Discovery Series Ornament – Jacksonville

I have to admit that some of the color combinations from the new series look better than others. The design of the brand-new Discovery Series Ornament – Jacksonville is a great example, where the mix of red, blue, and green just works and makes it appealing, at least to me.

Jacksonville’s rich history spans over 6,000 years, beginning with the Timucua people who originally inhabited the area along the St. Johns River. In 1564, French explorers established Fort Caroline near present-day Jacksonville, creating one of the earliest European settlements in North America and the first Protestant colony in America.… Read more

Been There – Norwegian Sky

Been There – Norwegian Sky is a mug for cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, launched in 1999. Measuring about 780 feet in length and weighing approximately 77,000 gross tons, the ship can accommodate nearly 2,000 passengers across its 1,000 staterooms. Powered by a diesel-electric propulsion system, it reaches speeds up to 22 knots, combining modern technology with comfortable cruising to offer an enjoyable voyage experience.

Here are some of the attractions of the ship:

– The Sky Dining Room provides a spacious and elegant setting where guests can enjoy a variety of international dishes prepared by expert chefs.… Read more

Discovery Series – Cape Cod

Let’s review how the design of the Discovery Series – Cape Cod is different from the ornament that we saw earlier.

The magnificent dunes of Cape Cod represent one of nature’s most dynamic creations, with the Cape Cod National Seashore protecting forty miles of pristine beaches featuring spectacular dunes along the Outer Cape from Chatham to Provincetown. Race Point Beach in Provincetown offers the most dramatic dune landscapes, while Marconi Beach in Wellfleet and Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro provide stunning examples of these towering formations that reach heights of over 100 feet.… Read more

This block contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made by you through such links.

Been There Ornament – Kunming

Been There Ornament – Kunming, together with the China country ornament, accompanies the large mug that we’ve reviewed earlier. The symbols of the city we identified were: Stone Forest (Shilin National Park), Western Hills and Dragon Gate, Yuantong Temple, and Golden Temple (Jindian Park). Local dishes to try: Crossing the Bridge Noodles (Guo Qiao Mi Xian), Yunnan Rice Noodles (Mi Xian), and Steam Pot Chicken (Chengdu Ji).… Read more

Been There – Laos

Interestingly, the Been There – Laos country mug was released after the Vientiane city mug. Starbucks often takes this approach, so I was not too surprised.

Laos, a landlocked nation in Southeast Asia, has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Once part of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang, known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” it flourished as a major regional power from the 14th to the 18th century. Its strategic location along the Mekong River made it an important trade hub and cultural crossroads.… Read more

Discovery Series – Connecticut

We explored the state symbols featured in the design of the Connecticut ornament last week. Now, let’s see what other elements the Discovery Series – Connecticut mug has to offer.

– The Connecticut-style lobster roll stands as a distinctive culinary symbol that sets the state apart from its New England neighbors. Unlike the mayo-dressed Maine version, Connecticut’s lobster roll features warm, succulent lobster meat tossed in melted butter and served on a toasted, split-top hot dog bun. This preparation method allows the sweet flavor of the lobster to shine through, representing Connecticut’s refined yet approachable food culture.… Read more

This block contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made by you through such links.

Been There – Gold Coast

Similar to other countries, Australia had quite a few mugs released for its cities and even two versions of the country mug and ornament.

Been There – Gold Coast is a mug for a city located in Queensland, which has grown from a quiet coastal area into one of Australia’s most famous cities. Originally inhabited by the Yugambeh people, the region’s rich culture and traditions date back thousands of years. European settlement began in the 19th century, first as a timber and farming hub before tourism took over in the mid-20th century.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut

Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut is the latest ornament from New England, which I was fortunate to add to my collection.

Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a history that stretches back to the early 1600s when Dutch traders and English settlers arrived. It was here that the Fundamental Orders of 1639 were drafted, a document many historians call the first written constitution in the Western world. The state played an important role in the American Revolution, supplying ships, weapons, and provisions to the Continental Army.… Read more

Been There – Mariner of the Seas

Been There – Mariner of the Seas is the tenth and the last mug from the “Royal Caribbean” mini series from Starbucks.

The Mariner of the Seas, a second-generation Voyager-class cruise ship, entered service in November 2003 after being constructed by Kværner Masa-Yards in Finland. Its maiden voyage began on November 16, 2003. In early 2018, the ship underwent a major refit costing around US$120 million. Mariner stretches 1,020 feet in length, spans up to 161 feet at its widest point, and drafts approximately 28 feet.… Read more

1 2 3 4 5 229