Been There – Santiago de los Caballeros

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

Discovery Series Ornament – Louisiana

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

Discovery Series Ornament – San Francisco

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

Been There – Bucaramanga

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

Discovery Series Ornament – North Dakota

Discovery Ornament – North Dakota comes from the U.S. state that borders the Canadian province whose ornament we reviewed recently. Interestingly, it also features a fisherman!

North Dakota’s history is rooted in the cultures of the Indigenous peoples who lived on the plains long before European settlement. The region later became part of the Louisiana Purchase and began to grow with the westward expansion of the railroads in the late 1800s. When North Dakota entered the Union in 1889, it carried forward a heritage shaped by agriculture, open landscapes, and frontier resilience.… Read more

Been There – Kuala Lumpur

Most of the landmarks and symbols that we’ve reviewed in the post about the ornament can also be found in the design of this Been There Kuala Lumpur mug. Let’s compare these two.

Kuala Lumpur has grown from a small tin mining settlement to Malaysia’s busy capital, a place where old buildings and modern towers sit side by side. Different cultures shaped the city, which is why you see Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences everywhere. The mug captures that mix really well, showing historic spots, modern icons, and the everyday life that makes KL such a lively place.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Manitoba

Happy to add this cute little Discovery Series Ornament Manitoba to my collection.

Manitoba has a long history shaped by Indigenous cultures, the fur trade, and early settlers who helped develop the province into what it is today. The region has been home to First Nations for thousands of years, and their traditions still influence the province’s identity. Later, the fur trade connected Manitoba to the rest of Canada and supported new communities. Winnipeg eventually grew into a major cultural and transportation hub.… Read more

You Are Here – Torino

Thanks to a comment from one of our readers on the Turin mug post, we now know that Starbucks has released an updated version of the mug featuring the city’s Italian name. You can compare the two mugs side by side using the images below. It appears that You Are Here Torino includes no changes other than the updated title.

Torino has been an important city in northern Italy for centuries, starting as a Roman military camp and later becoming the capital of the Duchy of Savoy.… Read more

Discovery Series – San Diego

Discovery Series San Diego is a mug for a city that started as the first Spanish mission and settlement in California back in the 1700s. Over time, it grew into a relaxed coastal city shaped by the ocean, military history, and a steady flow of new residents. Today it is known for its beaches, mild weather, and a laid-back lifestyle that blends different cultures into one easy rhythm. It is a place where everyday life feels tied to the water and the outdoors.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Malacca

Been There Ornament Malacca is an ornament for a city also known as Melaka, that has a long and layered history that stretches back to the 1400s when it rose as a powerful Malay sultanate and one of Southeast Asia’s busiest trading ports. Its strategic position drew the attention of foreign powers, leading to centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British control. Each era left behind architecture, cuisine, and traditions that still shape the city today. Because of this mix, Malacca is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Malaysia’s most historically rich destinations.… Read more

1 2 3 4 5 240