The Latest Starbucks Mugs

Been There Ornament – Bangkok

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Another gift from a friend has joined my collection. The Been There Ornament Bangkok comes in a separate box, which seems to be in line with other releases from Thailand.

Bangkok’s story begins in the late 18th century, when King Rama I established it as the capital of Siam in 1782 after the fall of Ayutthaya. What started as a riverside settlement along the Chao Phraya River quickly grew into the political, cultural, and spiritual heart of the country. Over time, canals, royal compounds, and temples shaped the city’s layout, earning Bangkok a reputation as a place where tradition and daily life are deeply intertwined.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Rhode Island

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Discovery Series Rhode Island is a mug for the state that entered the Union on May 29, 1790, as the 13th and last of the original colonies to ratify the Constitution, having initially resisted due to concerns about federal power. Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a haven for religious freedom after his banishment from Massachusetts Bay Colony, Rhode Island became a refuge for dissenters seeking tolerance. Despite being America’s smallest state at just 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island played an outsized role in the Industrial Revolution with Samuel Slater’s water-powered textile mill launching American manufacturing in 1793.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Alaska

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Discovery Series Ornament Alaska is the release for the largest U.S. state, known for its vast wilderness, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Alaska joined the United States on January 3, 1959, as the 49th state and the largest by land area, purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million in what was initially called “Seward’s Folly.” Indigenous peoples, including the Inupiat, Yup’ik, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan, have called this land home for thousands of years before Russian fur traders arrived in the 18th century.… Read more

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Been There – Phuket

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Been There Phuket is a mug for Thailand’s largest island, famous for its tropical beaches, clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Phuket’s story unfolds over centuries, from its strategic position on ancient maritime trade routes connecting India and China to its prosperity through tin mining beginning in the 16th century. Chinese, Malay, and European traders left lasting influences on the island’s diverse culture, while the legendary defense against Burmese invaders in 1785 by heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon remains a source of pride commemorated by a prominent monument.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Minnesota

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Discovery Series Minnesota is a mug for a state that became part of the United States on May 11, 1858, carved from territories shaped by Ojibwe and Dakota indigenous nations before European settlement. French fur traders arrived in the 17th century, followed by waves of Scandinavian and German immigrants in the late 1800s who established farms and communities across the prairies and forests. The state’s economy flourished through lumber, flour milling powered by St. Anthony Falls, and iron ore mining from the Mesabi Range that fueled American industry through two world wars.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Kentucky

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I can’t believe it has been more than a year since I added the Kentucky mug to the site. Time flies! It’s time to review the Discovery Series Kentucky Ornament.

Kentucky earned statehood in 1792 as the 15th state and the first west of the Appalachian Mountains, separating from Virginia to forge its own identity. The state’s name derives from a Native American word meaning “land of tomorrow” or “meadowland,” reflecting the fertile bluegrass region that attracted pioneers. As a border state during the Civil War, Kentucky remained officially in the Union while its citizens fought on both sides, creating lasting complexities.… Read more

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Been There – Pattaya

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Been There Pattaya is a mug for a famous beach resort.

Pattaya’s history begins as a small fishing village that transformed dramatically during the Vietnam War when American servicemen discovered its beaches as an R&R destination in the 1960s. After the war, Pattaya evolved into Thailand’s premier beach resort, attracting package tourists, expatriates, and weekend visitors from Bangkok, just 100 miles away. From sleepy coastal village to bustling resort city, Pattaya has become synonymous with nightlife, water sports, and beach holidays, while continuing to develop upscale resorts, golf courses, and family attractions alongside its more notorious entertainment districts.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Florida

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It seems that the review of the Discovery Series Ornament Florida fell through the cracks, as I had already added all the cities from the Sunshine State to the site. I’m fixing this mistake now!

Florida’s history as the “Sunshine State” begins with Spanish explorer Ponce de León’s arrival in 1513, naming it “La Florida” for its lush vegetation and Easter season discovery. Spain, Britain, and eventually the United States controlled the territory before Florida achieved statehood in 1845 as the 27th state.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Whistler

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If you prefer the bigger mugs over the ornaments, then the Discovery Series Whistler is the one to get when visiting this well-known ski resort.

Whistler’s history as a world-class mountain resort begins with its development in the 1960s, when a group of Vancouver businessmen envisioned creating a ski destination to rival the Alps and potentially host the Winter Olympics. The resort opened in 1966 as Whistler Mountain, with Blackcomb Mountain following in 1980, creating a legendary dual-mountain experience. Whistler finally achieved its Olympic dream when it co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics with Vancouver, showcasing the resort to a global audience.… Read more

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Been There Ornament – Perth

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Been There Ornament Perth is the last confirmed ornament from Australia for now. I’m keeping an eye out for another one, but until I get photos, I won’t be able to post it here.

Perth’s history as the capital of Western Australia begins with its founding in 1829 as the Swan River Colony, making it one of the most isolated cities established by the British Empire. Unlike Australia’s eastern colonies, Perth began as a free settlement rather than a penal colony, though convict labour was later imported in the 1850s to address labour shortages.… Read more

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