Although I was born in Connecticut, my mom grew up here and because she loved it so much she decided to raise her family here as well. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States and is located in the North East. No, we are not Long Island and no, we are not part of Connecticut or Massachusetts. Growing up here was an adventure and I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else. Here are 15 reasons why growing up in Rhode Island is better than growing up anywhere else.
1. Newport Creamery.
Newport Creamery is a small-chain restaurant that serves a variety of food, however, they have the most amazing ice cream. Their signature ice cream dish is actually a drink named the Awful Awful. The only way I can describe it would be a super thick milkshake, but better than a milkshake. Although the restaurant has expanded into Massachusetts, it originated in Rhode Island and was always on the list of restaurants to go to after a long day shopping at the Warwick Mall.
2. The Beach.
Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State because we have over 400 miles of ocean. What this means is during the summer you go to the beach. Whether you're a small child and go to Roger Wheeler or a teenager and go to Narragansett Town, everyone goes to the beach. If you know someone from Rhode Island and they don't like the beach, they're probably not actually from RI
3. Being no more than a 30 minute drive from anywhere at anytime.
Because RI is the smallest state in the US, we have the glory of having basically every store you can think of in our backyard. Whenever someone has to travel more than a 20 minute drive, expect moans and groans, and for mom to pack a lunch.
4. Beavertail.
RI has many hidden treasures that only some locals know about, one of them being Beavertail. Beavertail is a state park located in Jamestown and is located right on the coast below the Jamestown bridge. I myself went there on multiple school field trips where I received biology lessons and took many photos. I recommend going there whenever you happen to be in RI, considering it's not going to be more than 30 minutes away from where you are staying
5. Seeing everyone and their mother anywhere you go.
Because Rhode Island is so small, and once you live here you never leave, there is a good chance that even if you are going to Walmart, you are going to see someone you know. There's also a running joke that Rhode Islanders know that when you meet a new person, there's a good chance you have a mutual friend or family member. Needless to say, everyone in RI knows each other in some way.
6. Having our own accent/language.
Cabinet: milkshake Bubbler: drinking fountain Jimmies: Sprinkles
Growing up here you learn to use these words instead of the others and when an outsider says something else you automatically correct them. I personally get into heated arguments about the bubbler situation considering us Rhode Islanders are correct and everyone else is wrong. Also, we have an adapted Boston/New York accent which some people can't understand but every Rhode Islander recognizes
7. Dunkin Donuts.
I understand that Dunkin is a national franchise but in Rhode Island I can pretty much guarantee that there is one Dunkin every half-mile. Every morning before school during my senior year I would get an Iced Coffee and so did everyone else in my school, yet I never waited more than 10 minutes in the drive-thru. If the one near my house was busy, there were 2 more in the 1.5 mile drive to my school.
8. Experiencing all four seasons.
Anyone in New England can appreciate this actually. We experience Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall and during their respected months. Once you get tired of cold winters, spring is already on its way. I made lots of memories jumping into piles of leaves and building lots of snowmen
9. Clamcakes.
Some people have heard of crab cakes and that's similar but these are better. They are small fried dough balls with pieces of clam inside them and they are fried to perfection. Whether you are a loyal customer to Aunt Carrie's or Iggy's you can expect heaven in a bite. I grew up with both and every summer I can't wait to bite into my first one of the season.
10. Hockey Season.
I again understand that hockey is everywhere in North America, but at least for me, hockey was the best time of the year. It also helps that the Boston Bruins are a very good team. We also live in an area of the country where it gets cold enough that we can legitimately play hockey outside on a frozen pond. There's nothing that can compare to hockey season
11. Dave's Market.
One of RI's treasures is the local chain supermarket Dave's Market. Here you can get the best locally, farm-grown products because why get mass-marketed products when you can show some Rhody pride.
12. Allie's Donuts.
The. Best. Donuts. You. Will. Ever. Have. I promise you that these are the best donuts probably in the United States. They also were just voted one of the best donut shops in America so that helps too. Growing up here, I can guarantee every kid has had some of Allie's delicious donut cake at birthday parties. They fry the donuts every morning so you are guaranteed a fresh donut every time you go
13. Brown University and Rhode Island College.
Although we are the smallest state that most people don't even know is a state, we do house one of America's Ivy League schools, Brown University. I've taken many school field trips to different seminars being held by the students and just knowing that you are going to an Ivy League school, you know you feel special. RI is also home to Rhode Island College, one of the top 10 nursing schools on the East Coast, and the number one nursing school in New England. They have a near perfect rate of students who pass their boards and have had this record for years. It is also where I attend classes, so I'm a little biased.
14. Newport.
Located on Aquidneck Island, Newport is one of the top 10 prettiest and most luxurious places to visit in the US. I went on numerous field trips to the historic mansions and if you were to go on the weekdays, there will most likely be a group of screaming elementary students getting their very own tour. There are also a variety of fancy shops that I have gone to with my mom, just to look and not buy, just because we wanted to feel fancy for the day.
15. Being from the smallest state gives you the biggest heart.
I have had the glory of growing up in the smallest state for most of my life and it has taught me to appreciate everything about my state. Whenever I travel and meet new people from outside RI, I love to brag about my state. I can't wait to raise my own family here someday.
