Discovery Series Ornament – Québec

Starbucks is going big with the releases for its new collection. I realized that when I saw them revealing some locations that never received their own mug or ornament. The brand-new Discovery Series Ornament – Québec is a perfect example of that since none of the Canadian provinces and territories had an ornament until now. I believe this is a sign that the Discovery Collection will be huge.

Québec is a predominantly French-speaking province, and this is why we’re seeing the title using the French spelling.… Read more

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.… Read more

Been There – Hong Kong

Starbucks Been There Hong Kong mug is revealed almost two years after the release of the Mainland China batch. Interestingly enough, Been There Macau was released even earlier, back in 2021!

Hong Kong’s history is a tale of transformation from a small fishing village to a global financial hub. Originally part of imperial China, it was ceded to the British Empire in 1841 following the First Opium War. Under British rule, Hong Kong became a major port and trading center. The territory experienced rapid industrialization and economic growth in the 20th century, becoming known as one of the “Four Asian Tigers.” In 1997, sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred back to China under the “one country, two systems” principle, which allowed it to maintain its capitalist system and a degree of autonomy.… Read more

You Are Here – Sofia

You Are Here – Sofia is a beautiful mug from Bulgaria. It is only the second release from this Balkan nation, the first one being the country mug. Sofia’s history, the capital of Bulgaria, dates back over 2,000 years. Originally founded by the Thracians and later becoming a significant Roman settlement known as Serdica, Sofia was a strategic hub due to its location at the crossroads of major trade routes. Throughout the centuries, it has been shaped by various empires, including the Byzantines, Ottomans, and Bulgarians, each leaving an indelible mark on its cultural and architectural landscape.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – New Orleans

Discovery Series Ornament – New Orleans is an espresso mug for a city that has never received ornaments from previous collections. And it’s a shame because New Orleans has a lot to offer! It was founded in 1718 by French colonists, and as a key port city at the mouth of the Mississippi River, it became a melting pot of cultures, including French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences, shaping its unique identity. The city’s significance grew as it became part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, marking a pivotal moment in American expansion.… Read more

Discovery Series – Nashville

We’ve seen what Nashville ornament looks like, and this is its bigger sibling, the Discovery Series Nashville mug. Since it has more space, these are some additional symbols and landmarks the designers of the mug were able to fit:

– The design of this mug expands on Nashville being renowned as “Music City”. It’s obviously due to its rich musical heritage and thriving contemporary scene. The city is home to numerous iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, which have played pivotal roles in country music’s history.… Read more

Been There – Nagoya

Been There Nagoya is a mug for Japan’s fourth-largest city with a history dating back to the Edo period. Originally a small castle town, it gained prominence in the early 17th century when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, built Nagoya Castle as a strategic stronghold. The city flourished as a political and economic center during the feudal era. In the Meiji period, Nagoya rapidly industrialized, becoming a major manufacturing hub. Despite heavy damage during World War II, the city rebuilt quickly, emerging as a vital industrial and technological center in post-war Japan, particularly in the automotive and aerospace industries.… Read more

You Are Here – Bursa

There are quite a few recent releases from the YAH series that Starbucks keeps expanding! One of them is the You Are Here Bursa mug for a city in northwestern Turkey. Bursa is a city rich in history and significance as the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Founded in the early centuries as a key trading center along the Silk Road, it gained prominence under Ottoman rule in the 14th century. During this time, Bursa flourished as a commerce, culture, and religious architecture hub.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Nashville

Discovery Series Ornament – Nashville is a pleasant surprise since there was no such ornament in the previous series. Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, boasts a rich and diverse history that dates back to its founding in 1779. Originally named Fort Nashborough in honor of Revolutionary War hero General Francis Nash, the settlement quickly grew due to its strategic location along the Cumberland River. In the 19th century, Nashville became a key economic hub, driven by its flourishing trade, agriculture, and transportation industries.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Shanghai

Here is the smaller version of the previously reviewed mug for China’s biggest city. Despite its size, Been There Ornament Shanghai still has a lot to offer:

– An intricate depiction of Shanghai’s iconic skyline, showcasing the futuristic silhouettes of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower against a vibrant sunset. This dynamic skyline represents the city’s rapid modernization and innovative spirit, making it a symbol of urban sophistication.

The Bund, with its historic colonial architecture stands proudly along the Huangpu River.… Read more

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