Discovery Series – North Carolina

The new collection is growing with the release of the Starbucks Discovery Series – North Carolina mug.

North Carolina, located in the southeastern region of the United States, is renowned for its diverse geography, spanning from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Coast. Its vibrant cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville offer a blend of urban sophistication and Southern charm. The state boasts a rich history, being one of the original 13 colonies and home to the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in Kitty Hawk in 1903. Additionally, North Carolina is known for its thriving agriculture, particularly in tobacco, sweet potatoes, and poultry production. With its beautiful landscapes, dynamic cities, and cultural heritage, North Carolina captivates visitors and residents alike with its unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Here are some symbols of North Carolina that the mug is showcasing:

– The Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was designated as the official state bird in 1943 for its vibrant red plumage and widespread presence throughout the state. The Cardinal is cherished for its melodious song and year-round presence, bringing color and joy to North Carolina’s landscapes.

– The state berry of North Carolina is the Strawberry. Strawberries are celebrated for their sweet flavor and vibrant red color, thriving in the state’s fertile soil and temperate climate. North Carolina’s strawberry farms produce a bountiful harvest each spring, making the strawberry a cherished symbol of the state’s agricultural abundance and culinary heritage.

– Golf is popular in North Carolina. The state is home to a plethora of golf courses, ranging from scenic coastal layouts to challenging mountain courses. North Carolina’s mild climate allows for year-round golfing opportunities, attracting enthusiasts from within the state as well as visitors from across the country. Additionally, North Carolina hosts several prestigious golf tournaments, including PGA Tour events such as the Wells Fargo Championship held annually in Charlotte, further contributing to the sport’s popularity and prominence in the state.

– Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 1937, has become a beloved symbol of the state’s culinary heritage. The company’s signature Original Glazed donut has achieved worldwide recognition for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor. Krispy Kreme’s headquarters remains in Winston-Salem, and its presence extends throughout North Carolina with numerous retail locations across the state.

– The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is an iconic species in North America, including North Carolina, where it thrives in diverse habitats ranging from forests to suburban areas. Recognizable for its distinctive white underside of the tail, which is flashed when alarmed, the white-tailed deer is a symbol of grace and resilience. Renowned for its agility and keen senses, it’s a popular game animal for hunters and a common sight for wildlife enthusiasts.

– Cheerwine is a cherry-flavored soft drink that originated in Salisbury, North Carolina, in 1917. It has since become an iconic beverage in the state, known for its unique flavor and deep red color. Cheerwine is beloved by locals and has a dedicated following throughout North Carolina and the Southeastern United States.

– The Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis), ubiquitous in North Carolina’s woodlands and urban areas, is admired for its agility, intelligence, and adaptability. Carolinensis refers to the Carolinas where the animal was initially documented and continues to thrive abundantly. Serving as a familiar sight in parks, neighborhoods, and forested areas, the Gray Squirrel reflects North Carolina’s connection to its natural environment and the importance of coexisting with wildlife in urban and rural landscapes.

– North Carolina, and Charlotte with surrounding areas in particular, are often referred to as the “birthplace of NASCAR”. NASCAR, which stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, traces its roots back to the moonshine-running days of the Prohibition era, where bootleggers modified their cars for speed to evade law enforcement. In the years following World War II, these modified cars and the daring drivers who piloted them became the foundation of organized stock car racing. North Carolina’s rich history of motorsports, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit of figures like Bill France Sr., led to the formation of NASCAR in 1948. Since then, the state has remained a focal point for the sport, with numerous tracks, teams, and industry headquarters calling North Carolina home.