Rasika DalviOn a gorgeous sunny afternoon in July 2021, we decided it was time for another little adventure – this time to the smallest (and definitely one of the wateriest!) state in the U.S.: Rhode Island. But let’s be honest, the real reason behind this trip wasn’t sightseeing… it was food. More specifically, our favorite Quahogs!
If you’ve ever been to Rhode Island, you’ll know that quahogs are practically a local celebrity. These large, hard-shelled clams are a true Ocean State specialty and the star ingredient in classics like clam chowder and clam cakes. We were determined to satisfy our seafood cravings first… and play tourists second. Since we’d already explored many of our favorite Rhode Island spots, we figured it was time to venture somewhere new. After all, every food adventure deserves a little sightseeing to help justify eating that extra clam cake!
Fun fact: Rhode Island is affectionately known as the “Ocean State,” and for good reason. No matter where you are, you’re never more than an hour away from the ocean. Considering the state is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, getting “lost” here basically means you’ve accidentally crossed into another state! Small in size but big on coastal charm, Rhode Island proves that great things really do come in small packages.
Don’t let Rhode Island’s size fool you. It may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it packs an incredible amount of history, coastline, culture, and charm into its tiny footprint. Wrapped around the beautiful Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island is so compact that you can drive across the entire state in less than an hour. Yet, somehow, it boasts more than 400 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline, countless picturesque seaside towns, and Newport – the sailing capital of the world.
One of the things we love most about Rhode Island is its rich cultural heritage. Thanks to its vibrant Italian-American and Portuguese-American communities, the state has a food scene that’s unlike anywhere else in New England. From fresh seafood and famous quahogs to delicious pastries and family-owned restaurants, every meal tells a story. Rhode Islanders are incredibly proud of their traditions, distinctive accents, and local specialties – and you’ll quickly understand why.
History lovers will also find themselves in paradise. Rhode Island is home to some of America’s most spectacular Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House. These magnificent estates once belonged to some of the country’s wealthiest families and offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of extraordinary luxury. Marble House was even the site of women’s suffrage rallies led by Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, adding an important chapter of American history to its grandeur.
Trust me, these mansions deserve a story of their own – they’re so magnificent and mind-blowing that I’ll be dedicating an entire blog post to exploring them!
Perched dramatically on the southern tip of Jamestown, Beavertail Lighthouse is one of Rhode Island’s most spectacular coastal destinations. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the rugged rocky shoreline, the endless blue Atlantic Ocean, and waves crashing powerfully against the cliffs below. It’s the kind of place where you can happily spend hours simply watching the ocean and listening to the rhythmic sound of the surf.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect coastal shot, a nature lover looking for scenic walking trails, or someone who simply wants to sit quietly and enjoy the sea breeze, Beavertail State Park has something for everyone. Every corner of the park offers a different perspective of the dramatic coastline, making it nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. We found ourselves stopping every few minutes because each viewpoint seemed even more beautiful than the last.
The park is also a wonderful place for a picnic, hiking, jogging, kite flying, meditation, or simply watching the waves put on nature’s own spectacular show. If you’re lucky, you might even spot surfers taking advantage of the powerful Atlantic swells.
At the heart of the park stands the historic Beavertail Lighthouse, accompanied by the original keeper’s house, the assistant keeper’s residence, and a former oil storage building. There’s even a small children’s touch-and-learn aquarium that adds a fun educational stop for families. Best of all, visiting Beavertail State Park is completely free. There is ample parking, clean portable restrooms, and plenty of open space to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. If you’re exploring Rhode Island, Beavertail Lighthouse is one place that deserves a spot on your itinerary – you’ll leave with stunning photos, unforgettable views, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Ocean State.
Beavertail Lighthouse is not only one of Rhode Island’s most scenic landmarks but also one of its most historic. The original lighthouse was built in 1749, making it Rhode Island’s first lighthouse and the third oldest lighthouse in the United States, following the Boston Harbor Light and Nantucket’s Brant Point Light.
The first lighthouse, a wooden tower, unfortunately burned down just four years after it was built. It was replaced by another structure that faithfully served mariners for many years before the present-day granite lighthouse was constructed in 1856. For centuries, this iconic beacon has guided ships safely through the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
The building that now houses the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum was originally built in 1898 as the assistant lighthouse keeper’s residence. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to explore the museum, as it closes at 4:30 p.m. – something to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit.
