Quirky Rhode Island: Small State, Big Personality
Welcome to Rhode Island, where the unexpected is the norm and “quirky” is practically a badge of honor. If you’re searching for a destination with a fascinating history, friendly locals who march to the beat of their own drum, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else, you’ve just found your next road trip. While it may be the smallest state in the country by land area, Rhode Island proves that size is no measure of character. Every square mile is packed with personality, from vibrant coastal towns to historic cities, and the state takes great pride in its unique flavor. Around here, oddities aren’t just tolerated, they’re celebrated. Whether you’re a curious traveler, a history buff, or someone just looking for a new adventure, Rhode Island’s blend of the unusual and the unforgettable is ready to win you over.
Our Charming Locals
Ask any Rhode Islander what makes this place special, and you’ll likely hear the same answer: the people. Home to roughly a million residents, Rhode Island is a melting pot of characters, each bringing their own quirks to the collective spirit of the state. There’s an unspoken understanding among locals that the little things—like how far you’re willing to drive or what you wear in the winter—make a big difference.
Here, a drive longer than 15 minutes is cause for complaint, and anything over an hour is practically grounds for a relocation. It’s something you have to experience to fully appreciate. If you happen to visit in the depths of January, don’t be surprised to see locals pairing shorts and sandals with a heavy jacket, braving the chill with the kind of nonchalance that only comes from years of New England winters. And while Rhode Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northeast, you’ll rarely catch a local swimming unless the water’s truly warm. The state embraces its contradictions with a grin.
And yes, you might need a little help with the lingo. Rhode Island is packed with words and phrases that can stump even the savviest traveler. Here’s a quick guide:
• Bubbler: No, it’s not a device for making bubbles—it’s just a drinking fountain.
• Awful Awful: Don’t be alarmed by the name. This classic frozen treat from Newport Creamery is “awful big and awful good,” made with ice milk for a unique flavor you’ll crave after just one sip.
• Cabinets: Around here, a cabinet isn’t a piece of furniture—it’s what locals call a milkshake, made with ice cream, milk, and a generous dose of coffee syrup.
• Grinders: If someone offers you a grinder, they’re not handing you a tool. It’s the Rhode Island version of a sub sandwich, packed with meats, cheeses, and all your favorite toppings.
• Leaf Peepers: Every fall, these visitors flock to the state (and to other parts of New England) to witness the spectacular changing foliage. Rhode Islanders may poke fun at their slow driving, but they’re secretly proud of their state’s autumn beauty.
Sample the Flavors of Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s distinct geography wedged between land and sea defines much of its food culture. If you love seafood, you’ll find endless options, from fresh clam shacks to upscale restaurants with ocean views. But even if seafood isn’t your thing, there’s a surprising amount of variety, thanks to the state’s rich cultural mix.
Start with stuffies, a true local delicacy. These are large quahog clam shells stuffed with a blend of chopped clams, breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and cheese, then baked to perfection. They’re savory, satisfying, and utterly Rhode Island. Clam cakes are another must-try: golden, crispy fritters loaded with tender clams, served hot and usually paired with chowder. Speaking of chowder, you’ll find it prepared three ways here white (New England style), red (tomato-based), and the unique Rhode Island clear broth. The clear version skips the cream, letting the natural flavor of the clams shine through, and is often regarded as the purest expression of this beloved soup.
Don’t miss Del’s Lemonade on a sweltering summer day. This iconic frozen drink—somewhere between a slushie and a sorbet—comes in various flavors, but lemon remains the classic. You’ll spot Del’s trucks and stands at parks, beaches, and festivals throughout the season, offering instant refreshment.
Coffee milk is more than just a beverage here; it’s a cultural touchstone and the official state drink. Made by mixing sweet coffee syrup with cold milk, coffee milk is a staple in homes, diners, and even school cafeterias. Pair it with a Rhode Island wiener for the full experience. What’s a wiener, you ask? It’s a slender hot dog, made from a mix of beef, pork, and veal, spiced just right, and served on a steamed bun. The traditional toppings—mustard, chopped onions, celery salt, and seasoned meat sauce—make it a true local favorite. You’ll find these at classic spots like Olneyville NY System in Providence, where the recipe has hardly changed in decades.
The culinary tour doesn’t end there. Johnnycakes are a local breakfast staple, dating back centuries. These griddle cakes, made with stone-ground cornmeal, are crispy on the outside and tender within, perfect with a pat of butter and a drizzle of syrup. Italian heritage shines through in pepper biscuits and wine biscuits, two snacks that are simple, flavorful, and deeply tied to Rhode Island’s immigrant past. And for those with a sweet tooth, doughboys are pure joypi llowy fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, best enjoyed piping hot and fresh from a fair or festival. You can also stop by Iggy's anytime and grab a bag to share.
Only-in-Rhode-Island Places and Attractions
Once you’ve sampled the local cuisine, it’s time to dive into the state’s many attractions some grand, some quirky, all memorable. Despite its size, Rhode Island offers a diverse landscape of experiences for every traveler.
Start in Newport, where the legendary mansions line Bellevue Avenue. These opulent homes, built during America’s Gilded Age, are set against dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff are just a few of the showstoppers you can tour. Each mansion tells a story of old money, social intrigue, and architectural ambition. Newport is also home to the White Horse Tavern, the oldest still-operating bar in America. Established in 1673, it has welcomed sailors, pirates, politicians, and countless travelers over the centuries. The tavern’s well-worn beams and cozy fireplaces make it a must-visit for history buffs.
