good Luck.

The idea of going to a sports bar during a distinctly American sports event (baseball, American football) would be a good one. Just say "I'm from Scotland and don't understand the rules of this game" (you probably won't have to lie!) "Could you explain what's happening?" This will lead to a discussion of the American game; you can respond with sports in your country -- from then you're on your own!

Enjoy your visit!

Tony - it's my experience that Americans loooove to listen to those with accents, especially to those speaking "our" version of English with their native tongue. So I think that as soon as someone hears you, a conversation will naturally follow. Be prepared for lots of "so where's your kilt?" queries.

Tony,
My original posting in response to your query got lost in the ether, which is just as well since I would have been back to augment it in any case. For beginners, GET LOST! or at least appear to, whether you are or not. Asking for directions is a great way to start a conversation with most folks. If traveling in the northeast (New England) look for Grange Halls and Grange suppers. Food is homemade by locals and presented in a family setting in a Grange Hall. Opportunities to strike up conversations are many, starting with: "Would you please pass the potatoes?" In many areas of the country, church suppers are equally informal ways to meet folks. Finally in the deep south, you'll find many "family style" restaurants where people sit at a communal table and are served directly from the kitchen. No menu, no choice other than beverage. Depending on the time of year, look also for county fairs as an opportunity to socialize.

I don't think you'll have any problems as soon as Americans hear that you are from Scotland. The more questions you can ask, the more chances you will have to find a "chatty" American. You will find people less reserved as you move south and west from New England and New York. I remember being shocked when I moved to Chicago and people spoke to strangers in elevators. Now in California, they're talking all the time. One thing that has not been suggested is to stay in B&Bs as much as possible. You will have hosts there who will introduce you to other guests. Also, many serve breakfast at a communal table and guests compare notes as to what they did yesterday and what they are going to do that day. Some also offer a "wine and hors d'oevre" hour, which is also a nice place to socialize. Folks in smaller towns will probably have more time to talk to you and you will be more "exotic". Don't worry, you'll probably end up talking too much and seeing too little and so will have to return! Have a great trip.

I actually think it will be difficult to strike up and hold a conversation with locals in America. Sweeping generalizations here - please nobody get upset....I feel there is a tendency for most Americans, especially in major cities, especially on the Eastern seaboard, to look strangely upon a stranger who strikes up a conversation with no specific objective but to make conversation. I'm not saying that nobody will talk to you, but don't be surprised if people are at first abrupt and suspicious of you, thinking you want something from them or thinking you are peculiar for starting a conversation. You might find it easier to meet people in a bar, especially earlier in the night before it gets too crowded when other people tend to be there alone after work or waiting for others and it's easier to hear and with just a handful of people around it's more natural to have a group conversation. Good luck and have a great trip. Let us know how it turns out.

Tony,
Had yet another thought or two. We have a number of motel chains geared to the business traveler (Marriott Courtyard and Embassy Suites, for example). They are essentially small utilitarian apartments with kitchens. The motel serves a simple "continental" breakfast included in the room cost. Stay in one on a weekday night and try conversing over breakfast. Because they're geared to the businessman trade, they're usually a bargain, though lonely, on weekends. For fun stay in one and shop in a supermarket for staples. Ask some prospective conversationalist "Where's the Wilkins and Sons Orange Marmalade?" That should start something (so long as your not standing in the jam and jelly aisle!)

All good suggestions. I would add
Go to church and stay for the "coffee Hour" afterwards - or check to make sure it is not between the early and late service. You'll be very welcome.

Also, Bed & Breakfasts in America are generally very socialable places, with a living room area and a communal breakfast where lots of notes are compared on what people do, where they're from, what to visit for the day, etc. It's quite intriguing.

Another suggestion would be special day tours - not the basic city orientation tour, but something with a little more specialty or purpose. Perhaps Whale watching off the west coast - north or south, dependign on the time of year. You would just have to poke around locally.

Stop into small local museums. Volunteers are always eager to chat about their part of the world.

In larger museums if there is a self-service cafe or cafeteria, eat there and share a table. Usually that starts a conversation. Not too long ago I sat with a couple at a museum in San Francisco and after chatting it turned out we had a number of mutual friends, although none of us lived in San Francisco - all just visiting!
People I think, generally, will be more open as you move east to west, and towards the south. That is a gross generalization, of course. I've had all kinds of interesting conversations wtih strangers in all the big cities in this country - it esp. happens in art galleries and museums, if they appeal to you.
Have a great adventure.

