Discovery Series – Portland

We reviewed the ornament yesterday, let’s do the same for the Discovery Series – Portland mug. Here are more symbols and points of interest from the design of the bigger sibling:

Donuts
Portland is practically synonymous with donuts, thanks to its quirky and creative donut shops. Voodoo Doughnut put the city on the map with its wild toppings and tongue-in-cheek attitude. But locals often favor Blue Star Donuts for its brioche dough and bold flavors like blueberry bourbon basil. Whether you’re craving something bizarre or gourmet, Portland has a donut for it.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Portland

As a rule, I am reviewing the mini mug prior to larger mugs. Let’s do the same for the Discovery Series Ornament – Portland.

Portland, Oregon, was founded in 1845 and quickly grew as a key port city thanks to its location near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. Originally a timber town, it became known for shipping, railroads, and later, progressive urban planning. Its name was decided by a coin toss between two settlers – one from Portland, Maine, and the other from Boston.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont

I could not return from my trip to Burlington empty-handed, so I picked up this nice Discovery Series Ornament – Vermont. Tucked into the upper Northeast, Vermont has a way of getting into your system — the views, the calm, the pride people take in where they’re from.

Vermont’s history is marked by independence. Before it joined the United States in 1791 as the 14th state, it was its own republic for 14 years. It was the first state to outlaw slavery and played a crucial role in the abolitionist movement.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Philadelphia

The mini version of the Discovery Series – Philadelphia mug features cheesesteak, Rocky, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and Philadelphia’s skyline in its design. The big mug has them as well, plus some extra symbols and points of interest of the city:

– The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in the country. Its iconic front steps became famous thanks to the movie Rocky, attracting visitors who sprint to the top for a photo.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Philadelphia

While chasing the AC ornament, I made a quick drive to Philly to pick up the Discovery Series Ornament – Philadelphia as well. I have to admit, the color choice for the title on this mini mug isn’t ideal, as it blends into the dark green circle common to all ornaments in the Discovery Series. That said, it does look better in person.

Philadelphia has been at the heart of American history since before the country was born. Founded in 1682 by William Penn, the city quickly became a center of politics, commerce, and ideas.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Atlantic City

I finally made it down to America’s Playground to pick up the Discovery Series Ornament – Atlantic City. It’s great to see this city finally getting its own mini mug after being overlooked for so long.

Atlantic City was founded in the 1850s as a seaside resort town, quickly gaining popularity for its beaches and fresh ocean air. By the late 19th century, it became a bustling getaway, with railroads bringing vacationers from Philadelphia and beyond. The iconic Boardwalk, built in 1870, was the first of its kind in the United States.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Indiana

Here is the Discovery Series Ornament – Indiana for the Hoosier State. The origin of “Hoosier” is still debated, but it has become a proud identity for Indiana residents. Some believe it came from the 1800s as a frontier slang term – when someone knocked on a cabin door, the response might be “Who’s here?” slurred to sound like “Hoosier.” Others trace it to a contractor named Hoosier who hired Indiana workers for canal projects, or to a regional word meaning a rough countryman.… Read more

Discovery Series – Auburn University

Discovery Series – Auburn University is an interesting release, as it represents another addition to the Campus Collection for a university that didn’t receive a mug in the previous series (Been There).

Auburn University, located in Auburn, Alabama, was founded in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College under the Methodist Church. It became the first land-grant college in the South under the Morrill Act in 1872 and was renamed the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama. In 1899, it adopted the name Alabama Polytechnic Institute, reflecting its expanded curriculum, and finally became Auburn University in 1960 to better represent its growing academic scope.… 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 Ornament – Oahu

From what I’ve observed, Starbucks has released a wide array of mugs and ornaments dedicated to Hawaii, with the Discovery Series Ornament – Oahu being one of them.

Oʻahu, often referred to as “The Gathering Place,” holds a central role in the history of Hawaiʻi. As the third largest and most populous of the Hawaiian Islands, it has long been a cultural and political hub. Ancient Hawaiian chiefs ruled over the island for centuries before it became the site of pivotal moments in the archipelago’s modern history.… Read more

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