Discovery Series – Palm Springs

Similar to other mugs from this collection, the design of the Discovery Series Palm Springs has more symbols and landmarks, compared to the ornament that I added to my collection earlier this week.

Palm Springs evolved from a remote desert inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians into Hollywood’s favorite escape in the 1930s and 1940s. Movie stars built hideaways just two hours from Los Angeles, seeking privacy, sunshine, and the therapeutic dry climate. The city’s heyday during the 1950s and 1960s brought architectural experimentation with modernist homes that maximized desert living through glass walls and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.… Read more

Discovery Series – Monterey

Discovery Series Monterey is another interesting release from California.

Monterey’s story begins in 1770 when Spanish explorers established it as the capital of Alta California, making it the political and cultural heart of Spain’s Pacific coast territories. The city continued as the capital under Mexican rule until California’s statehood in 1850, witnessing the transition from Spanish missions to American governance. In the early 20th century, Monterey became synonymous with its booming sardine industry, which John Steinbeck immortalized in “Cannery Row,” though overfishing led to the industry’s collapse by the 1950s.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Orange County

I reviewed the big mug before, and here’s its mini version: Discovery Series Ornament Orange County

Orange County’s history begins with its separation from Los Angeles County in 1889, when it was created as California’s 31st county and named for the citrus industry that dominated its economy. Spanish missionaries established the first settlements in the region in the 1760s, including Mission San Juan Capistrano founded in 1776. The county remained largely agricultural with vast orange groves until the mid-20th century, when Walt Disney’s decision to build Disneyland in Anaheim in 1955 catalyzed explosive suburban growth.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Monterey

While Starbucks released a mug for this California city in a previous collection, it never introduced a mini version. This is why I was excited to finally see the Discovery Series Ornament Monterey appear in stores.

Monterey’s history as a coastal gem begins with its founding in 1770 as the capital of Alta California under Spanish rule. The city served as California’s capital under both Spanish and Mexican governance until 1850, making it a center of political and cultural life on the Pacific coast.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – San Diego

The design of the Discovery Series Ornament San Diego represents “America’s Finest City,” known for its sunny weather, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning coastal scenery. Founded in 1769 as the first mission and presidio in California, San Diego has grown from a small Spanish settlement into one of the most vibrant cities on the Pacific coast. With its deep historical roots and multicultural influences, the city beautifully balances heritage and modern coastal living.

– The roller skater on the ornament captures San Diego’s fun and active lifestyle.… Read more

Discovery Series – Hollywood

If I recall correctly, the Discovery Series – Hollywood is the first Starbucks mug for this famous neighbourhood in Los Angeles. Hollywood, originally a small independent community, was founded in 1887 and officially became a part of Los Angeles in 1910. Its transformation began in the early 20th century when filmmakers, drawn by the area’s mild climate and diverse landscapes, started setting up studios there. By the 1910s and 1920s, Hollywood had become the center of the American film industry, with iconic studios like Paramount, Warner Bros., and Universal establishing a lasting presence.… Read more

Discovery Series – Yosemite

Discovery Series – Yosemite is the first National Park mug in the new collection. Since there aren’t many parks with Starbucks stores, Yosemite might remain the only mug of this kind.

Yosemite National Park was officially established on October 1, 1890, but its story starts earlier. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, protecting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias, marking the first time land was set aside by the federal government specifically for preservation. Influential figures like John Muir fought hard to expand protections, and their efforts helped shape the national park system we know today.… Read more

Discovery Series – Orange County

Starbucks consistently mentioned this county from the Los Angeles metropolitan area in its series of merchandise: here’s a mug from YAH and another one from Icons. It was skipped for the Been There Collection, but now makes a return in the form of Discovery Series Orange County.

Orange County’s story began in 1889, when it was officially separated from Los Angeles County. The name originated from the vast orange groves that once dominated the landscape, with citrus farming being the region’s primary economic driver in its early years.… Read more

Discovery Series – Lake Tahoe

Discovery Series – Lake Tahoe follows the ornament that we’ve reviewed recently. Thanks to the bigger size, designers were able to fit a little bit more details when compared to the ornament, namely water activities during the summer.

During the warm months, kayakers and paddleboarders glide across the lake’s smooth surface, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. Adventurous visitors can try their hand at water skiing or wakeboarding, while fishing enthusiasts cast their lines for Mackinaw trout and Kokanee salmon.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Lake Tahoe

Discovery Series Ornament – Lake Tahoe is yet another mini mug that doesn’t have a predecessor from the previous collections. There are quite a few Starbucks stores in the Lake Tahoe area, so you should be able to get one easily.

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning alpine scenery. The Washoe Native American tribe first inhabited the Lake Tahoe Basin, calling it “Da ow a ga,” meaning “edge of the lake.” European Americans discovered the lake in 1844 when John C.… Read more

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