One of the best things about my childhood was the amount of travel we did across this country. With family members moving back and forth, Dad getting transferred and vacations, I was lucky enough to see a LOT of the country.
And when you ask us today what memories we all have of all of those trips, obviously seeing the Grand Canyon, the Tetons and the like are pretty amazing, but the things we remember as a family sem to all center around food. The best restaurant, the amazing campfire breakfast at sunset, and the fun local foods we picked up along the way, some of which ended up being staples in our pantry later.
For Southerners that makes sense. In the South so many events seem to center around food, but food is also a source of pride and affection. So when I heard about a new monthly food subscription service, I initially started to roll my eyes, like you, until I heard the kicker. EACH box would focus on ONE state in the country, and would contain foods made IN that state, and include a book about the state, for the entire family to learn about it- it's population, history, geography, weather, culture and amazing places to see. See, you just perked up and thought of the kids, and said WOW! Right?
Meet:
Discover Our America Monthly Box Plan!
Each month, they will select 5-7 products from each state for you to enjoy. They are all unique to that state, being made in that state, and part of the local culture! Plus,there is FREE shipping and you can cancel ANY time! There are 6, 9 and 12 month plans, to fit your budget and needs! You have to love a plan like that, right?
But let's take a look at what a box looks like:
When you open the box (top left above) you see the FUN interior! It has all 50 states! Miss Grace immediately screamed with joy and called dibs on it, so she can put all her 'travel treasures' in it. As the box is pretty good size, I thought that was a super idea too! Now all those brochures, maps, souvenirs, all have a home! WOOT! Recycling in action!
As you can see the state booklet is on top, it is a handheld version with wonderful color photography, that really makes you want to go visit that state! I brought the booklet in and had one of our officers who lived in Michigan check it out and he was really impressed, and agreed with all the points of interest and all the foods selections. Many of them are ones he has fond childhood memories of, and agrees they are part of the Michigan culture! Good to know!
But you want to know about the food, right?
Of course you do!
My favorite snack from the box was the amazing Caramel Corn from the Detroit Popcorn Company. Now we know caramel corn here at BTHM, but I have to tell you this stuff was addicting! It has the same buttery goodness that you remember from home made caramel corn that your grandma used to make. And it should- they've been using the same recipe since 1923!
Miss Grace grabbed the next product and ultimately declared it her second fav from the box. We get Faygo sodas here locally, as you can see, but the Rock & Rye flavor was unknown to us! We had no idea that Faygo was started in 1907 by 2 Russian brothers in Michigan. I had just always assumed it was a Southern drink, as it was always so sweet to me! LOL. The company is still based in Detroit! This flavor is described as a vanilla cream soda, but both Miss Grace and I detected cherry flavor too. It's definitely on the sweet side!
On the opposite side of sweet we have sour, thanks to Cherry Republic Wild Cherry Tea! This company has been based in Michigan since 1989, making it one of the 'newer' Michigan companies in the box. Cherry Republic is one of the largest exclusive Cherry retailers in the country! Who knew? I had no idea cherries were in Michigan! This tea is a blend of black tea and wild cherry that makes the most yummiest tea ever! As you can see it is rich in coloring, and I adore the re-usable plastic box it comes in (as it is PERFECT for taking your personal tea bags with you on the road when traveling this Summer!). The tea has just the hint of sweet sour cherry, that if you are a cherry lover, will make you smile with pleasure.
And speaking of pleasure and Detroit-something not usually heard in the same sentience, I admit, we have Woodward Avenue Blend Coffee from Detroit Bold Coffee. Or should I say my NEW pick me up morning coffee? Yup, this one is MY fav from the box! From the moment you open the bag and smell the amazing smell, you know this is a coffee to be reckoned with (and we know coffee). As you can see this a BOLD, dark coffee, who's mission is to wake you up with its smoky smooth flavor! The company was established in 1914, so they know their stuff! This is seriously one that is being added to our pantry full time!
But there is more sweetness too! Zzang! from Zingerman's Candy is a fudgy concoction of milk chocolate fudge, muscavado caramel and malted milk fondant. It was a bit too sweet for me, but Miss Grace loved the mix! It has been a local Michigan fav since 1982.
The Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel was a sophisticated side of the same sweet coin! SOOO rich and yummy!!!!!! The addition of the sea salt took a great caramel to the moon and back. So, n osurprise Sanders has been in business since 1875, using this same caramel recipe since 1920! Now that's a tradition we can all appreciate! They even have the caramel for sale in a jar! HEAVEN!
Muss Grace's fav item from the box was one she had actually heard about before- Salt Water Taffy from Mackinac Island! She shared it with her classmates and they all claimed it was the best EVER, and that's saying something, as we have NOLA Roman Candy, that we get! The oldest company in the box, they have been around since the early 1800s! This is the premiere item in the box, according to my
So as you can see, this is a great box of goodies! This would be a great gift to give to Dad this Father's Day, and the entire family gets to enjoy it too! It's also a great way to find out about anotehr state, and possibly figure out your wane to go travel there.
Discount Code
From now until July 31st, you can use the discount code of BLESS15,
and get 15% off your first subscription shipment!
Be sure to join the DiscoverOurAmerica mail list to for notice of new boxes and giveaways! It looks like the next box will be from Georgia!
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