Discovery Series – New Orleans

I can’t believe it has been a year since I reviewed the ornament from the Big Easy. It is time to take a look at the design of the Discovery Series New Orleans mug.

New Orleans’ history stretches back to 1718 when French colonists founded the city along a strategic bend in the Mississippi River. The city passed through French, Spanish, and French hands again before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 brought it into the United States. This multicultural heritage created a unique Creole culture that blends French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and American influences.… Read more

Discovery Series – North Dakota

I recently reviewed the ornament from The Peace Garden State, where wide skies meet endless possibilities. Discovery Series North Dakota is its big brother.

North Dakota’s story reaches deep into the past, shaped first by the Indigenous nations who lived on these plains for thousands of years, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, and Dakota peoples. Their agricultural villages, trade networks, and earth-lodge settlements formed the earliest foundations of the region. Europeans arrived in the 18th century, drawn by fur-trade routes stretching along the Missouri River, and the land eventually became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.… Read more

Discovery Series – Louisiana

Yesterday we reviewed the ornament, today let’s do the same for the Discovery Series Louisiana mug.

Louisiana’s history begins long before it became a state in 1812. The region was originally home to many Indigenous nations, including the Choctaw, Houma, and Chitimacha peoples. It later became a strategic French territory, ceded to Spain, then returned to France before being sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Over time, Louisiana earned the nickname “The Pelican State,” shaped by its river culture, Creole heritage, and unique blend of French, African, Caribbean, and American influences.… Read more

Discovery Series – San Diego

Discovery Series San Diego is a mug for a city that started as the first Spanish mission and settlement in California back in the 1700s. Over time, it grew into a relaxed coastal city shaped by the ocean, military history, and a steady flow of new residents. Today it is known for its beaches, mild weather, and a laid-back lifestyle that blends different cultures into one easy rhythm. It is a place where everyday life feels tied to the water and the outdoors.… Read more

Discovery Series – British Columbia

Discovery Series British Columbia is a mug for the Canadian Province which has a history shaped by Indigenous peoples, rugged landscapes, and the Pacific coastline. Long before it joined Confederation in 1871, First Nations communities lived across its forests, islands, and mountains with deep cultural and environmental knowledge. The arrival of European explorers and the fur trade brought rapid change to the region. Gold rushes, railroads, and coastal ports later fueled its growth and diversity. Today, British Columbia stands as a blend of natural wonder, outdoor adventure, and vibrant cultural identity.… Read more

Discovery Series – Texas A&M University

Discovery Series – Texas A&M is a mug for a university, founded in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, the state’s first public institution of higher learning. It was originally an all-male military school and part of the Morrill Act system that established land-grant universities across the nation. Over the years, it evolved into one of the largest and most respected universities in the United States. Its traditions, loyalty, and sense of community have remained deeply rooted in its agricultural and military beginnings.… Read more

Discovery Series – Vancouver

Discovery Series Vancouver is a mug for a city that started as a small settlement called Granville, which then grew into one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. Its location between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains made it a key port and trading center. The city’s growth accelerated with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, linking it to the rest of the country. Over the years, Vancouver became known for its multicultural population, outdoor lifestyle, and environmental focus. Today, it stands as a gateway to the Pacific and one of the most livable cities in the world.… Read more

Discovery Series – Baltimore

Discovery Series Baltimore is a mug for one of the oldest and most character-filled cities in the United States. Founded in 1729 as a port town, Baltimore grew into a major hub for shipping, trade, and industry. Its harbour played a key role during the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Over time, the city became known for its working-class roots, vibrant arts scene, and resilient community spirit. Today, Baltimore blends historic grit with creative energy, proudly reflecting both its past and future on every street.… Read more

Discovery Series – Cambridge

Here are some photos of the Discovery Series Cambridge mug that I made while visiting Boston this summer. We’ve reviewed the ornament earlier, so let’s see how the design of the larger mug differs.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, has a history deeply tied to learning and innovation. Founded in 1630 and named after the English university town, it quickly became a center of education and intellect. Home to world-renowned institutions like Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge has long stood at the crossroads of history, science, and culture.… Read more

Discovery Series – Vermont

Discovery Series Vermont is a mug for the Green Mountain State. Its nickname comes from the French “Vert Mont,” a name given by early French explorers who were struck by the rolling, forested peaks that define the state’s landscape. Vermont is known for its strong rural character, independent spirit, and deep appreciation for nature, which shows in both its people and its traditions.

Some of the symbols of Vermont:

Maple syrup is one of Vermont’s proudest symbols. Every spring, the sugarhouses come alive as sap from the state’s countless maple trees is boiled down into golden syrup.… Read more

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