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

Been There – Nanjing

Been There – Nanjing is a mug for a city located in eastern China along the Yangtze River. It was the capital of several Chinese dynasties, most notably the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. This strategic location has made Nanjing a vital political, economic, and cultural center for centuries. Today, the city beautifully juxtaposes its historical heritage with modern development, featuring landmarks like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, making it a profound testament to China’s resilience and evolution throughout the ages.… Read more

Been There – Allure of the Seas

Starbucks Been There Allure of the Seas is one of ten mugs released for the Royal Caribbean cruise line. You can buy these mugs at each ship that has a standalone Starbucks store. I will be adding all of them to the blog, so stay tuned!

Allure of the Seas, launched in 2010, is one of the largest and most innovative cruise ships in the world, part of Royal Caribbean’s renowned Oasis Class. With a length of 1,181 feet and a capacity to accommodate over 5,400 passengers, this floating city offers an unparalleled cruising experience.… Read more

Discovery Series – South Carolina

Starbucks Discovery Series South Carolina mug joins the ornament from the same state that we reviewed earlier and has many more details. In that review, I’ve mentioned: Yellow Jessamine (the state flower), Carolina Wren (the state bird), Shag (a popular dance), tea, and Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Here are the extra things that the design of the bigger mug has to offer:

Charleston is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and rich history. The historic district features antebellum homes, cobblestone streets, and significant sites like Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.… Read more

1 2 3 4 5 196