Tag: USA

Discovery Series – Minnesota

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Discovery Series Minnesota is a mug for a state that became part of the United States on May 11, 1858, carved from territories shaped by Ojibwe and Dakota indigenous nations before European settlement. French fur traders arrived in the 17th century, followed by waves of Scandinavian and German immigrants in the late 1800s who established farms and communities across the prairies and forests. The state’s economy flourished through lumber, flour milling powered by St. Anthony Falls, and iron ore mining from the Mesabi Range that fueled American industry through two world wars.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Kentucky

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I can’t believe it has been more than a year since I added the Kentucky mug to the site. Time flies! It’s time to review the Discovery Series Kentucky Ornament.

Kentucky earned statehood in 1792 as the 15th state and the first west of the Appalachian Mountains, separating from Virginia to forge its own identity. The state’s name derives from a Native American word meaning “land of tomorrow” or “meadowland,” reflecting the fertile bluegrass region that attracted pioneers. As a border state during the Civil War, Kentucky remained officially in the Union while its citizens fought on both sides, creating lasting complexities.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Florida

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It seems that the review of the Discovery Series Ornament Florida fell through the cracks, as I had already added all the cities from the Sunshine State to the site. I’m fixing this mistake now!

Florida’s history as the “Sunshine State” begins with Spanish explorer Ponce de León’s arrival in 1513, naming it “La Florida” for its lush vegetation and Easter season discovery. Spain, Britain, and eventually the United States controlled the territory before Florida achieved statehood in 1845 as the 27th state.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Twin Cities

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Discovery Series Ornament Twin Cities is a mini mug for a city that only had regular-sized mugs before. I got it together with the Minnesota ornament that I added to my collection recently.

The Twin Cities’ history begins with the establishment of Fort Snelling in 1819 at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, creating a military presence that attracted settlers to the region. Minneapolis grew around St. Anthony Falls, harnessing the waterfall’s power for lumber and flour milling in the mid-1800s, while St.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Monterey

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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

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Discovery Series Ornament – Minnesota

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I got the Discovery Series Ornament Minnesota earlier this year, and it was patiently waiting for this photoshoot.

Minnesota’s history as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” begins with its admission to the Union as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. The region was shaped by Ojibwe and Dakota indigenous nations before French fur traders arrived in the 17th century. The lumber and flour milling industries, particularly in Minneapolis with its massive mills powered by St. Anthony Falls, drove early economic growth in the late 1800s.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Alabama

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Let’s review the Discovery Series Alabama mug from “the Yellowhammer State”.

Alabama’s history as the “Heart of Dixie” begins with its admission to the Union as the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. The state played a pivotal role in American history, serving as the birthplace of the Confederacy when Montgomery became its first capital in 1861. During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, Alabama became the stage for transformative events, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Atlantic Canada

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Similar to the previous collection, Starbucks released a single mug for the Atlantic Canada region rather than separate designs for each province. This approach added some challenges for designers, as they had to create a one-size-fits-all design for the Discovery Series Ornament Atlantic Canada.

Atlantic Canada refers to the region of Eastern Canada comprising four provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The term “Atlantic Canada” was coined by Joey Smallwood, the first premier of Newfoundland, when the Dominion of Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Orange County

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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

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Discovery Series Ornament – Monterey

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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

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