11 Things That Instantly Make Rhode Islanders Think of Home

Every once in a while, a Rhode Islander will (gasp!) leave, heading off into the vast unknown, maybe even as far as Vermont or New York. As they explore the world outside of the Ocean State, home is never far from their minds, and certain things evoke a rush of nostalgia and memories of their native land. Here are 11 things that are sure to make Rhode Islanders think fondly of home.

1. Mastering the Art of the Signal-Free Lane Change in Rhode Island

No matter how far Rhode Islanders may roam, a quick lane change without the forewarning of a turn signal is sure to make them sigh longingly, thinking back to all those days of being similarly cut off without any notice. Then they might try to catch up to the other car and do the same thing to them, to make a point – and for old times’ sake, of course.

2. Running on Dunkin’: Rhode Island’s Unofficial State Beverage

Rhode Islanders love their coffee, and although there are many excellent, locally owned coffee shops, Dunkin' Donuts is a classic Rhode Island favorite. Many people remember the days when Dunkin's wasn’t available outside of New England, and it still feels a little like striking gold to come across one when you are in the extreme southern or western regions of the U.S.

3. A Red Sox Hat Is Practically Part of the Rhode Island Uniform

Or shirt, backpack, credit card, sweatshirt, keychain, coffee mug, tattoo – you get the idea. Sure, they might be the Boston Red Sox, but Rhode Islanders have a ton of love and pride for this team. And anyone who beats the Yankees, of course.

4. The 401 Area Code Is More Than Just Digits – It’s Home

Unlike California, with its 32 area codes, or New York, with 15, to all Rhode Islanders, 401 equals home. Do you know why locals print 401 on shirts, tattoo it on their bodies, and even put it on their bumper stickers? Well, because it's not just a number – it’s a symbol of local pride.

5. Mr. Potato Head: Rhode Island’s Most Beloved Local Celebrity

Many children grew up playing with this classic toy, but how many grew up regularly seeing giant statues of him in random places in their community? If you were raised in Rhode Island, this was just a part of life, and you needed to silence all of your questions (why is this here?) and swallow your trepidation (I mean, come on, some of them were a little creepy), and just let mom take the picture. But here is a fun fact: In the early 2000s, Mr. Potato Head was used by Rhode Islanders as an official family travel ambassador.

6. Family Guy: The Animated Series with a Rhode Island Twist

Quahog, Rhode Island, not a real place, by the way, the familiar accent of many of the characters, duckpin bowling, chowda, the Andre the Giant "OBEY" stickers, Pawtucket Patriot Brewery – the list goes on and on. It’s impossible to watch "Family Guy" without having all kinds of feelings about Little Rhody.

7. Fresh Clams Are a True Rhode Island Tradition

Whether they’re quahogs or littlenecks, chopped or stuffed, a clam might as well be the state emblem. But wait, clam cakes and chowder – if you ask any Rhode Islander, they'll tell you those are our unofficial flavors.

8. Nothing Says Rhode Island Like an Ice-Cold Narragansett Beer

No matter how far away you may live, any Rhode Islander would still say to you, "Hi Neighbor, Have a ‘Gansett." While the brand was founded in 1890, the brewery has undergone major revivals, and it is now based in Providence.

9. Snow Days Are Pure Rhode Island Magic

You don’t have to be from Foster-Glocester to remember the days of suspensefully listening to school closings being read in alphabetical order. It will still give you a little thrill to hear that any of your daily responsibilities have been canceled due to winter weather, leaving you no choice but to stay in your PJs, make pancakes, and play board games all day.

10. Classic Carousels That Bring Back Childhood Memories

If you’re from Rhode Island, chances are that you have very clear memories of spinning around in circles and riding a painted pony on a carousel. Whether you frequented Riverside, Westerly, or Newport, it’s safe to say that you can’t see a carousel without remembering reaching out to try to catch that brass ring.

11. Lighthouses: Guiding Rhode Islanders Home for Generations

With 384 miles of coastline and myriad inlets, beaches, and coves, you can’t go far in Rhode Island without seeing a picturesque lighthouse on a windswept peninsula or clinging to a craggy pile of rocks in the ocean. Whether you’re in California or one of the Great Lakes, a lighthouse will forever make you think of times spent by the Rhode Island shores as a child. Read some more about the 12 hidden gems in Rhode Island.

All this is to prove that you can take the Rhode Islander out of the Ocean State, but you can't take the Ocean State out of the Rhode Islander. To all those who were born and raised in Little Rhody, what are those things that will always make you think of home? Could you complete this nomination form to share your thoughts?

Are you planning a nostalgic trip back to Rhode Island? Be sure to use our Itinerary Planner to create your perfect Ocean State adventure – this tool makes it easier for you to rediscover all the places that make Little Rhody feel like home. And don't leave without checking out this epic four-hour road trip in Rhode Island.