Discovery Series Ornament – Charleston

Discovery Series Ornament – Charleston is another piece in my collection that I picked up during my journey up the East Coast.

Founded in 1670, Charleston, South Carolina, began as a colonial seaport and quickly grew into one of the most important cities in the American South. Its wealth was built on rice, indigo, and cotton plantations, supported by its bustling harbor. The city played a key role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, with the first shots of the latter fired at nearby Fort Sumter.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Savannah

After visiting Jacksonville, I am heading north to pick up this nice-looking Discovery Series Ornament – Savannah.

Savannah, founded in 1733 by General James Edward Oglethorpe, is recognized as the oldest permanent settlement in the state and one of the most historically significant cities in the United States. It is known as Georgia’s first planned city and attracts millions of visitors, who enjoy the city’s architecture and historic structures such as the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America).… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Jacksonville

I have to admit that some of the color combinations from the new series look better than others. The design of the brand-new Discovery Series Ornament – Jacksonville is a great example, where the mix of red, blue, and green just works and makes it appealing, at least to me.

Jacksonville’s rich history spans over 6,000 years, beginning with the Timucua people who originally inhabited the area along the St. Johns River. In 1564, French explorers established Fort Caroline near present-day Jacksonville, creating one of the earliest European settlements in North America and the first Protestant colony in America.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut

Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut is the latest ornament from New England, which I was fortunate to add to my collection.

Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a history that stretches back to the early 1600s when Dutch traders and English settlers arrived. It was here that the Fundamental Orders of 1639 were drafted, a document many historians call the first written constitution in the Western world. The state played an important role in the American Revolution, supplying ships, weapons, and provisions to the Continental Army.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Rhode Island

I continue my journey through the New England states, pausing in the “Ocean State” to collect this beautiful Discovery Series Ornament – Rhode Island and have a cup of local Clam Chowder.

Rhode Island, officially known as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Williams established Providence as a haven for religious freedom, which became a cornerstone of the colony’s identity. By 1663, King Charles II granted Rhode Island a royal charter, guaranteeing its autonomy and liberty of conscience.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – New Hampshire

Similar to the design of the mini mug from the previous series, the Discovery Series Ornament – New Hampshire features blue colors, likely due to the blue background of the state’s flag.

New Hampshire was one of the original thirteen colonies and played a critical role in the founding of the United States. It was the first state to create its constitution independent of British rule in January 1776. The state also proudly cast the first vote for independence at the Continental Congress.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Cape Cod

Discovery Series Ornament – Cape Cod is a release for a destination that hadn’t been featured in any previous Starbucks collection. I’ve visited Cape Cod many times, and it holds a special place in my heart. That’s why I was particularly happy to pick one up during my recent trip across New England.

Cape Cod has deep roots in American history. In 1620, the Pilgrims landed here before moving on to Plymouth, making it one of the first stops in the story of colonial America.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Portland

As a rule, I am reviewing the mini mug prior to larger mugs. Let’s do the same for the Discovery Series Ornament – Portland.

Portland, Oregon, was founded in 1845 and quickly grew as a key port city thanks to its location near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Originally a timber town, it became known for shipping, railroads, and later, progressive urban planning. Its name was decided by a coin toss between two settlers – one from Portland, Maine, and the other from Boston.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont

I could not return from my trip to Burlington empty-handed, so I picked up this nice Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont. Tucked into the upper Northeast, Vermont has a way of getting into your system — the views, the calm, the pride people take in where they’re from.

Vermont’s history is marked by independence. Before it joined the United States in 1791 as the 14th state, it was its own republic for 14 years. It was the first state to outlaw slavery and played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Philadelphia

While chasing the AC ornament, I made a quick drive to Philly to pick up the Discovery Series Ornament – Philadelphia as well. I have to admit, the color choice for the title on this mini mug isn’t ideal, as it blends into the dark green circle common to all ornaments in the Discovery Series. That said, it does look better in person.

Philadelphia has been at the heart of American history since before the country was born. Founded in 1682 by William Penn, the city quickly became a center of politics, commerce, and ideas.… Read more

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