Posted in Rhode Island Nature January 20, 2017 by

11 Ways Rhode Island Is America’s Black Sheep… And We Love It That Way

Rhode Island is one of those states that tends to get misrepresented. While known for its gorgeous state beaches, it’s also known for things like strange local food items, mixed bag of politicians, celebrities like Pauly D, and the show Family Guy. The locals don’t mind having the rest of the world left to wonder about our state. It means we get to have all the wonderful things about Little Rhody all to ourselves. Here are a few ways we might be America’s black sheep, but we’re totally cool with it.

1. While Rhode Island is filled with amazing pizza places, you'll find this at every family party.
Flickr/Mark Bonica
Party pizza is a classic Rhode Island tradition, and most states just don't quite get the glory of it.
2. One of the most beloved state icons is a giant bug.
Flickr/Tom Woodward
His name is "Nibbles Woodaway" and he sits proudly viewable from I-95.
3. Rhode Islanders drink their lemonade frozen.
Flickr/smcgee
Out-of-staters might find this a little strange at first, but once you try it, you'll understand why people in the smallest state take their lemonade so seriously. It's just so refreshing and delicious.
4. These are strictly called "bubblers" and never drinking fountains.
Flickr/Jellaluna
Rhode Islanders have all sorts of unique words for everyday objects.
5. Even if their biggest team in the state is a minor league baseball team, Rhode Islanders are still sports obsessed when it comes to New England teams.
Flickr/Keith Allison
Who wouldn't be? The Patriots are pretty amazing.
6. While most Americans are putting milk in their coffee, Rhode Islanders are putting coffee in their milk.
Wikipedia
We've taken it so far as making coffee milk the official state drink of Rhode Island.
7. Rhode Islanders only measure distance with time, and never miles in state.
Flickr/Alex The Shutter
It's always 15 minutes away so why ask anyway?
8. Shorts in the winter is a pretty common sight to see.
Flickr/Max Wheeler
Rhode Islanders definitely have some strange customs.
9. Rhode Island still celebrates "Victory Over Japan Day."
Flickr/Morrow Long
This state holiday happens on August 15th and commemorates the day Japan surrendered in WWII.
10. Rhode Islanders never give their area code because the whole state has just one.
Flickr/Ant & Carrie Coleman
Every phone number in the Ocean State starts with "401."
11. People from Little Rhody add and take away the letter R where you'd least expect it.
Flickr/Tim Brockley
"You can pahk ovuh there."

For more on life in Rhode Island, click here.

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