There's no denying the fact that plenty of people make fun of Rhode Island – and from our status as the tiniest state in the country to our unusual food choices, they have plenty of things to poke fun at. Fortunately, Rhode Islanders are a laid back bunch, and we love to laugh at ourselves just as much as outsiders love to laugh at us. If you live in Rhode Island, these nine memes might feel a little too real!
1. One of these days the rest of the country will realize how delicious coffee milk is.
One of my fondest childhood memories is riding the local carousel with my brother and sister. Along with finding the "perfect" horse to ride on, one of the highlights was waving at my parents as the carousel zipped by. If you're in Rhode Island, make sure to take the children in your life to America's oldest running carousel so they can experience the magic of riding too. Simply head to the Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. As you'll soon learn, it's the kind of nostalgic place you can't help but love.
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The Flying Horse Carousel dates back to around 1876 when it was constructed by the Charles W. Dare Company of New York.
The carousel has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. In 1987, it was declared a National Historic Landmark since it's the oldest carousel in the US.
The Flying Horse Carousel now sits in the coastal village of Watch Hill in Westerly.
But until 1879, it was part of a traveling carnival. After the carnival was forced to abandon it, it stayed here. No one knows why the carousel was abandoned, but of course, we're glad it's a part of our state.
Watch Hill is a popular summer destination, known for its stunning sandy beaches.
Rumor has it that the horses of the oldest carousel in the US were all carved from single blocks of wood, with the legs carved separately and attached.
When this carousel became a permanent part of Watch Hill, it had to be powered physically by two men with cranks.
Later, they'd tie a horse to the center with a rope, and the carousel would move when the horse walked. Nowadays, the Flying Horse Carousel is still running and has been powered by electricity since 2014.
The Flying Horse Carousel is a unique structure, and we're lucky to have it.
As you can see from Flying Horse Carousel photos, watch the riders as centrifugal force drives the horses outward, earning them the nickname "flying horses."
For a special outing, head to Rhode Island and take your kids to ride the oldest carousel in the US. Keep in mind that carousel riders must be under 12 years old, but you'll have just as much fun watching it spin from June until September.
To learn more about this historical landmark, check out our coverage of where the Flying Horse Carousel was built. I suggest referring to Tripadvisor to see more Flying Horse Carousel photos.
Being the smallest state in the nation often means Rhode Island tends to get overlooked by the rest of the country. Little does everyone else know, however, there are tons of Rhode Island firsts that ultimately paved the way for so many great things! Want proof? Here are 11 Rhode Island inventions, as well as things our fine state did first – all of which might surprise you.
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1. Rhode Island was the first state to introduce the sideburn thanks to former Governor Ambrose Burnside's impeccable style. (When it comes to Rhode Island firsts, this one's a must-mention.)
7. The first diner was established in 1872, forever ensuring access to comfort food nationwide, making this one of the tastiest things Rhode Island did first if you ask us.
11. The nation's smallest state was the first to renounce allegiance to the British Crown in 1776. There's no denying that as far as Rhode Island firsts go, this one is among the bravest!
So, did you know about these things that happened in Rhode Island first? Were you surprised by anything on this list? If we missed any iconic Rhode Island inventions, share a few more hidden gems with us in the comments. Then, show off your state pride with some gear from Wear Your Roots.
Watch Hill was one of Rhode Island's first luxury resorts. It was built in 1845 and has been treating guests to Rhode Island's finest scenic views and luxury accommodations ever since:
