Providence is known for Waterfire an exhibit where fires are lit along the rivers and ambient traditional music plays from outdoor speakers - its better than it sounds.
Its also known as a politically corrupt, mob run city whose former mayor is serving a 6 year sentence.
Glocester, RI has some story about an elephant that got loose in town and had to be killed on a certain bridge - there's a marker there to commemorate it.
Pawtucket, RI is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
The state of RI has this stupid obssession with Mr. Potato Head because Hasbro is based here. 10 foot tall Mr. Potato Heads dressed in different styles were placed at different tourist locations for a few months. As reported on the SNL news, the state even considered putting Mr. Potato Head on the licence plates.
Fall River, MA is quite proud of Lizzie Borden chopping up her parents with an axe - there's even a Lizzie Borden museum.
Brockton, MA is the "City of Champions" because Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler both came from there (yes, its a tough place)