The Latest Starbucks Mugs

Been There – Gramado

Posted on

Let’s review another mug from Brazil, this time it’s Been There Gramado. There are two more in the queue, stay tuned!

Gramado’s history begins in the mid-19th century when European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Italy, settled in the mountainous Serra Gaúcha region of Rio Grande do Sul. The city was officially founded in 1913, though its development accelerated in the 1940s when improved roads connected it to larger urban centers. What started as a small agricultural community transformed into one of Brazil’s most beloved tourist destinations, as visitors discovered its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and distinctive European-influenced architecture.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Discovery Series – North Dakota

Posted on

I recently reviewed the ornament from The Peace Garden State, where wide skies meet endless possibilities. Discovery Series North Dakota is its big brother.

North Dakota’s story reaches deep into the past, shaped first by the Indigenous nations who lived on these plains for thousands of years, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, and Dakota peoples. Their agricultural villages, trade networks, and earth-lodge settlements formed the earliest foundations of the region. Europeans arrived in the 18th century, drawn by fur-trade routes stretching along the Missouri River, and the land eventually became part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery

Been There – Salvador

Posted on

Been There Salvador is a mug for the capital of the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. It is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the birthplace of Afro-Brazilian culture. Founded in 1549 as the first capital of colonial Brazil, it became a major port in the Atlantic world. Its historic center, Pelourinho, is known for colourful buildings, lively squares, and deep cultural traditions shaped by African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences that continue to define Salvador today.

– One of the figures on the mug represents a traditional drummer, highlighting Salvador’s strong musical heritage.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Discovery Series Ornament – Montana

Posted on

Discovery Series Ornament Montana comes from Big Sky Country, where endless horizons meet rugged natural beauty.

Montana’s story begins long before it became a state, with Indigenous nations such as the Crow, Blackfeet, Salish, and Kootenai shaping the region for thousands of years. European fur traders arrived in the 1700s, followed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, which mapped the area for the United States. Montana grew rapidly during the gold rushes of the 1860s and officially entered the Union in 1889.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery Ornaments

Been There Ornament – Hong Kong

Posted on

Been There Ornament Hong Kong joins other mini mugs in my collection.

Hong Kong began as a small fishing and farming community before becoming a British colony in 1842 after the First Opium War. Over the next century, it transformed into a major trading port and one of the most important gateways between East and West. In 1997 sovereignty returned to China under the “one country, two systems” framework, which allowed Hong Kong to keep its own legal and economic structures.… Read more

0
See more from Been There Ornaments

Discovery Series – Louisiana

Posted on

Yesterday we reviewed the ornament, today let’s do the same for the Discovery Series Louisiana mug.

Louisiana’s history begins long before it became a state in 1812. The region was originally home to many Indigenous nations, including the Choctaw, Houma, and Chitimacha peoples. It later became a strategic French territory, ceded to Spain, then returned to France before being sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Over time, Louisiana earned the nickname “The Pelican State,” shaped by its river culture, Creole heritage, and unique blend of French, African, Caribbean, and American influences.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery

Been There – Santiago de los Caballeros

Posted on

Been There Santiago is the fourth mug from the Dominican Republic.

Santiago de los Caballeros, founded in 1495 during the earliest period of Spanish colonization, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most historically important cities. After being destroyed by the earthquake of 1562, the city relocated and rebuilt, continuing to grow through the 18th and 19th centuries thanks to its fertile land and strategic location in the Cibao Valley. Its agricultural wealth and cultural influence helped shape Santiago into the strong regional center it remains today.… Read more

0
See more from Been There

Discovery Series Ornament – Louisiana

Posted on

Discovery Series Ornament Louisiana has arrived!

Louisiana has a history shaped by Native American nations, French and Spanish settlers, and a mix of cultures that grew together over hundreds of years. The state sits at the meeting point of major rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and wide stretches of wetlands, all of which helped shape its way of life. From early trade routes to Cajun and Creole traditions, Louisiana has always been a place with its own style, rhythm, and flavour.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery Ornaments

Discovery Series Ornament – San Francisco

Posted on

Discovery Series Ornament San Francisco captures the spirit of a city that grew from a small settlement into one of the most recognizable places on the West Coast. The Gold Rush, waves of immigration, and a long tradition of creativity and progress shape the city’s history. Even though San Francisco keeps changing, it still holds onto its classic sights and the upbeat energy that people love.

– One of the most charming symbols on the ornament is the seal, a fun nod to the famous sea lions that gather around the waterfront at places like Pier 39.… Read more

0
See more from Discovery Ornaments

Been There – Bucaramanga

Posted on

Been There Bucaramanga is a mug for a city that is often called the City of Parks. It grew from a small settlement in the Andean highlands into one of Colombia’s most active and sunny cities. It has always been shaped by its warm climate, its mountain surroundings, and a culture that mixes tradition with modern life. Today the city is known for its green spaces, friendly pace, and great regional pride.

– Green parks fill other parts of the design, reminding us why Bucaramanga is known as the City of Parks.… Read more

0
See more from Been There
1 2 3 4 … 240