Must say I liked the people where I worked for four months on a dairy farm in Virginia. About hour an a half east out of DC. People would ask me questions about where I am from as if they know where it is.
In Texas people were friendly but I did not like it that every second oke acted as if he is a cowboy of some sort although he has never been a day on a farm.
Most scenic? Liked most of the US that I passed through. Even Arizona and the fact that there is less people and smaller towns and cities.
Where would I have liked to stay? Where the winter is not that severe. New-Mexico on a ranch or small town would be good.
Liked Kentucky too. Feels farmy.
Did not like Florida or Louisiana much. Too many bridges and water.
Yeah, I've met many geographically challenged Americans that think South Africa means you're from the Southern portion of the African continent. I was lucky, mama made me study a globe

and I grew up watching "The Big Easy" and "The Iceman" on the PGA tour. Now, one of my top 5 faves is "Louis" which we've talked about before.
The Texan cowboys that fake the rough n tough cowboy persona we have a slogan for: "Big hat, no cattle" or "All hat, no cattle"

I've been planning a trip to New Mexico and Arizona Spring of 18'. I have several hundred miles of loops already mapped and I'd like to ride the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route, from South to North and take side trips along the way. The NM BDR is just over 2000 kilometers (80% off-road/20% paved road) in length and runs from Dell City, Texas and ends just over the NM & CO border in Antonito, Colorado.
I enjoy Florida and Louisiana but only when it is not humid. Parts of Louisiana has a swamp smell I don't care for, but I enjoy the culture and food. Though, I have zero desire to ever visit New Orleans.
When you were in Virginia, did you find time to visit any of the sites in WDC or Arlington Virginia (White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial Wall, or Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery)?
Since 1937, regardless of weather including lightning, Sentinels have kept a continuous guarding of The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this was quite an emotional experience for me. No talking is allowed, which some people around us got an ass chewing for. Never cross the barrier and walk on the tomb. One must stand at all times.
An example of what happens when you talk, laugh, or giggle at the Tomb:
Here is a changing of the guard ceremony: