Rhode Island

1. The Breakers (Newport)
   A grand Gilded Age mansion built by the Vanderbilt family, The Breakers is famous for its opulent architecture and ocean views.
2. Cliff Walk (Newport)
   This scenic 3.5-mile coastal walkway offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean alongside Newport’s famous mansions.
3. Roger Williams Park Zoo (Providence)
   One of the oldest zoos in the country, it is renowned for its conservation efforts and diverse animal exhibits.
4. RISD Museum (Providence)
   Part of the Rhode Island School of Design, this museum is famous for its extensive collection of fine art, textiles, and decorative arts.
5. Block Island (off the coast of Rhode Island)
   Famous for its natural beauty, Block Island is known for its sandy beaches, bluffs, and historic lighthouses, making it a popular summer destination.
6. WaterFire Providence (Providence)
   An iconic art installation and event that features more than 80 bonfires along the rivers of downtown Providence, attracting thousands of visitors.
7. Fort Adams State Park (Newport)
   This historic military fort is famous for its panoramic views of Newport Harbor and its role in coastal defense during the 19th century.
8. Touro Synagogue (Newport)
   The oldest synagogue in the United States, Touro Synagogue is known for its historic significance and architectural beauty.
9. Narragansett Beach (Narragansett)
   A popular surfing spot, Narragansett Beach is known for its large waves and beautiful stretches of sandy shoreline.
10. Colt State Park (Bristol)
    Famous for its manicured lawns, walking trails, and stunning views of Narragansett Bay, it’s a favorite spot for picnicking and outdoor activities.

1. Rhode Island is neither a road nor an island.
   Despite its name, Rhode Island is actually part of the mainland, though it does include some islands like Block Island.
2. It’s the smallest state with the longest name.
   Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by land area, but has the longest name. Rhode Island’s official name is “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”
3. Coffee milk is the official state drink.
   In Rhode Island, coffee milk—a mix of coffee syrup and milk—is so popular that it’s the official state beverage.
4. You can drive across the state in under an hour.
   At just 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is so small that you can drive across the entire state in less than an hour.
5. Newport’s Secret Tunnels: Beneath Newport’s streets lies a network of hidden tunnels and passageways, used by historic figures like George Washington.
6. Rhode Island has no county government.
   Unlike other states, Rhode Island’s counties exist only as geographical divisions—there’s no county government or elected county officials.
7. Home of the oldest Fourth of July celebration.
   The town of Bristol has been celebrating Independence Day since 1785, making it the longest-running Fourth of July celebration in the U.S.
8. The first circus in the U.S. was held here.
   In 1774, the very first American circus took place in Newport, Rhode Island, featuring acrobatics, trained animals, and clowns.
9. The first indoor shopping mall was built here.
   The Arcade Providence, built in 1828, is the oldest indoor shopping mall in the United States and is still in operation today.
10. Rhode Island has the most doughnut shops per capita.
    With more doughnut shops per person than any other state, Rhode Island is a doughnut lover’s paradise!

Famous Men

1. H.P. Lovecraft (1890–1937)
   A Providence native, Lovecraft is considered one of the most influential writers of horror and weird fiction, known for creating the Cthulhu Mythos.
2. Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828)
   Born in Saunderstown, Stuart was a famous portrait artist, best known for painting the iconic portrait of George Washington on the U.S. dollar bill.
3. Nelson Eddy (1901–1967)
   A famous singer and actor from Providence, Eddy was a star of Hollywood musicals in the 1930s and 1940s, known for his duets with Jeanette MacDonald.
4. C.J. Watson (born 1984)
   An NBA player from Providence, Watson had a successful basketball career, playing for multiple teams including the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets.
5. Chris Van Allsburg (born 1949)
   A children’s book author and illustrator from Providence, Van Allsburg is famous for his books The Polar Express and Jumanji, both of which were adapted into major films.

Famous Women

1. Elizabeth Buffum Chace (1806–1899)
   A leading abolitionist and women’s rights activist from Smithfield, Chace played a key role in the fight for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage.
2. Ethel Barrymore (1879–1959)
   Born into a famous acting family in Providence, Barrymore became one of the most respected actresses of her era, winning an Academy Award and Tony Awards.
3. Ruth Hussey (1911–2005)
   An Academy Award-nominated actress from Providence, Hussey starred in films like The Philadelphia Story and became a major Hollywood star in the 1940s.
4. Meredith Vieira (born 1953)
   A TV journalist and talk show host from East Providence, Vieira is best known for hosting The Today Show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and The View.
5. Clara Barton (1821–1912)
   A pioneering nurse and founder of the American Red Cross, Barton lived in Rhode Island for a time and made significant contributions to humanitarian efforts during the Civil War.