Here Are 12 Things People from Rhode Island Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but it packs an impressive amount of weird into its tiny borders. To locals, these quirks are completely normal. To outsiders, they’re proof that Rhode Islanders live in their own hilarious little world—and love every second of it.

1. Give Directions Using Landmarks That Don’t Exist Anymore

“Take a left where Benny’s used to be” makes perfect sense to locals. Outsiders are totally lost.

2. Treat Coffee Milk Like It’s the Official Drink of Civilization

It’s not iced coffee—it’s coffee-flavored milk. Outsiders are confused; locals are addicted.

3. Call a Water Fountain a “Bubbler”

Outsiders think it’s nonsense. Rhode Islanders think everyone else is wrong.

4. Drive Like They’re in a Race but Panic When They Leave the State

Inside Rhode Island: 80 mph. Outside Rhode Island: full meltdown.

5. Call Sub Sandwiches “Grinders”

Outsiders order a “sub” and get corrected immediately.

6. Eat Clam Cakes and Chowder Like It’s a Personality Trait

If you haven’t burned your tongue on a hot clam cake, you’re not one of them.

7. Measure Distance in Minutes, Not Miles

Everything is “15 minutes away.” Outsiders quickly learn that’s a lie.

8. Treat Del’s Lemonade Like a Summer Religion

It’s not just frozen lemonade—it’s a sacred rite of passage. Outsiders who drink it too fast get brain freeze and judged.

9. Brag About “the Beach” Like It’s the Caribbean

It’s the Atlantic Ocean, it’s freezing, and it’s perfect.

10. Insist on Using “the” Before Highway Numbers

It’s “the 95,” not “I-95.” Outsiders sound wrong. Locals sound… uniquely Rhode Island.

11. Have Heated Debates About the Best Pizza Strips

Yes, cold pizza with no cheese is a delicacy. Outsiders are horrified; locals are proud.

12. Act Personally Offended If You Call It “Part of Massachusetts”

Say it once and see how fast you get corrected.

To outsiders, these Rhode Island habits might seem odd, unnecessary, or flat-out insane. But to locals, they’re just part of what makes the Ocean State unforgettable. Stick around long enough and you’ll be drinking coffee milk, eating pizza strips, and giving directions based on buildings that haven’t existed since 1997.