#14

20 Things Most Rhode Islanders Have Experienced

Rhode Islanders have unique experiences that are just so - Rhode Island.

From drinking Del’s in the summertime to seeing A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep during the holidays and experiencing the oldest Independence Day celebration in the country in Bristol.

GoLocal counted down the 20 Things Most Rhode Islanders Have Experienced in 2014 and cannot stop reminiscing! 

#13

What Rhode Islanders Used to Do in the Summer

Rhode Islanders used to do plenty of things that we now consider nostalgic - visiting Rocky Point and Crescent Park during the summer were among the hottest events of the season.

There are books on the history of Rhode Island’s old amusement parks - but some traditions have withstood the test of time and are still enjoyed by Rhode Islanders today!

See where you can relive the historic pastimes of the smallest state in the country with our slideshow on What Rhode Islanders Used to Do in the Summer. 

Photo: Crescent Park

#12

5 Must-Try New Restaurants

The 5 Must-Try New restaurants were identified this year, including newcomer GPub and Talulah’s Tacos.

In the culinary melting pot of Providence we are spoiled with new dining experiences year in and year out.

See which new restaurants made the cut in 2014.

#11

RI's CVS Responds to Saturday Night Live Parody Sketch

Rhode Islanders were flattered by an SNL commercial this past year which featured a parody of Valentine’s Day gifts from CVS.

CVS Spokesperson Erin Pensa told GoLocal, "We did see it and feel that parody is a form of flattery! And we encourage our shoppers to check out the truly fun and unexpected Valentine's Day gifts that we are offering this year."

Watch the commercial here. 

Photo: Heart shaped balloons -- and other Valentine's Day gifts found at CVS -- were featured in this Saturday Night Live sketch.

#10

10 Things to Do In New England Before Summer’s Over

The past summer left Rhode Islanders looking for more ways to get the most out of the balmiest of days.

From kayaking on the shorelines of Narragansett Bay with Eastern Mountain Sports, to flying kites at beautiful Brenton Point - GoLocal identified the 10 things to do in New England before summer was over.

#9

NEW: Providence Ranked #2 for Best Downtowns in US

Providence’s downtown area was ranked #2 by Livability.com this year!

Coming up right after Fort Worth, Texas, Providence’s downtown received high marks for the number of people moving into the area, the ratio of people who live and work in the downtowns, and overall livability of the city. 

#8

North Providence High School Viral Happy Video

North Providence High School had a very “Happy” year indeed.

Their rendition of Pharell’s Happy went viral on the internet and was filled with Cougar pride!

Watch the video here and just try not to start dancing. 

#7

Woody Allen to Shoot Movie in RI Say Reports

Woody Allen decided to choose Providence as the backdrop for his new untitled film project this past summer.

Celebrities like Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone graced the streets of Rhode Island’s capital and reports predicted that this “will be the biggest movie year in years.”

Not to mention that this will be just another film to add to Providence’s repertoire of films shot in the city. 

#6

EXCLUSIVE: Alex + Ani CEO Buys Newport Mansion for $6.8M Cash

In January of 2014, Alex and Ani’s then CEO Giovanni Feroce purchased a coveted Newport Mansion - Wyndham Estate - for a cool $6.8 million.

The mansion was built in 1890 and is a contemporary home to the famed "cottages" The Breakers, Rosecliff and Marble House.

The home was designed by architect William Ralph Emerson, a cousin of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

See photos of the estate here. 

Photo: Wyndham Estate purchased for $6.8 million

#5

New Mind, Body, Spirit Expo Coming to Rhode Island

The first ever MIND BODY SPIRIT EXPO came to Rhode Island this year and featured a variety of local experts in the area who informed guests how to lead a balanced life.

“In 12 years as co-founder and co-producer of one of the largest consumer shows in the area, I have seen the popularity of this sector grow steadily,” says Pat Paolino Cruz. “The women's expo has seen record breaking attendance consistently and exhibitor space had been sold out six years in a row. I am expecting the same success with this event."

The event provides local vendors with a cost-effective platform to educate new customers on how to channel their spiritual health into professional and personal matters. 

Photo: Pat Paolino Cruz, creator of the MIND-BODY-SPIRIT EXPO

#4

NEW: Providence Named America's Favorite City by Travel+Leisure

Travel + Leisure Magazine named Providence America’s favorite city this past year.

Out of all 38 cities named by respondents Providence ranked #1 overall for bakeries, and “geeky” people, the city also took the #2 spot for its arts scene and food trucks and #3 for brunch spots and cocktail bars.

Travel and Leisure's Nikki Ekstein also listed restaurants like the Dorrance, Birch, and the Dean Hotel as reasons to come check out America’s favorite city. 

#3

Best Fall Festivals and Fairs of New England

The best fall festivals and fairs in New England were identified this year as summer came to a close.

The Big E - which has a replica of each statehouse in New England- was among the events that made the cut, along with King Richard’s Faire - the longest running renaissance fair in New England.

See all the best fall festivities here. 

Photo credit: Rick Farrell of Mojo Photography

#2

NEW: Newport Named #6 Most Beautiful Place in the World to Live

Newport was named the #6 most beautiful place in the world to live according to by Puptastic.com.

The digital images website gushed over Newport’s gorgeous scenery: ”The colorful and picturesque buildings, gorgeous weather, and seemingly blissful landscapes are enough to make us dream. But these places do exist, and there are many people that are fortunate enough to live there.”

#1

10 Ways Rhode Island Changed America

The biggest lifestyle story of the year focused on Rhode Island’s legacy in America.

Rhode Island changed America in many ways - but we could only think of 10 this year.

Rhode Island is credited as being the birthplace of the American Revolution, being the first colony to declare indepedence from Great Britain, and -of course- the creation of Mr. Potato Head.