Most people know Rhode Island is America's smallest state--and that's often all they know about it. Typically dismissed as a place you pass through on the way to Cape Cod or Boston, Rhode Island isn't most people's idea of a travel destination.

I shared this mind-set myself until recently. But after attending a wedding in Rhode Island last summer, I spent some time exploring the state and was as impressed by its historical and cultural attractions as I was by its gorgeous and surprisingly extensive coastline (they don't call it the Ocean State for nothing). The more I looked, the more I liked, and soon I'd developed a full-fledged crush on Rhode Island, which I now think of as a fascinating place to visit. Here's a small sampling of why.

Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who had been banished from Puritan-led Massachusetts for his radical religious beliefs. His story, which is commemorated at Roger Williams National Memorial (282 N. Main St., Providence; 401-521-7266; www.nps.gov/rowi), marked the beginning of Rhode Island's strong heritage of religious freedom--a heritage that became known, rather charmingly, as "the lively experiment." The most evocative symbol of that tradition is Touro Synagogue National Historic Site (72 Touro St., Newport; 401-847-4794; www.tourosynagogue.org). Built in 1763, it is America's oldest synagogue, serving a congregation founded in 1658. In 1790, George Washington responded to an inquiry from the rabbi by sending the synagogue his now famous letter--a facsimile of which is on display--affirming that America would uphold religious freedom, a full year before the Bill of Rights turned that concept into law. There's also the Great Friends Meeting House (29 Farewell St., Newport; 401-846-0813; www.newporthistorical.com/thegreat.htm), America's oldest Quaker house of worship, built in 1699. And nearby--in Rhode Island, everything is nearby--is the Old Narragansett Church (55 Main St., Wickford; 401-294-4357), one of America's oldest Episcopal churches. It all amounts to an impressive testament to religious tolerance and diversity.