Welcome from western Washington state! My husband is half Swedish and half Norwegian, talking about being in conflict, ja!
What I have heard from people visiting the U.S. for the first time is that they did not realize it is so big and takes so long to get from one place to another. So concentrate on one area and it will be more fun and relazing for you.
I think Pennsylvania is a great place to visit for quilting, too, as the above poster mentioned. Wherever you go you will find wonderful quilt shops and other quilters.