Welcome to the state where pronouncing the letter ‘r’ is optional and you’ve now assumed the responsibility of informing outsiders that Rhode Island is neither an island nor part of Long Island. As you immerse in the food, culture, and vernacular of America’s smallest state, here are nine ways to embrace your inner Rhode Islander while at Bryant:
1. Drink an Awful Awful: Its name is deceiving, but Newport Creamery’s Awful Awful is so delicious that you’ll return for seconds. This ultra-thick milkshake is made with ice milk and comes in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and coffee. The restaurant also offers “outrageous” Awful Awful flavors such as Oreo, choc o’ nutter, and chocolate mint chip. If you need a sugar fix, stop by the restaurant’s Smithfield location: 568 Putnam Pike, Greenville.
2. Try pizza strips and pizza chips: Out-of-staters may not agree, but for Rhode Island natives, there is nothing more satisfying than an afternoon chowing down on pizza strips and pizza chips. Served at room temperature, the pizza strip consists of dough — like focaccia — and is topped with tomato sauce. Stop by Dave’s Fresh Marketplace (371 Putnam Pike, Smithfield) for just one pizza strip or a whole box. You can also find pizza chips, which are snack-size versions of the pizza strip and come with a thinner crust, at DePetrillo’s Pizza and Bakery (105 Pleasant View Ave., Smithfield).
3. Embrace the local jargon: For those who fill their water bottles at water fountains or drinking fountains, welcome to the state that calls this refill station a “bubbler.” Additionally, the word “wicked” can be used as a substitute for the word “really” or “extremely.” Common uses include “wicked smart” and “wicked cool.”
4. Explore the state’s beaches: Rhode Island is America’s smallest state, but its 400 miles of coastline makes a pretty big statement. From East Matunuck to Scarborough beach, take advantage of the state’s sandy shores and salty surf. If you find yourself on a beach outing, try Rhody’s local seafood, including quahogs (the state’s official shellfish) and calamari (the state’s official appetizer).
5. Sip on a Del’s Lemonade: Stop at the sign of the lemon. While this company serves watermelon, blueberry, and grapefruit-flavored frozen lemonade, Del’s newbies must first try the classic lemon flavor. Drinking the lemonade must also be completed the Rhode Islander way — no straw or spoon. Shake the cup and take a sip while the ice slowly melts from the heat of your hand on the cup. The Smithfield Del’s is at 109 Pleasant View Ave.
6. Make your own coffee milk: In 1993, coffee milk became the official state drink of Rhode Island. Tasting exactly how its name sounds, you can make your own coffee milk by mixing Autocrat Coffee Syrup (a Rhode Islander favorite) with your milk of choice.
7. Prepare for all weather: Rhode Island weather is sporadic — it could rain in the morning, be sunny in the afternoon, and start hailing in the evening. To prepare, keep an extra umbrella and sweatshirt on hand.
8. Devour Gregg’s Death by Chocolate Cake: Picture a six-layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Then, imagine the entire cake covered in chocolate morsels. That right there is Gregg’s “Death by Chocolate Cake.” Rich and flavorful, you'll be full halfway through your first slice. With four locations throughout the state, Gregg’s Providence location (1303 North Main St., Providence) is closest to Bryant.
9: Watch WaterFire Providence: This iconic art sculpture attracts approximately 350,000 people each year. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, WaterFire Providence holds partial and full lightings where more than 80 bonfires hover the water along downtown Providence’s three rivers and illuminate the city starting at sundown. Click here to view this season's schedule.
