Rhode Island Commerce Corporation - the official full-service, economic development organization for the state of Rhode Island - is excited to bring one of the Ocean State's most iconic seafood dishes to life, the stuffed clam, or as it's locally known, the "stuffie." Kicking off in key flight markets such as Detroit on Sept. 2, and making its rounds to Atlanta, Baltimore, and Los Angeles through the end of 2023, the stuffie installs will play a pivotal role in promoting tourism to Rhode Island. The installations will showcase the unique, lesser known, yet delicious, cuisine offered in the Ocean State. Unbeknownst to most, quahogging or as some may call it, clamming, plays an integral role in Rhode Island – aiding in the growth of its $5 billion Blue Economy.

In addition to the culinary landscape of the state, Rhode Island is steeped in gilded history and is the filming location of HBO's "The Gilded Age;" highlighting some of the state's most notable landmarks, such as the Newport Mansions. While the stuffie travels the nation, guests of Brea Mall in Brea, Calif. will be able to enjoy a Newport Mansion installation, Sept. 15 to Oct. 13, 2023. Newport, Rhode Island's proximity to the water is an essential part of the state's Blue Economy alongside the preservation and tourism driven surrounding the town's epochal history.

Boasting nearly 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island is known as 'The Ocean State' for a reason. The strategic location, port infrastructure, skilled labor and novel training programs make Rhode Island an ideal location for growing Blue Economy companies including aquaculture, seafood, and more. As tourists visit Rhode Island and develop a taste for stuffies, guests will be supporting the business behind the dish:  the state's shellfishers as well as environmental management.

Developed by local artisans in Rhode Island, Symmetry International – a division of Lance Industries, the stuffie installation alongside a hot sauce bottle will have an embedded TV monitor which will show a live-action rendition of a stuffie being made + recipe details, watch a quahogging video filmed on the Narragansett Bay, as well as view other images from around the state.

Brea Mall's Newport Mansion installation will emulate a gilded age mansion's opulent dining room complete with lavish décor and an immersive digital experience highlighting the Newport Mansion's waterfront views, exterior + interiors and more.

Finally, future visitors who engage with either the stuffie or mansion installations can partake in an augmented reality experience and enter for a chance to win a three-night stay in Rhode Island including accommodations, dining, attraction tickets, and airfare.

For more information on traveling to Rhode Island, the state's cuisine, history and more, visit visitrhodeisland.com.