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

Been There – Kanazawa

Been There – Kanazawa is a mug for a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture on the western coast of Japan. The city flourished under the powerful Maeda clan, who ruled the Kaga Domain for nearly 300 years, transforming Kanazawa into a significant cultural and economic center. Despite being spared from major bombings during World War II, the city preserved much of its traditional architecture and cultural traditions, making it one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical cities.

Places to visit in Kanazawa:

Kenroku-en is widely considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.… 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

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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

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

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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

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

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