Discovery Series Ornament – Virginia

When compared to the bigger mug, the design of the Discovery Series Virginia Ornament has much fewer elements. I went through most of the symbols and landmarks here, but let me at least mention the ones that made it into the design of the ornament:

– The Virginia state bird is the Northern Cardinal, adopted in 1950 for its vibrant plumage and melodious song.

– Virginia’s state flower, the American Dogwood, was designated in 1918, celebrated for its delicate blossoms that grace the state’s landscape.… Read more

Discovery Series – Utah

Starbucks Discovery Series – Utah is a colorful mug from the Beehive State. Utah is nicknamed so because the beehive is a symbol of hard work and industry, which reflects the values of the state’s early settlers. The beehive appears on the state flag of Utah and represents the persistence and perseverance of its people.

The origin of the name “Utah” is believed to come from the Ute Native American tribe, who were early inhabitants of the region. The word “Utah” is thought to derive from the Ute language and may mean “people of the mountains” or “high up.” This name was adopted when the area became a territory of the United States in the 19th century and later when it became a state in 1896.… Read more

Discovery Series – Kentucky

Starbucks Discovery Series – Kentucky is a mug for the Bluegrass State. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Chickasaw, Kentucky became part of the United States in 1792, making it the 15th state to join the union. Its strategic location and abundant natural resources made it a crucial battleground during the American Civil War, with significant battles like Perryville and Mill Springs fought on its soil. Throughout the centuries, Kentucky has been renowned for its bourbon whiskey, horse racing, and vibrant music scene, particularly in genres like bluegrass and country.… Read more

Discovery Series – Pennsylvania

Starbucks Discovery Series – Pennsylvania is a mug for a state in the northeastern US, one of the original thirteen colonies. Its name, meaning “Penn’s Woods,” pays homage to William Penn, the English Quaker who founded the colony in 1681. Penn sought to establish a haven for religious freedom and tolerance, principles that would shape Pennsylvania’s character for centuries to come. In 1776, it played a pivotal role in the American Revolution as the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.… Read more

Discovery Series – California

Starbucks Discovery Series – California is a fresh release for The Golden State. California, a state nestled along the western shores of the United States, boasts a captivating history with an intriguing origin for its name. The term “California” is believed to have originated from a 16th-century Spanish novel featuring a mythical island named “California.” Officially designated in 1846 during the Mexican–American War, California gained prominence during the mid-19th century Gold Rush, drawing fortune seekers from around the world. Today, it stands as a beacon of innovation, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, with its stunning landscapes ranging from sun-drenched beaches to majestic redwood forests.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Louisiana 2

Starbucks Been There Ornament – Louisiana 2 introduces subtle changes to the existing release. The easiest way to tell two versions apart is to look at the group of three musical notes next to the tiny Starbucks coffee cup. The new version has all of the notes to the right of the cup, while the old version had one to the left and two to the right.

Other changes include:
– an additional musical note on the back of the mug;
– one of the mosquitos is gone and the other one changed the place (so two versus three in total now);
– two sets of flowers are removed;

Additionally, I am only seeing the “made in China” version of the new ornament, it can be identified by the glossy string.… Read more

Discovery Series – Hawaii

The new collection expands to the Aloha State. Thanks to the reader of my blog, I am happy to share the photos of the Starbucks Discovery Series – Hawaii mug with you.

Hawaii bears a rich history dating back over a millennium. Polynesian voyagers first settled the islands around 300 AD, bringing with them their unique culture, language, and traditions. Captain James Cook’s arrival in 1778 marked the beginning of significant European contact, leading to the islands’ eventual annexation by the United States in 1898.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Mississippi 2

As you probably remember, Starbucks released a revised version of the Mississippi mug recently. Now, the same update was done for the mini mug as well. When compared to the first version, Been There Ornament – Mississippi 2 has the cotton branch removed and some other elements changing the size and the position in the design:

– The guitar moved from the left of the title closer to the handle. Designers used this musical instrument to emphasize Mississippi’s cultural and musical heritage, particularly through its association with the birth and development of the blues genre.… Read more

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.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Illinois 2

I was expecting the release of the Starbucks Been There Ornament Illinois 2 long time ago, since the bigger mug came out back in 2019. The updated version is finally here, and it seems that the only difference compared to the Illinois Ornament v1 is the dashes in the name of one of the State’s landmarks.

Discovered in 1739 by French explorer M. de Lery, “Cave-In-Rock” stands as an iconic point of interest in Illinois. Carved over eons by the relentless flow of water, this natural limestone cave embodies a tangible link to the region’s frontier past.… Read more

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