Someone suggested county fairs. They are great - especially in the smaller areas of the midwest. Sometimes they are just local city harvest fairs. My thought was an extension of this - craft fairs and art fairs. Quality and style range all over the lot. I have in mind local ones with local/regional artists - not the few sort of big commercial ones with a cast of thousands in the convention center. At the local craft fairs/art fairs you'll have a chance to meet lots of different kinds of people - and see an amazing range of interseting things as well.

Well thanks for all those tips, folks. Reading my original posting I thought that I sounded a little lame - you know like i dont know how to talk to people or something but it's still not a thing that's very easy to do where i come from ( if you are a local ). A significant number of people will look at you as if you had just addressed them in Serbo Croat. Finally , what is a hush puppy and a grit ? I have no idea!

Your question was a good one Tony - the volume of responses is evidence. I disagree with the one gentleman who said it might be difficult to get people to open up and converse easily. I've lived in the Northeastern US (Central New York state) all my life and have been to 43 of the 50 states. If you're sincere, open minded and a good listener you'll easily meet interesting people everywhere you go in this country. Offer someone one small compliment about their community and they'll open up quickly. Most of us take great pride in the areas that we live in (despite their shortcomings). All the suggestions made were good ones. You will find the bigger cities in the Northeast (particularly NYC) to seem a bit less friendly on the surface but it's primarily a function of the fast paced life and also serves as a first line of defense against the occasional nut-cases that you'll find on the streets in any big city. Even in NYC, you'll find warm, sincere people who will welcome you.
As for hush puppies and grits....
hush puppies are made with finely ground cornmeal (I suspect there may be some milk, egg and seasonings as well). They are deep fried and served as a side dish, primarily in the South. I've had them in the Northeast but I'm told that you must go to the South to taste the real thing (they are delicious). Grits are technically known as hominy grits. It's served as a side dish, typically for breakfast and best described a runny porridge that's made from ground corn. White grits tend to be rather bland and are sometimes mixed with cheese or folks break up the yolk of a fried egg, mix it into the grits and season with salt and pepper. If you do go the South, try to find yellow grits - they're much tastier but not found in the Northeast.

Tony!
Now you've really started something! Hush puppies and grit!!? The first is a fried corn meal fritter. It originated as a treat for dogs, thus its name. Grits, plural never singular is a gruel like dish, again made from corn meal that's a Southern favorite at all meals. Look out for biscuits and sawmill or redeye gravy in the South as well. Also be prepared for discovering that certain foods may have different names in different parts of the country. Hero, submarine, hoagie and zep (for zeppelin) are all the same thing (cold meats, lettuce, tomatoes and anything else that's lying around) on a long loaf of bread. Where you are dictates what you call it.

If you are in Texas or the southern states, just look lost & someone will start talking to you. We are a very friendly bunch!

Tony, I feel a need to add to my original post!

You've not had proper "Southern" grits or hush puppies till you've spent time in Charleston, SC! Others above here have informed you of the makins' of these delectable morsels.

Another social event that I can't believe I forgot to mention is the "Lowcountry Oyster Roast"!!! From Oct - Feb. the best events of the season are oyster roasts! You don't even need to like oysters to have the time of your life and meet the nicest people.

Hope you manage to get down to the Charleston area for your trip. e-mail me if in the area...

Let me know if you need any information on Washington, DC, if you are planning on being here. If anything, you should see it because of its historical significance. I am a docent at the Air and Space museum, so if you are interested in that, just let me know. Regarding the people, Washington also has some of the most selfish, self-absorbed people in the country (no, not everyone here is like that!)as opposed to further South and their hospitality.

It's my observation that we Americans are, by and large, people in a hurry. We eat in a hurry, shop in a hurry, and generally don't take time to linger and admire the passing scene. Much of Europe shuts down at noon so people can enjoy a leisurely lunch. Here, the fast-food restaurant cash register proudly tells you that today's average service time is 42 seconds. So, where are people less likely to be in a hurry?

* After church (good suggestion)
* In a sports bar (very good suggestion)
* Before and after dinner at B&Bs (logical suggestion)
* Book stores, especially the travel shelves
* At small restaurants near closing time
* Any place where people are standing in line for an extended period. For example, in Washington D.C., that would be at the White House tour, FBI building tour, waiting for same-day tickets for Van Gogh outside the National Gallery of Art, outside of the Hard Rock Café or Planet Hollywood waiting for a table. I don't guarantee that those places will ensure you meet a cross-section of Americans; just that you'll meet ones who aren't in a hurry to get someplace else.

Conversely, here are some places I would place low on my expectations list: shopping malls and fast food restaurants (everyone is in a hurry), any place in any suburb (you're threatening, it's too car-oriented), hotel/motel restaurants (strangers who strike up conversations are threatening).