Every state has a nickname derived from something for which it is famous. These names tend to stick from the onset and even attract tourists for that reason.
One state is known as the “Ocean State,” even though many states meet the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. Which state is it and why?
The Ocean State is none other than Rhode Island. Its nickname attracts visitors to the state and features on non-commercial registration plates.
The Rhode Island Tourism Industry Administration promotes over 400 miles of Rhode Island’s shoreline with countless fun and economic activities.
From seal-watching to cycling, boat tours, and even walking along a cliff, you won’t get bored in this historical state. While it’s small in size, it’s significant in offerings.
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Does the sea surround Rhode Island?
Narragansett Bay, which extends inward from the Atlantic Ocean northward to the state’s midsection, is part of the state’s coastline. The Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay are within a half-hour drive of every resident’s home.
The traditional Rhode Island moniker “Little Rhody” describes the state’s dimensions, as it is the smallest of the fifty United States. What the state lacks in dimensions, it makes up for in the expanse of water around it.
People come from all over the country and the world to enjoy not just the view but the myriad of water-based activities.
Rhode Island has received the historical appellation “The Southern Gateway of New England” since it is the southernmost New England state with navigable ports.
The ports are all modern, well-laid-out, and offer connections that surpass many bigger states.
Ships from other regions of the United States and other nations could bring raw resources and manufactured commodities from New England to several areas of the United States.
Who named Rhode Island?
Dutch explorer Adrian Block named this state. He called it “Roodt Eylandt,” meaning “red island” because of the red clay along the shoreline. The name later became anglicized when the region came under British rule.
What led to the nickname “Ocean State”?
Even though Rhode Island is the smallest state, it happens to have a dense population and is rich in industrialization.
For a state that’s merely 48 miles in length, it has a 400-mile coastal line extending inward. Because of this, one of the state’s slogans is “the Ocean State.”
The celebrated estates in Newport have fantastic views of the Bay. A large number of the stunning residences welcome tourists and provide an inside glimpse into the lives of America’s high society.
The Breakers, the magnificent Vanderbilt mansion, built in 1895, is one of the most elegant private homes to grace the Newport shorefront.
Why does Rhode Island stand out?
You can find several of New England’s most visited tourist sites in “Little Rhody.”
With its renowned mansions built to rival (and frequently resemble) the vast palaces of European royalty, Newport was America’s most famous play area for the super-rich in the golden time of the early twentieth century.
However, the history of Providence’s merchants, who made their fortunes in enslavement and other profitable trade, dates back to an earlier period.
Rhode Island is a must-see destination in New England because of its many miles of lovely beaches, its highly industrialized heritage, and its ideal location on an island.
Does the Ocean State have a deep-water port?
With a firm tenant footing, the Port of Providence is the northeast’s second largest deep-water port. The port serves as a distribution hub for all three companies in the New England region.
The majority of ProvPort’s customers are well-known corporations.
ProvPort is 115 acres and includes 4,200 feet of ship space, 130,000 sq ft of covered warehousing, and over 20 acres of uncovered loading dock space.
ProvPort is just one mile from the nation’s interstate highway system thanks to its on-dock train service and 40 feet of water depth.
Why is Providence Port so famous?
Providence Port is linked to every central railroad in the US and Canada. Within the open lay-down zone, there is a barrier and three railway extensions that allow efficient vessel-to-rail transitions.
All prominent railroads in the United States and Canada link to the railway. There are 130 thousand square feet of sheltered warehouses in the “Ace Warehouse,” near an enclosed train line.
All storage sites, whether covered or uncovered, can be accessed via a nearby rail line.
Does the Ocean State do both import and export?
Ships worldwide use the deep-water federal canal to bring in goods. Coal, LPG, cement, asphalt, and aluminum oxide are the most commonly imported materials.
These include scrap metal, automobiles, and project supplies. The port receives a wide range of bulk goods.
As two notable routes (Interstate 95 and 195), a harbor, and a railroad capable of providing double-stack traffic all come together, intermodal openings arise.
How many marinas does the Ocean State have?
Rhode Island has nine beautiful waterfronts and marinas ideal for a summertime photo op.
To enjoy the shore, there are a plethora of options, from beaches to lighthouses to eateries to marinas.
An 18th-century harbor in the heart of Newport offers an array of unique boutiques, eateries, and other attractions at Bowen’s Wharf.
Greenwich Bay Marina is large and one of the state’s most magnificent, holding nearly 400 ships.
Watch Hill Harbor provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Located just adjacent to Bowen’s Wharf in Newport is Bannister’s Wharf, another great place to visit.
Point Judith Marina, of the smaller marinas in Point Judith, sits in the city of the same name. During the warmer months, it’s an ideal spot to have a picnic.
Located in Narragansett, Galilee Harbor is one of the most famous harbors in Rhode Island. It’s not only close to some of the top beaches and tourist destinations in the state, but it’s also stunningly picturesque.
Rhode Island’s Sakonnet Point Harbor is a beautiful and historic location. On a hot summer day, the tiny port situated here is a lovely place to relax.
Old Harbor-Block Island and New Shoreham are brimming with exciting landmarks dating back to colonial times. The island’s harbor is picturesque and convenient to several of the island’s most fascinating attractions.
What is the most famous attraction in the Ocean State?
While the marinas and wharves, waterfront properties, and beaches are a big sell for the state, the biggest attraction is inland – The Breakers.
The family brought building materials from France and Italy for the Italian Renaissance “vacation home,” which boasts 70 rooms, including a three-story dining area.
As envisioned by the Vanderbilts, who were never afraid of being outperformed by their affluent rivals, its chambers glow with opulent roof artworks, mosaics, marble columns, beautiful wood panels, and sculpted stucco.
There is a myriad of other attractions. Some of these include the cliff walk at Newport and Benefit Street in Providence.
Early in Providence’s history as a federal and colonial city, Benefit Street served as a civic, aesthetic, social, cultural, and academic hub.
How much does the state benefit from tourism?
Tourism in Rhode Island generated $1.7 billion in tax revenues in 2019, with $843 million accruing to state and local governments. The traveler economy supported 87,852 jobs, including direct, indirect, and induced impacts.
What is Ocean State’s capital?
Providence is the state’s capital city and its most populated one.
On May 4, 1776, the colony of Rhode Island became the first of the Thirteen Colonies to declare independence from the British Empire.
What are must-visit places in the Ocean State?
Block Island
Block Island, a 176-square-mile island off the coast of Galilee in the state’s South-Easterly region, is reachable by ferry from Point Judith.
The laid-back village of New Harbor and the historic Southeast Lighthouse are just two of the island’s many attractions from which visitors can choose.
Three miles (4.8 kilometers) long, the Mohegan Bluffs are located at the island’s southern extremity and plummet over 200 feet (61 meters) into the Atlantic Ocean.
At the foot of the cliffs, there is a beautiful beach with a 151-step climb from where you can view the sunset and the waves crashing beneath.
The stairway at Mohegan Bluffs continues to be a favorite site for people who aren’t afraid of a bit of workout.
Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, is unquestionably one of the most excellent places on the East Coast to go for a stroll along the water.
Despite the owners’ best efforts, visitors may see some of America’s most beautiful mansions along the walkway, lined with many great estates of all sizes and price ranges.
For this reason, it remains one of Newport’s most popular attractions, given its location and the fact that there is no admission fee.
After passing by Cornelius Vanderbilt’s old mansion, The Breakers, the cliff walk continues for 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) to Rough Point, where it ends.
