State of the week: Rhode Island

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Where are we? The Ocean State. While Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union, it does boast the longest official name -- the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. The state is also affectionately known by its natives as "Little Rhody." The tiny state is one of the six that makes up the northeast region of New England. It enjoys four seasons, and like the rest of New England, garners the adage, "if you don't like the weather, just wait five minutes." That's particularly true in the summer when a lovely day at the beach on the southern coast of the state is liable to be interrupted by a nasty summer squall. When traveling and asked where they're from, many Rhode Islanders are asked, "Oh, Rhode Island in New York, right?" Umm, no. That would be Rhode Island. As in, "Rhode Island" -- not "Long Island, N.Y."

Rhode Island's Castle Hill Inn and Resort (Auclair/PGA TOUR)

Rhode Island history: Despite its name, most of Rhode Island lies on the North American mainland. The Providence Plantations portion of the state's official name refers to the mainland, while Rhode Island was the name given to Aquidneck Island in the 17th and 18th century. Today, Aquidneck Island is made up of the city of Newport and the towns of Middletown and Portsmouth. Interestingly, Little Rhody was the first of the 13 original colonies to declare its independence from British rule and the last to ratify the United States Constitution.

Rhode Island on the course: The little state is huge in golf. In fact, the very first playing of both the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Open were contested at the famous Newport Country Club -- a true Scottish links course -- in 1895. The 1995 U.S. Amateur won by Tiger Woods was played at Newport Country Club, as was the 2006 U.S. Women's Open. Also, the Northeast Amateur, a premiere event on the summer amateur schedule, is held each year at Wannamoisett Country Club -- a lovely Donald Ross design -- which also played host to the 1931 PGA Championship. Wannamoisett plays to a unique par of 69 and sprawls 6,688 yards.

Rhode Island off the course: Wondering what to do when you get to Rhode Island? There's plenty to keep you occupied -- especially if you visit in the summer. Newport is a lovely city that hugs the Atlantic Ocean. Bellevue Avenue -- Rhode Island's most famous street -- was the backbone of Newport's Golden Age in the Roaring 20s. It is home to a number of famous mansions, as well as the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Just off Bellevue Avenue is the breathtaking Cliffwalk on the campus of Salve Regina University, which always gives visitors the chance to take in the gorgeous Rhode Island coastline. About 30 minutes from Newport is the state's capital city of Providence, which is home to some of the finest Italian dining in the United States on Federal Hill.

Rhode Island resort: This honor belongs to the quaint Castle Hill Inn and Resort. Castle Hill is located on the western end of Newport's renowned Ocean Drive. It's a secluded, private ocean-front resort that offers extraordinary views of the Newport Bridge and is an incredible spot to enjoy a fine glass of wine on a comfy Adirondack chair late on a summer day to watch the sun set. Castle Hill has also been voted as one of the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Brad Faxon is among the many TOUR golfers who call this state home. (Little/Getty Images)

Rhode Island eats: Do you like New England clam chowder? If so, you won't find it any better than at the Black Pearl restaurant, located on Newport's Bowen's Wharf, right by the Newport Yachting Center. Rhode Island is also famous for its "quahog" which is a shellfish -- basically a hard clam. Clam cakes are also a tasty summer treat. Not in the mood for seafood? Visit Federal Hill in Providence, a portion of Atwells Avenue with a long stretch of can't-miss fine Italian dining. And, of course, if you need to cool off from the summer's heat, you can't forget to grab a Del's Frozen Lemonade. Del's first sold lemonade to the public in 1948, but its recipe had been in the DeLucia family for more than a century before then.

Rhode Island golfers: Arguably the most impressive stat about the nation's smallest state: In a state that is just 48 miles from north to south and 37 miles from east to west, it is the home to PGA TOUR winners Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade. Champions Tour star Dana Quigley has a home in Rhode Island, as does his nephew, PGA TOUR player Brett Quigley. TOUR players Patrick Sheehan and Brad Adamonis are also from Little Rhody.

Next week: Is this state royal? It should be because it's the home of the King.