Discovery Series Ornament – Baltimore

I like the blue colors of the Discovery Series Ornament – Baltimore, but I wish the string were also blue.

Baltimore’s story begins in 1706 when Maryland’s colonial General Assembly created the Port of Baltimore at Whetstone Point for the tobacco trade. The Town of Baltimore itself was officially founded on August 8, 1729, when the Governor of Maryland signed an act establishing the settlement on the west side of the Jones Falls. The city was named after Cecilius Calvert, the 2nd Lord Baltimore, connecting it to the English aristocrat who helped establish Maryland as a colonial haven for religious tolerance.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Sydney

It seems that none of the elements were removed from the design of the large mug when creating the Been There Ornament – Sydney. This city mini mug is paired with the country ornament in a set, so if you want to collect all the cities, you’ll end up with a few extra country ones.

– The front of the ornament shows Sydney’s famous harbor view with the Opera House‘s sails standing out against the sky and the Harbour Bridge curving behind it.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Charlotte

The minimalistic design of the Discovery Series Ornament Charlotte is easy to review, as I can clearly spot exactly five symbols or points of interest from the city.

Founded in 1768 and named in honor of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Charlotte began as a small crossroads town in the Carolina Piedmont. Its early growth was fueled by the discovery of gold in the 19th century, making it the first major gold rush site in the United States. By the late 1800s, the city became a hub for cotton processing and railroads, setting the stage for its modern economic boom.… Read more

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

Been There Ornament – Guangzhou

Been There Ornament Guangzhou is using the following symbols and points of interest that we saw in the design of the larger mug: Pearl River Cruise, Yuexiu Park, Baiyun Mountain, and Canton Tower.

Experiencing Guangzhou means savoring its exceptional culinary heritage. Dim sum forms the heart of local dining culture, featuring delicate morsels such as har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecued pork buns) traditionally paired with tea. The city’s beloved white cut chicken showcases Cantonese simplicity—tender poached chicken accompanied by ginger and scallion sauce.… 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

Been There Ornament – Kunming

Been There Ornament – Kunming, together with the China country ornament, accompanies the large mug that we’ve reviewed earlier. The symbols of the city we identified were: Stone Forest (Shilin National Park), Western Hills and Dragon Gate, Yuantong Temple, and Golden Temple (Jindian Park). Local dishes to try: Crossing the Bridge Noodles (Guo Qiao Mi Xian), Yunnan Rice Noodles (Mi Xian), and Steam Pot Chicken (Chengdu Ji).… Read more

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