Discovery Series Ornament – Denver

Here are the pictures of the Discovery Series Ornament Denver that I picked up from the post office recently. There are two more mini mugs from Colorado that I will be reviewing soon. Stay tuned!

Denver’s identity has long been shaped by its location at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, where frontier history, mining heritage, and the growth of the American West converged. Founded during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, the city quickly grew from a rugged settlement into a major gateway for explorers, traders, and travellers heading deeper into the mountains.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Phuket

Been There Ornament Phuket is the first mini mug from Thailand in this series that I am adding to my collection. Interestingly enough, there doesn’t seem to be a country ornament yet.

Phuket has grown from a historic trading port into one of southern Thailand’s most culturally vibrant urban centers. Its history reflects centuries of exchange along busy maritime routes that brought Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European merchants seeking tin, spices, and safe anchorage. These influences blended with local Thai traditions and helped shape the character of Phuket’s old streets, its multicultural food, and its diverse communities.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – San Antonio

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament San Antonio for the Alamo City – a vibrant blend of history, culture, and Texas charm.

San Antonio is one of Texas’s oldest and most storied cities, founded in 1718 when Spanish settlers established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, later known as the Alamo. Over the centuries, the city grew into a lively cultural crossroads shaped by Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonial heritage, Mexican traditions, and Texan identity. Its long history is reflected in its architecture, its festivals, and the deep sense of place that still defines San Antonio today.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Malaysia

Strangely enough, Been There Ornament Malaysia was released later than ornaments for some of its cities.

Malaysia’s history is shaped by ancient Malay kingdoms, centuries of maritime trade, and waves of cultural influence from China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Over time, these interactions formed a vibrant nation where diverse traditions coexist naturally. From the early sultanates to British rule and finally independence in 1957, Malaysia has grown into a country celebrated for harmony, cultural pride, and rapid modern development.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Utah

Discovery Series Ornament Utah is a mini mug for the Beehive State, a symbol of hard work, community, and the pioneer spirit that still defines it today.

Utah’s history stretches far beyond its modern cities and iconic landscapes. Indigenous nations such as the Ute, Paiute, Goshute, Shoshone, and Navajo lived across this region for thousands of years, building communities, trade systems, and cultural traditions tied directly to the land. European and American explorers arrived in the 18th and early 19th centuries, but it was the arrival of Mormon pioneers in 1847 that transformed the area into a major settlement hub.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Arizona

Discovery Series Ornament Arizona is here.

Arizona’s history as the 48th state begins with its admission to the Union on February 14, 1912, though human presence in the region dates back over 12,000 years. The state’s territory was part of Mexico until the Mexican-American War and the Gadsden Purchase of 1853 completed its current boundaries. From ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings to Spanish missions, Old West mining towns, and modern metropolitan centers, Arizona’s landscape tells a story of diverse cultures, frontier spirit, and adaptation to one of America’s most dramatic desert environments.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Montana

Discovery Series Ornament Montana comes from Big Sky Country, where endless horizons meet rugged natural beauty.

Montana’s story begins long before it became a state, with Indigenous nations such as the Crow, Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai shaping the region for thousands of years. European fur traders arrived in the 1700s, followed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, which mapped the area for the United States. Montana grew rapidly during the gold rushes of the 1860s and officially entered the Union in 1889.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Hong Kong

Been There Ornament Hong Kong joins other mini mugs in my collection.

Hong Kong began as a small fishing and farming community before becoming a British colony in 1842 after the First Opium War. Over the next century, it transformed into a major trading port and one of the most important gateways between East and West. In 1997 sovereignty returned to China under the “one country, two systems” framework, which allowed Hong Kong to keep its own legal and economic structures.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Louisiana

Discovery Series Ornament Louisiana has arrived!

Louisiana has a history shaped by Native American nations, French and Spanish settlers, and a mix of cultures that grew together over hundreds of years. The state sits at the meeting point of major rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and wide stretches of wetlands, all of which helped shape its way of life. From early trade routes to Cajun and Creole traditions, Louisiana has always been a place with its own style, rhythm, and flavour.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – San Francisco

Discovery Series Ornament San Francisco captures the spirit of a city that grew from a small settlement into one of the most recognizable places on the West Coast. The Gold Rush, waves of immigration, and a long tradition of creativity and progress shape the city’s history. Even though San Francisco keeps changing, it still holds onto its classic sights and the upbeat energy that people love.

– One of the most charming symbols on the ornament is the seal, a fun nod to the famous sea lions that gather around the waterfront at places like Pier 39.… Read more

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