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

Been There – Utopia of the Seas

Been There – Utopia of the Seas is a mug for the ship that represents the pinnacle of engineering and luxury. Launched in 2022, this massive vessel is part of the Oasis-class cruise ships and stands as the world’s largest passenger ship, measuring an impressive 1,188 feet long and weighing over 235,000 gross tons. At the time of its construction, the ship could accommodate approximately 6,988 passengers and 2,300 crew members, making it a floating city that redefines maritime travel.

Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant offers passengers an authentic and sophisticated dining experience aboard the Utopia of the Seas.… Read more

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Been There – Guilin

Been There – Guilin is a mug for a city nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China with a rich historical legacy dating back over 2,000 years. First established during the Qin Dynasty around 214 BCE, the city has been a pivotal cultural and strategic center, witnessing the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. Its name, meaning “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” reflects the abundance of fragrant osmanthus trees that have characterized the landscape for centuries, symbolizing the region’s natural beauty and cultural significance.… 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 Ornament – Texas

Discovery Series Ornament – Texas is a smaller version of the full-sized mug, one of the first to be spotted from this collection.

Texas and cowboys are synonymous in American culture, embodying a rich history of rugged individualism and frontier spirit. The iconic cowboy emerged in the mid-19th century when vast cattle ranches spread across the state’s expansive landscapes. These hardy men rode horses, herded cattle, and became living symbols of American independence and resilience.

During the great cattle drives of the 1866-1886 period, cowboys would guide enormous herds from Texas ranches to railheads in Kansas, traveling hundreds of miles across challenging terrain.… Read more

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Been There – Symphony of the Seas

Been There – Symphony of the Seas is a mug for a cruiseship launched in March 2018 as a part of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class fleet. It held the title of the largest cruise ship in the world upon its debut, boasting a staggering length of 1,188 feet and the capacity to carry over 6,600 passengers. This engineering marvel was constructed at the STX France shipyard and represents the pinnacle of innovation in luxury cruising.

– One of the ship’s standout features is Central Park, an open-air space filled with over 20,000 plants and trees.… Read more

Been There – Harbin

Been There – Harbin is a mug for the capital of Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, which boasts a rich and complex history that reflects the region’s strategic importance. Founded in 1898 as a small village, the city rapidly developed after the construction of the Chinese Eastern Railway, becoming a crucial transportation hub. Throughout the early 20th century, Harbin emerged as a cosmopolitan city with significant Russian influence, particularly during the Russian Empire’s expansion and the subsequent Russian Revolution. The city experienced multiple transformations, surviving Japanese occupation, Communist Revolution, and ultimately becoming a modern Chinese metropolis that seamlessly blends historical heritage with contemporary urban development.… Read more

Been There – Oasis of the Seas

Been There – Oasis of the Seas is a mug for a groundbreaking cruise ship that revolutionized the cruise industry. At an impressive 1,187 feet long and weighing 225,282 gross tons, this massive vessel was the largest passenger ship in the world when it was introduced. The ship can accommodate 6,296 passengers and 2,165 crew members, spanning 16 decks and featuring an extraordinary array of amenities that transformed the concept of cruise ship design and onboard entertainment.

Things to do on the ship:

– The AquaTheater is a stunning open-air performance venue located at the ship’s stern, featuring a deep pool and sophisticated diving platforms.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Ontario

I feel like the designers of the Discovery Series Ornament – Ontario made an oversight by using a picture of poutine for this mini mug. While poutine is enjoyed across Canada, it is a dish that originates from Quebec, has strong cultural ties to Quebecois heritage, and is a proud part of their culinary tradition.

The forest, the islands on the front, and the moose on the back of the ornament remind us that Ontario is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with a diverse landscape of lush forests, serene lakes, and rugged wilderness.… Read more

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