Rhode Island Culture

Many Rhode Islanders speak with a non-rhotic accent that many compare to a "Brooklyn" or a cross between a New York and Boston accent("water" becomes "wata"). Many Rhode Islanders pronounce the 'aw' sound as one might hear in New Jersey; e.g., "coffee" is pronounced "cauwwefee." [28]

The nautical nature of Rhode Island's geography pervades its culture. Newport harbor, in particular, holds many pleasure boats. In the lobby of the state's main airport, T. F. Green, is a large lifesize sailboat.[29] The state's license plates depict an ocean wave.[30] Additionally, the large number of beaches in Washington County (known locally as South County) lures many Rhode Islanders south for summer vacation.[31]

The Fox show Family Guy takes place in a fictional town in Rhode Island named Quahog. That town may not be intended to have a particular real-world counterpart.

The state was notorious for organized crime activity from the 1950s into the 1990s when the Patriarca crime family held sway over most of New England from its Providence headquarters. Although the power of organized crime has greatly diminished in Rhode Island over the last 20 years, its residents are still stigmatized by popular perceptions of rampant graft and corruption that have haunted the state for decades.

Rhode Islanders developed a unique style of architecture in the 17th century, called the stone-ender.

Rhode Island is the only state to still celebrate Victory over Japan Day. It is now known as Victory Day.

The Rhode Island state quarter, depicting a Newport yacht sailing in front of the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge