I'm going to the US

[memphis]

I don't know how structured your trip is, but if you get a chance, try to see something other than New York and DC. Nothing wrong with those two cities, but there's so much more out there. Gotta experience Palin's "real" America

[memphis]

Wow, great tips there.

I count two people trying to get me killed and two people just hating on the cities.

I mean, going to Congress and stuff like that will be part of the trip but I was hoping for tips on great places...restaurants or bars or something.

Good restaurants and bars are going to be something only the locals know.  Anybody can tell you all about the good museums, and to see a Broadway show if you get a chance, but for actual local information, you're gonna need to PM Lief or Eraserhead or whoever. It's been my experience that anything that has been featured on the Food Network etc. is a crowded tourist dump.