10 Surprising Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Rhode Island

Let's be honest... In addition to people confusing the state with Long Island, Rhode Island tends to be one of those states that gets overlooked. It is the smallest state, after all. What many people fail to realize is that Little Rhody is bursting with wonderful attractions and culture. If you're thinking of moving to the Ocean State, there are quite a few things that might just surprise you once you're here.

1. The architecture

Rhode Island is filled with everything from gorgeous colonial homes, gilded age mansions, stunning lighthouses and so much more. Impressive architecture can be observed all over the state.

2. The amazing restaurants

Not only is Rhode Island known for its amazing local seafood, it also has authentic Italian, Mexican, and various other types of delicious restaurants across the state. In fact, many of Little Rhody's restaurants routinely gain national attention for their excellence.

3. The lemonade

Who knew lemonade could be so good? Rhode Islanders sure do! Del's Frozen Lemonade is simply delicious and only found around the smallest state.

4. Coffee milk

Rhode Island is the only place with an official state drink and it comes as no surprise that it's coffee milk. If you haven't tried it, definitely pick some up on your next visit to Rhode Island.

5. Nature

Though the Ocean State is pretty well known for its beaches, fantastic parks and nature sites can be enjoyed all around. The landscape is not only diverse, it's also beautiful.

6. The history

From its leadership during the Industrial Revolution, its impact on the colonial period, and so much more, the history of Rhode Island is as rich as it is fascinating. Historical places, such as Slater Mill pictured here, are found in every region.

7. The snow

Everyone knows that Rhode Island gets hit by winter, but not everyone takes the sheer amount of snow we get as seriously. Match that with our not-so-fantastic road service and you get long winters involving a lot of ice melt and shoveling.

8. The sheer number of Dunkin' Donuts

The slogan, "America runs on Dunkin," could not be any truer than it is in Rhode Island. You'll soon find that they are found at just about every major intersection, and even sometimes within walking distance from one another.

9. The hot dogs

Though you can find traditional hot dogs throughout the state, hot wieners are much more classically Little Rhody. You haven't lived until you've tried one "all the way."

10. How close everything truly is

We all know that Rhode Island is the smallest state, but this doesn't sink in until you're out and driving around. Everything is just a short drive away. The state is so small that even many of our major go to places are found over the border in Massachusetts, or Connecticut.

For more information on what life is like in the nation's smallest state, click here.