Discovery Series Ornament – Vancouver

Discovery Series Ornament – Vancouver is the third, but not the last, mini mug from British Columbia that I’m adding to my collection. Stay tuned for at least three more releases expected soon.

Vancouver’s history begins long before it became a modern metropolis. The land was originally home to the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, whose deep connection to the coast still defines the region’s identity. European settlers arrived in the 1800s, drawn by the timber trade and the promise of the Pacific.… Read more

Been There – Punta Del Este

Been There – Punta Del Este is a mug for a city located on Uruguay’s southeastern coast. It is one of South America’s most glamorous seaside destinations. Once a quiet fishing village, it began to gain fame in the mid-20th century as wealthy travelers from Argentina and beyond discovered its golden beaches and relaxed charm. The city grew into a luxurious resort town known for its stunning ocean views, modern skyline, and lively nightlife. Today, Punta del Este blends natural beauty with sophistication, attracting visitors year-round to enjoy its beaches, marinas, and cultural landmarks.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Whistler

This resort city in British Columbia has had its Starbucks mugs before, but never an ornament! That’s why the release of the Discovery Series Ornament Whistler is especially exciting.

Whistler, located in the Coast Mountains, is one of the world’s premier year-round resort destinations. Originally a small logging town, it began to transform in the 1960s when developers sought to create a ski area capable of hosting the Winter Olympics. Whistler Mountain opened in 1966, quickly gaining international attention for its world-class slopes and alpine scenery.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Brunei

I was lucky to receive the Been There Ornament – Brunei recently. It resembles the design of the full-size mug that we’ve reviewed recently.

Brunei, officially known as the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace, has a history deeply rooted in Malay culture and Islamic traditions. The earliest records of Brunei date back to the 7th century, when it was part of the Srivijaya Empire and later came under the influence of the Majapahit Empire. By the 15th century, Brunei had become a powerful Islamic sultanate under Sultan Bolkiah, extending its influence over much of Borneo and the southern Philippines.… Read more

Discovery Series – Missouri

Let’s see which symbols and landmarks creators were able to incorporate in the design of the Discovery Series – Missouri. Please note, I will skip those I mentioned in the review of the ornament.

Meramec Caverns, located near Stanton, is one of Missouri’s most famous natural wonders. These stunning limestone caves stretch for miles beneath the Ozark hills, offering guided tours through chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns have even been linked to the outlaw Jesse James, adding a touch of mystery to their breathtaking beauty.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – British Columbia

As you know, Starbucks has released mugs and ornaments for most of the Canadian provinces. Here is one of them: Discovery Series Ornament – British Columbia.

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, has a rich history shaped by Indigenous cultures, European exploration, and the growth of trade and industry. Long before European settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples thrived in the region, living in harmony with its forests, rivers, and coasts. European contact began in the late 18th century, followed by the establishment of the fur trade and British colonies.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Cambodia

Let’s continue our journey through Southeast Asia by reviewing this beautiful Been There Ornament Cambodia. Similar to some other ornaments from this region, it comes in a set with another city mini mug. You can see the photo of the box below.

Here are a few of the symbols I spotted in the design of the ornament:

Angkor Wat stands as Cambodia’s greatest symbol and the world’s largest religious monument, representing the height of Khmer architectural mastery. Built in the early 12th century under King Suryavarman II, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu before becoming a revered Buddhist temple.… Read more

Discovery Series – Nevada

We’ve seen the release of the ornament earlier; here is the bigger mug, Discovery Series Nevada. Apart from the Mountain Bluebird, Sagebrush, Lake Tahoe, Entertainment and gaming, designers were able to incorporate more symbols of the state in this release:

Fly Geyser is one of Nevada’s most surreal natural wonders, located in the Black Rock Desert. Formed accidentally in the 1960s when a geothermal well was drilled, the geyser began spewing mineral-rich water that created colorful terraces over time.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Kansas City

Discovery Series Ornament – Kansas City is the release for a vibrant heartland metropolis that straddles the border between Missouri and Kansas. Founded in the 1830s as a river port along the Missouri River, the city quickly grew into a center for commerce, transportation, and culture. Its rich history includes the rise of jazz music, the development of world-famous barbecue, and a reputation for warm Midwestern hospitality. Today, Kansas City blends its historic charm with modern innovation, offering visitors and residents a unique mix of tradition and creativity.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Laos

Been There Ornament – Laos is the release for the landlocked nation in Southeast Asia with a history that weaves together ancient kingdoms, colonial influences, and modern resilience. Once known as the Kingdom of Lan Xang, or the “Land of a Million Elephants,” Laos was founded in the 14th century and flourished as a center of trade and Buddhism. It later fell under French colonial rule in the late 19th century before gaining full independence in 1953. Today, Laos continues to embrace its cultural traditions while steadily growing as a peaceful and welcoming destination.… Read more

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