THE REALLY GOOD AWFUL AWFUL

Sounds like an oxymoron right? The Awful Awful is a thick milkshake made with flavored syrup and ice milk sold exclusively at Newport Creamery. It comes in a variety of sizes and flavors including classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry and even Oreo®, Choc O’Nutter, and bubble gum.

The Awful Awful got it’s name from a fan declaring it “awful big and awful good.”

So what’s all the fuss? This refreshing dessert drink is a trademark of Rhode Island and holds an interesting history. When Chris and I traveled to Rhode Island in May, Newport Creamery was a stop we had to make, just to taste the Awful Awful. Interestingly enough, Newport Creamery has several locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, but none of them are actually in Newport. We visited the walk-up takeout window (originally known as the Milk Bar) in Middletown, Rhode Island, which is Newport Creamery’s headquarters and first-ever location. There is also a sit-down restaurant attached where you can enjoy the food menu.

Here’s what we thought: Delicious, creamy, super thick and refreshing! As you can see, we both ordered junior sizes since we were only in for a snack. Even so, this size was very filling, almost like a mini meal. I ordered chocolate and Chris ordered Oreo®, both very good flavors!

Now for some history. The Awful Awful comes from New Jersey! Back in the 1940s, Bond’s Ice Cream of New Jersey created and trademarked the frosty drink before licensing it to Friendly (now Friendly’s) in Massachusetts and Newport Creamery in Rhode Island. Eventually, Friendly’s expansion across the East Coast forced a name change, introducing the Fribble. When Bond’s went into bankruptcy in the 1970s, Newport Creamery bought the Awful Awful name for $1,000. Today, Newport Creamery stays true to the original recipe, whereas Friendly’s has modified the Fribble formula (several times), but still offers a variety of flavors.

Overall, I’d say tasting the Awful Awful is something worth experiencing at least once while in Rhode Island. After all, it’s practically the official state drink.

I’m intrigued to taste the food options at Newport Creamery next time.