Discovery Series – Brooklyn

Starbucks is going granular with the release of the Discovery Series Brooklyn mug. We’ve seen mugs for parks and universities, but never for a borough of a city. Does it mean other cities will follow this pattern? It’s hard to say, but I definitely see many more locations for this new collection. The Discovery Series might end up being the largest ever. Stay tuned, I will add them all here… eventually…

As for the New York City boroughs, these are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. They emerged from a complex process of consolidation in the late 19th century. Originally, only Manhattan and part of the Bronx were included in New York City. Brooklyn, until 1898, was an independent city and the third-largest in the nation. Queens consisted of scattered towns and villages, while Staten Island was largely rural. The consolidation of Greater New York in 1898 united these areas, creating a five-borough structure. This move was driven by economic interests, the need for unified governance, and the vision of a greater metropolis. Each borough brought its own rich history: Manhattan’s colonial Dutch roots, Brooklyn’s industrial revolution legacy, the Bronx’s transition from farmland to urban center, Queens’ history of immigration, and Staten Island’s role in early American defense. This consolidation laid the foundation for New York’s emergence as a global city in the 20th century.

Here are some of the symbols and landmarks of Brooklyn:

– The attractions, the rollercoasters on the front, and the hotdogs on the back of the mug, are definitely a reference to Coney Island, which is a famous beachfront neighborhood and entertainment destination located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn. Known for its amusement parks, boardwalks, and sandy beaches, Coney Island has been a popular resort area since the late 19th century. It’s home to iconic attractions like the Cyclone roller coaster, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, and the New York Aquarium. While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, Coney Island remains a beloved summer destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, kitsch, and seaside fun.

– Brooklyn is renowned for its vibrant pizza culture, with several styles and iconic pizzerias that have become synonymous with the borough. One of the most notable types is Brooklyn-style pizza, which is characterized by its thin, yet slightly chewy crust. This style is often larger than the typical New York slice and is usually cut into larger, rectangular pieces. It has gained popularity not just in Brooklyn but across the United States, with chains like Domino’s offering it as an option since 2006.

– The visit to NYC should definitely include the walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. This iconic symbol of New York City spans the East River and connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. Completed in 1883, this architectural marvel is renowned for its stunning Gothic-style arches and breathtaking views of the skyline. With its picturesque walkways and romantic ambiance, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a popular spot for proposals, where countless couples choose to take a moment to celebrate their love against the backdrop of a magnificent cityscape. You can see someone proposing right on the back of the mug.

– Brooklyn rowhouses, also known as brownstones, are iconic residential buildings that define much of the borough’s architectural character. These narrow, multi-story homes, often made of brownstone or brick, typically feature stoops leading to elevated entrances and ornate facades with bay windows and decorative cornices. Built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these rowhouses line many of Brooklyn’s tree-lined streets, creating a distinct urban landscape.