If this is all you're seeing in the country, you've been going to all the wrong places. Or you're being too "mean" with your spending habits. There is plenty to see and do, and there is plenty to avoid as well. You need to know the difference. It's the same in any country.

The USA is great in the OUTDOORS. The mountains, the lakes, the parks, the beaches. Cities are the WORST places to holiday there, period.

I would also recommend never, ever, for any reason, turning on a TELEVISION in the US. The programming will suck every last IQ point out of your head. Same for 90 percent of rubbish shown in the UK, by the way.

Bland food? There is great food all over the place - just look around. Go to "non-franchised" restaurants - small, independently owned ones. They are often "ethnic". I can't see the food there as "bland". Go to better restaurants - they exist. They may be a little more expensive, or they may give you smaller portions, but the food is MUCH better.

Generic consumer culture is world-wide. All it takes is a little effort to turn your head and ignore it.