Rhode Island definitely has its own unique character… after all, we’re home to a signature drink with the word “awful” in it and we have both a vampire and a pirate history. All it takes is listing off a few of our strange facts to realize that we are, without a doubt, a one-of-a-kind place to live. How many of these things were you aware of?
- Providence has the most donut shops per capita out of any city in North America.
PVDonuts / Google There are 25.3 per 100,000 people.
- It is actually illegal to wear any see-through clothing in Rhode Island.
Wiesiek Zieba / Flickr We’re not sure how this law got on the books, but we’re fairly certain it isn’t enforced.
- Don’t even think of challenging anyone to a duel here… or accepting one, for that matter.
Anders Sandberg / Flickr You’ll have to find a more legal way to settle your differences.
- Rhody has more shipwrecks per capita than any other state.
Rod Ramsey / Flickr It’s a good thing we have so many lighthouses now.
- Rhode Island boasts the world’s largest bug, Nibbles Woodway…
Tom Woodward / Flickr
- … and we even have our own state drink, the Awful Awful.
Newport Creamery / Facebook This irresistible beverage is made of whole milk, flavored syrup, and “secret” frozen ice milk. there is nothing awful about it.
7.. In the Ocean State, it is illegal to ride a horse on the highway for the purpose of testing its speed.
Gary Robertson / Flickr Once you know your horse’s speed, you may resume your highway journey, apparently.
- Rhode Island never did approve of Prohibition.
ambernambrose / Flickr In fact, most of us still think it was a terrible idea.
- And then there is the fact that Mr. Potato Head was named the official family travel ambassador of Rhode Island in 2000.
dollyhaul / Flickr It’s a worthy honor, to be honest.
We love our state, oddities and all.
Doug Kerr / Flickr Despite being the smallest of the 50 states, Rhode Island remains jam-packed with unique character.
What’s your favorite quirky fact about our state?
PVDonuts / Google
There are 25.3 per 100,000 people.
Wiesiek Zieba / Flickr
We’re not sure how this law got on the books, but we’re fairly certain it isn’t enforced.
Anders Sandberg / Flickr
You’ll have to find a more legal way to settle your differences.
Rod Ramsey / Flickr
It’s a good thing we have so many lighthouses now.
Tom Woodward / Flickr
Newport Creamery / Facebook
This irresistible beverage is made of whole milk, flavored syrup, and “secret” frozen ice milk. there is nothing awful about it.
Gary Robertson / Flickr
Once you know your horse’s speed, you may resume your highway journey, apparently.
ambernambrose / Flickr
In fact, most of us still think it was a terrible idea.
dollyhaul / Flickr
It’s a worthy honor, to be honest.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Despite being the smallest of the 50 states, Rhode Island remains jam-packed with unique character.
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