Discovery Series – Las Vegas

We reviewed the ornament earlier this year; here’s the bigger version of the mug: Discovery Series – Las Vegas.

Las Vegas began as a small railroad town in 1905, founded on land auctioned by the San Pedro, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake Railroad. Initially a modest settlement in the Mojave Desert, the city experienced a dramatic transformation with the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, which brought thousands of workers to the area. The pivotal moment came in 1941 when mobster Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel, effectively launching the modern Las Vegas Strip and establishing the city’s reputation as a gambling and entertainment destination.… Read more

Discovery Series – Queens

Discovery Series – Queens finalizes the mini collection of five New York City boroughs.

Queens is a vibrant and historically rich borough of New York City, located on the western edge of Long Island. Established in 1683 and named after Catherine of Braganza, the Queen consort of King Charles II of England, Queens has grown to become the largest borough by area and the second-most populous district in New York City. As of 2020, Queens boasts a population of approximately 2.3 million people, making it the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with over 48% of its residents born outside the United States.… Read more

Discovery Series – Massachusetts

Discovery Series – Massachusetts is a mug for “the Bay State” boasting a colorful design. We’ve reviewed the following symbols and landmarks of Massachusetts in the post about the ornament: lobster roll, Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, Mayflower, Black-Capped Chickadee, and Cranberries. The full-sized mug has more to offer:

Cape Cod is a legendary destination that captures the essence of New England’s coastal beauty, with its distinctive curved shape extending into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is renowned for its picturesque towns, historic lighthouses, and pristine beaches that attract millions of visitors each year.… Read more

Discovery Series – Staten Island

Discovery Series – Staten Island is the fourth mug from the small collection of the NYC boroughs.

Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans, Staten Island was first sighted by European explorer Henry Hudson in 1609. Over centuries, it evolved from a Dutch settlement in the 17th century to a vital hub of the Revolutionary War and, eventually, a suburban enclave within the bustling metropolis of New York City.

Some of the landmarks of Staten Island, as seen in the design of the mug:

– The Staten Island Greenbelt is a sprawling network of parks and natural spaces, making it one of the largest contiguous areas of nature in New York City.… Read more

Discovery Series – Universal Studios Hollywood

Discovery Series Universal Studios Hollywood is a full-sized mug for the previously reviewed ornament. Some of the elements found on both the mug and the ornament are King Kong, T-Rex, and the studio tour tram.

Universal Studios Hollywood traces its roots back to 1915 when Carl Laemmle, founder of Universal Pictures, began offering studio tours to the public. What started as a small behind-the-scenes glimpse of moviemaking evolved into a full-fledged theme park. The iconic rotating globe, now a recognizable landmark at the park’s entrance, was introduced in the 1990s and has become a symbol of the studio’s cinematic heritage.… Read more

Discovery Series – Manhattan

Discovery Series – Manhattan is probably the most colorful among “Boroughs of NYC” mugs. There are five in total, but it’s safe to say that some people mistakenly equate Manhattan with all of New York City. This is likely because Manhattan is the most well-known borough, home to iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and Wall Street. For many, especially tourists or those less familiar with NYC, Manhattan embodies the city’s global image.

The history of Manhattan goes back to 1624, when Dutch settlers established a trading post on the island, calling it New Amsterdam.… Read more

Discovery Series – Universal Orlando Resort

Discovery Series Universal Orlando Resort is a full-size mug that accompanies the ornament that we saw earlier.

The tower to the left of the title is the Pharos Lighthouse which marks the entrance to the Universal Islands of Adventure. These are the “islands” of the park:

Port of Entry serves as the welcoming gateway to the entire Islands of Adventure theme park, greeting visitors with a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The area features unique shops, and dining options, and sets the stage for the incredible adventures that await guests as they prepare to explore the various themed islands.… Read more

Discovery Series – The Florida Keys

Discovery Series The Florida Keys is a mug for a must-visit destination for those captivated by the rich history and natural wonders of this unique archipelago. Stretching from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula, the Keys were first discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513, who named the islands “Los Martires” or “The Martyrs” due to the treacherous reefs that claimed many ships. Over the centuries, the Keys have played a pivotal role in American history, serving as a strategic military outpost, a haven for pirates, and a hub for international trade.… Read more

Discovery Series Wicked – Emerald City

Discovery Series Wicked Emerald City is a mug for the magnificent capital of Oz that represents both the allure and illusion of dreams. Known for its striking green glow, the city initially appears as a place of ultimate wisdom and power, where Dorothy and her friends hope to find solutions to their deepest desires. However, it ultimately reveals that their journey and the traits they sought—courage, heart, brains—were within them all along. The city’s grandeur and the illusion of the Wizard highlight the theme that appearances can be deceiving and that true strength comes from self-discovery rather than external validation.… Read more

Discovery Series Wicked – Munchkinland

Discovery Series Wicked Munchkinland is a mug for the whimsical land that sits at the eastern border of Oz, a cheerful realm populated by diminutive folk known for their bright blue clothing and industrious nature. After Dorothy’s house fatally landed on the Wicked Witch of the East, the grateful Munchkins emerged from hiding to celebrate their newfound freedom with song and dance, welcoming the bewildered Kansas girl as their unexpected liberator. Their orderly villages feature distinctive round architecture with pointed blue roofs, and the landscape blooms with colorful flowers and mushrooms scaled perfectly to Munchkin size.… Read more

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