Speaking as someone who has been to every state in the US other than Hawaii...there is no "Real America" as far as I see it.

America is a huge country with vast differences between the states and coasts.

That said, I don't think you can go wrong with Connecticut or New England in general for your first visit.

Just got done hosting 3 friends from England here in Connecticut and a trip up to Maine/Boston and they had an amazing time. They couldn't get over how friendly everyone was and the lack of drama.