Posted in Rhode Island Meet The Locals February 13, 2021 by

9 Strange Habits Every Rhode Islander Will Defend To The Death

One thing that everyone who’s been to the state can agree on is the fact that Rhode Islanders are a unique group of people! With tons of local customs, very distinct accents, and so much character, the culture here is simply in a league of its own. Here are 9 strange things Rhode Islanders do, and we’re sure to defend even if you question us.

1. Never drinking their local lemonade with a straw.
Flickr/smcgee
You can recognize an out-of-stater a mile away based on how they drink their Del's and Mr. Lemon. If you see someone using a straw, chances are they are not from around here.
2. Using the word "wicked" when you're trying to stress your point!
Flickr/marcos ojeda
Wicked pissuh! This popular New England phrase simply stresses a point! You can even use "wicked" to replace "very," as in, "these clam cakes are wicked delicious."
3. Calling drinking fountains "bubblers."
Flickr/Thank You For Visiting My Page
If anyone asks you where the bubbler is while you're in Rhode Island, they're just looking for water.
4. Preferring hot wieners to hot dogs.
Flickr/Juli
This classic Rhode Island food is pure tradition! Just make sure you have them at Olneyville N.Y. System at least once, so you get why we're wicked quick to defend this.
5. Adding and subtracting the letter 'R' where many people would least expect it!
Flickr/Steve Snodgrass
Rhode Islanders use their 'R's' in very unique ways. "I'm going to stop at the Bubblah for some watuh."
6. Wearing shorts in the winter.
Flickr/Max Wheeler
New England weather has unexpected turns and Rhode Islanders would be the first to defend this strange clothing choice. This may be the most foolish of the strange things Rhode Islanders do - but we're too stubborn to admit we're cold if we dress inappropriately.
7. Eating plain party pizza!
Flickr/Matt
Rhode Island is filled with authentic Italian restaurants that serve wonderful pizza, but plain old bakery style pizza is all over the place.
8. Adding coffee syrup to milk.
Wikipedia
Coffee milk is the official state beverage for a reason. It's as delicious as it is refreshing, but most people from other states have somehow never heard of it. They don't know what they are missing!
9. Cruising in the passing lane.
Flickr/Olaf
This is one that probably shouldn't be defended, but try and explain the purpose of the passing lane to a Rhode Islander and about half of us just won't get it.

For more on life in Rhode Island, be sure to check out these iconic foods – Hot Weiners are number one, obviously!

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Strange Things Rhode Islanders Do

February 18, 2021
Kim Magaraci

What are the best things about living in Rhode Island?

Living in New England, in general, is great. We get all four seasons (sometimes, to the extreme), and we're close to several major metropolitan areas. Despite being in a small and densely populated state, there are still charming small towns to be found. And, well, our beaches may be the best in the world! Enjoy the shores of Narragansett or take a trip to Block Island and you're sure to fall in love with the Ocean State.

What are the most popular foods in Rhode Island?

Hot Weiners are our answer to hot dogs, and they're so much better! Pile them up with toppings and you can practically taste summertime. Of course, being the Ocean State means that seafood is pretty iconic here. Clam cakes - fried dough filled with clams - is a staple of our diets. It pairs perfectly with clam chowder - or chowdah, as we'll call it! Wash it down with a frozen cup of Del's Lemonade and you're set. We also really love to drink Coffee Milk here... so much so that it's our state beverage.

What are the best small towns in Rhode Island?

Newport, Narragansett, and North Kingstown are all amazing communities that any visitor is sure to fall in love with. New Shoreham, on Block Island, has a reputation for being a vacation town, but visit in the off-season and you'll instantly feel at home. Jamestown is a great spot to visit if you love history and being outdoors! Be sure to take a walk to the lighthouse. Another charming historic small town, Bristol, is known for its Fourth of July celebration, so mark your calendar and plan a trip.