Visitors who make it inside the lighthouse can climb 49 spiral steps followed by a 7-foot ladder to reach the observation catwalk. The effort is well worth it, as the panoramic views from the top stretch across Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offering an unforgettable perspective of Rhode Island’s spectacular coastline.
Although we couldn’t visit the museum, we still learned a lot from the informative displays outside. They share the fascinating history of Beavertail Lighthouse, the challenges faced by its keepers, the devastating 1938 hurricane, and the tragic story of the nearby Whale Rock Lighthouse. The museum also showcases artifacts from this historic lighthouse and highlights the important role Narragansett Bay and the shipping industry played in shaping Rhode Island’s history.
After soaking in the breathtaking coastal views and refreshing sea breeze, we made our way to one of our all-time favorite dining spots in Rhode Island – Anthony’s Seafood in Middletown. No trip to Rhode Island feels complete without a stop here! If you’re a seafood lover, this place is an absolute must-visit, especially if you want to try the state’s famous quahogs. Fresh, flavorful, and authentically Rhode Island, it’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring.
First of all, What is a Quahog?
If you aren’t from New England, you may only know this word from the TV show The Family Guy (it is a fictional town), but quahogs are a real thing. Also known as hard-shelled clams, they are found on the east coast of the US. In Rhode Island, they are called quahogs, Others call them chowder clams. This term was chosen because Native Americans used quahog shells to make the beads that were used as money (called wampum). For this dish, the clam meat gets chopped up and mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, finely diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. The whole savory mess is then baked in a clamshell—and devoured across the region.
If you’re not from New England, you might recognize the word “quahog” only from Family Guy – yes, the fictional town is named after the famous clam! But unlike the TV town, quahogs are very real, and Rhode Islanders take them very seriously. Quahogs are large hard-shelled clams found along the East Coast. While people in other places may simply call them chowder clams, in Rhode Island they’re proudly known as quahogs (pronounced KO-hog—trust me, you’ll want to get that right!). The name comes from Native Americans, who used the beautiful purple-and-white quahog shells to make wampum, beads that were once used as currency.
Now for the best part—the food! The clam meat is chopped and mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, onions, bell peppers, and celery, then stuffed back into its shell and baked until golden and delicious. The result is a warm, savory seafood treat that’s impossible to resist.
Let’s just say we didn’t drive all the way to Rhode Island for the scenery alone… we came with one mission: eat as many stuffed quahogs as our stomachs would allow! 😄
Rhode Island tends to get pigeonholed by its defining geography: it’s a teeny, tiny state with a giant bay. But there’s much more to America’s 13th state. Here are few fun facts about “Little Rhody” (as locals like calling it):
- Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation while Alaska is the largest. It could be fitted into Alaska 425 times.
- Until 2020 it had the longest state name (State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ). That award now goes to Massachusetts.
- Rhode Island is nicknamed the “Ocean State” because one can get to the ocean from anywhere in the state in less than an hour’s drive – the state is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long.
- Newport, Rhode Island is known as the sailing capital of the world.
- The first National Lawn Tennis Championship (the precursor to the U.S. Open) was held in Rhode Island in 1899. The state is also home to the Tennis Hall of Fame. Although that tournament has moved to New York, Newport still holds a tournament in July where you can see tennis greats play of grass from very close for a much smaller cost than the Open.
- The first NFL game at night was hosted in Rhode Island.
- With more than 1,000 manufacturers, Rhode Island is a leading jewelry producer. Rhode Island was once known as the Jewelry Capital of the World.
- The oldest synagogue in the United States, Tuoro Synagogue, is in Newport. Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams when he was expelled from Massachusetts because of his religious beliefs. He started the state to provide religious freedom for all.
- Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but apparently it also knows how to make room for a little spooky drama! 👻 Hidden away in Harrisville is the famous farmhouse that inspired the horror movie “The Conjuring.”
- 18.9 percent of Rhode Islanders have Italian heritage, making it the most Italian state. Most are concentrated in the north of the state in Johnston, Cranston, and Providence.
Aren’t you excited to visit this tiny ocean state?
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