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21 Strange Facts About Rhode Island That You Have To See To Believe

Who knew that a state this small could have so much character?

Caroline Boyle

May 15, 2017

Rhode Island College

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21 Strange Facts About Rhode Island That You Have To See To Believe

Animal Behavior College

If you've lived in Rhode Island for all, if not most, of your life, then you know that our tiny state can be a little strange. As a lifelong Rhode Islander, it's hard to say that our many oddities phase me anymore, and it wasn't until I wrote this article that I realized Rhody is so much stranger than many of us natives realize. From unusual laws to inanimate state ambassadors, here are 21 strange facts about Rhode Island that you have to see to believe:

1. It's illegal to intentionally bite off another person's limb.

2. There are more donut shops per capita in the Providence metro area than anywhere else.

3. In Newport, it's illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset.

4. Mr. Potato Head is the official "family-travel ambassador" of the state.

5. Almost four thousand Rhode Island's can fit in America.

6. Our official state drink is coffee milk.

7. It's against the law to wear see-through clothing in Providence.

8. Our state motto, "Hope," is the shorter than any other state.

9. Professional sports (with the exception of hockey and ice polo) need a special license in order to play on Sunday's.

10. You'll be fined if you throw pickle juice on a trolley.

11. Rhode Island has more shipwrecks per square mile than any other state.

12. In Scituate, you'll get a ticket for driving with a beer in your car, even if it isn't open.

13. It's illegal to sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same Providence resident on a Sunday.

14. It is illegal to challenge or accept a duel in the state.

15. It's a misdemeanor if a Rhode Islander is caught having more than 11 permanent vehicles in front of their home.

16. Cap guns are illegal.

17. If you're passing on the left, you must make a loud noise.

18. Providence is home to the world's largest bug. He goes by the name of "Nibbles Woodaway."

19. In West Warwick, it's illegal to use water on even-numbered days for the sole purpose of watering plants, gardens, or lawns.

20. It is illegal to ride a horse on the highway for the purpose of testing its speed.

21. Rhode Island never approved of Prohibition.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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21 Strange Facts About Rhode Island That You Have To See To Believe

Who knew that a state this small could have so much character?

1. It's illegal to intentionally bite off another person's limb.

2. There are more donut shops per capita in the Providence metro area than anywhere else.

3. In Newport, it's illegal to smoke a pipe after sunset.

4. Mr. Potato Head is the official "family-travel ambassador" of the state.

5. Almost four thousand Rhode Island's can fit in America.

6. Our official state drink is coffee milk.

7. It's against the law to wear see-through clothing in Providence.

8. Our state motto, "Hope," is the shorter than any other state.

9. Professional sports (with the exception of hockey and ice polo) need a special license in order to play on Sunday's.

10. You'll be fined if you throw pickle juice on a trolley.

11. Rhode Island has more shipwrecks per square mile than any other state.

12. In Scituate, you'll get a ticket for driving with a beer in your car, even if it isn't open.

13. It's illegal to sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same Providence resident on a Sunday.

14. It is illegal to challenge or accept a duel in the state.

15. It's a misdemeanor if a Rhode Islander is caught having more than 11 permanent vehicles in front of their home.

16. Cap guns are illegal.

17. If you're passing on the left, you must make a loud noise.

18. Providence is home to the world's largest bug. He goes by the name of "Nibbles Woodaway."

19. In West Warwick, it's illegal to use water on even-numbered days for the sole purpose of watering plants, gardens, or lawns.

20. It is illegal to ride a horse on the highway for the purpose of testing its speed.

21. Rhode Island never approved of Prohibition.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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