Rhode Island lays claim to the title of smallest state in the United States (the 1,545 sq miles or 4,000 sq kilometers of land was likely named in honor of an group of islands in Narragansett Bay). The Ocean state may be tiny, but it’s also had a history of feisty independence as the first of the American colonies to give British rule the old heave-ho and was the last to sign onto the new United States Constitution. But, Little Rhody still kept the longest title of any of its rival states, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Despite the name, the state was also the first to enact anti-slavery legislation in 1652.
Rhode Island is a good place to go if you’ve got a craving for the sea and a bit of maritime fun. A large portion of the state is either covered by salt water or lined with Atlantic-front beaches and you’ll find a wide range of boats –everything from sailboats to pleasure cruisers – bobbing in the harbors. Newport was the base for the America’s Cup sailboat races for over 50 years.
When you get tired of visiting the more than 30 islands in Narragansett Bay, stop in any of the small towns along the coast for some pizza strips, Rhode Island clam chowder, steamed clams and hot wieners (a mustard, celery salt and meat sauce dish also known as a gagger). Wash down your meal with some local coffee milk or frozen lemonade.
You can also head to the capital of Providence to visit the oldest Baptist church in the Western Hemisphere and one of the first synagogues in the United States. But don’t go looking for a Governor’s residence; Rhode Island doesn’t have one – along with the death penalty and low taxes. Rhode Island does, though, hold an annual “Victory over Japan Day” celebration. The 1663 state charter can be found in the state capital building, underneath one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world.
Rhode Island is home to the “world’s largest termite” and is where the popular Family Guy animated series supposedly takes place (in a fictional city named “Quahog” after a local species of large clam).