Providence, the state capital, is packed with one-of-a-kind stops you won’t find anywhere else. At the heart of downtown, WaterFire is a living art installation and community celebration that’s become a city legend. On select evenings, more than eighty bonfires blaze atop the rivers that wind through downtown, while music and performers line the walkways. Crowds gather along the banks, taking in the flickering firelight, the scent of woodsmoke, and the festive atmosphere that transforms the city into something magical. If you want a taste of the unexpected, plan your visit around a WaterFire night—it’s a Providence experience you’ll remember long after you leave.
Other can’t-miss sites await across the state. Head to Fort Wetherill in Jamestown, a retired coastal fort known for its panoramic ocean views and striking graffiti-covered walls, where history meets modern artistic expression. In Narragansett, the Point Judith Lighthouse has stood guard over the rocky shoreline since 1816, guiding generations of sailors safely to harbor.
History buffs shouldn’t miss Slater Mill in Pawtucket, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Here, you can tour the original 1793 cotton-spinning factory, now a National Historic Landmark, and see firsthand how the rushing waters of the Blackstone River powered a new era of manufacturing that changed the nation.
If you’re drawn to museums, Rhode Island’s collection is as quirky and impressive as the state itself. The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport offers more than just history—it’s an architectural gem, a sporting shrine, and an active tournament venue where legends are honored and new champions crowned. For a blast from the past, visit Burrillville’s Spring Lake Arcade, the oldest penny arcade in America, where vintage games still ring and clatter like they did a century ago.
Dive deeper into local stories at The Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, where engaging exhibits and authentic artifacts bring the state’s industrial and immigrant heritage to life. Or, go truly off the beaten path at the Living Sharks Museum in Westerly, a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated entirely to the science, conservation, and lore of sharks—a perfect stop for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean.
Weird and Wonderful Rhode Island
No roundup of Rhode Island would be complete without a nod to its most unusual attractions. If you thrive on the offbeat, you’re in for a treat.
The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth is a living work of art, featuring more than 80 animal-shaped topiaries across lush, manicured grounds. It’s part horticultural marvel, part whimsical fantasy, making it a perfect stop for families or anyone who appreciates creativity.
Travelers cruising along I-95 through Providence can’t miss the Big Blue Bug officially known as Nibbles Woodaway a giant blue termite perched atop a pest control building. This roadside icon has been a fixture for decades, starring in commercials and even making cameo appearances in Hollywood films.
Fans of abandoned and haunted spaces will find plenty to explore. The remnants of Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick are both eerie and fascinating. Once a bustling destination for fun seekers from the 1840s through the 1990s, the site now hosts annual events and has inspired documentaries about its storied past. There are ghost tours, local legends, and even tales of pirates and hidden treasure scattered throughout the state. Rhode Island’s eccentricities are on display everywhere you look, often right next to a landmark steeped in history.
Made in Rhode Island: Cool Things from Our Even Cooler State
Now that you know some of the unique places to visit on your next trip to Rhode Island, we wanted to show you some of the awesome inventions made right here.
1. The Diner: Yep, the concept for the classic diner started in Providence, when Walter Scott sold food out of his horse-pulled wagon to employees of the
Providence Journal.
2. Sideburns: Civil War general and U.S. Senator Ambrose Burnside popularized this style of facial hair, decorating the sides of men’s faces everywhere. They were first called “burnsides” but later the words switched to the phrase we know today.
3. Mr. Potato Head: This world-famous children’s toy, who can change expressions and outfits in no time at all, was invented and manufactured by Hasbro, a Rhode Island-based toy company.
4. Basketball’s “Fast Break” Play: Frank Keaney, coach of the University of Rhode Island Rams from 1921 to 1948, is credited with inventing this play in which the offensive team rushes up court to take a shot before the other team’s defense is set.
Rhode Island Fun Facts Quiz
This is the part of the blog where we wanted to tell you some random facts about Rhode Island, but we want to make it a little more fun. Below are a few questions relating to some of the more unusual facts about our state. Answers are at the bottom of the page.
1. In Rhode Island, you cannot race a ________ down the highway.
a. Car
b. Boat
c. Horse
2. True or False: Cap guns are illegal in Rhode Island.
3. How many lighthouses are in the state?
a. 11
b. 21
c. 31
4. What film’s haunted happenings took place in Burrillville, RI?
a. The Conjuring
b. The Exorcist
c. Poltergeist
5. The oldest of these houses of worship were/are found in Rhode Island. (pick 2)
a. Mosque
b. Synagogue
c. Baptist church
d. Buddhist temple
See All the Quirkiness In-Person
This list is just a snapshot of Rhode Island’s endlessly entertaining, proudly offbeat personality. For every mansion or museum, there’s a roadside oddity or beloved local tradition waiting to be discovered. The state is bursting with hidden gems, fascinating stories, and characters you won’t find anywhere else.
No matter where your travels take you whether it’s a stroll along the Cliff Walk in Newport, a late-night bite in Providence, or a lazy afternoon in a seaside village don’t hesitate to ask a local for their favorite spots. Rhode Islanders love to share their state with visitors, and you’ll find that the only thing they’re more passionate about than their quirky home is making sure you get to experience it too. So come see for yourself why Rhode Island is truly unique, and prepare for a trip filled with surprises, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Answers to the quiz
1) c. 2) True 3) b. 4) a. 5) b and c
