Been There – Bangkok

Been There Bangkok is a mug for a city where ancient temples, bustling waterways, vibrant street life, and modern energy come together at the heart of Thailand. You might also like this article about the Bangkok ornament.

Bangkok has grown from a riverside trading settlement into Thailand’s capital over more than two centuries. Founded as the capital in 1782 under King Rama I, the city became the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country. Its history is closely tied to the Chao Phraya River, which supported commerce, royal ceremonies, and daily life, shaping the city’s layout and identity, which continues today.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Aspen

Discovery Series Ornament Aspen is a mini mug for a mountain town where alpine scenery, outdoor adventure, and year-round culture come together at high elevation.

Aspen’s history began as a silver mining town in the late 19th century, when prospectors arrived during the Colorado Silver Boom of the 1870s and 1880s. After the collapse of the silver market, the town experienced a long, quiet period before being rediscovered in the mid-20th century as a ski destination. Visionaries transformed Aspen into an international resort while preserving its historic core and natural surroundings.… Read more

Been There – Pune

A blog reader shared pictures of yet another release from India. Been There Pune has a minimalistic design and, as usual, features the symbols and landmarks of the city.

Pune’s history dates back over a millennium, although it gained prominence in the 17th century when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established it as a key Maratha stronghold. The city became the seat of the Peshwa rulers in 1714, transforming into the de facto capital of the Maratha Empire. British colonial rule brought military cantonments and educational institutions that earned Pune the title “Oxford of the East.” The city played a significant role in India’s independence movement, producing freedom fighters and social reformers.… Read more

Been There – Kolkata

Been There Kolkata is a mug for a major cultural and historical city in eastern India, known for its colonial heritage, art, and literature.

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911, growing from a small trading post into a major imperial city. The British East India Company established its presence in the late 1600s, transforming the area into a commercial hub. Kolkata became the center of the Bengal Renaissance in the 19th century, producing literary giants, reformers, and artists who shaped modern Indian culture.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Indianapolis

Discovery Series Ornament Indianapolis is a mini mug for the “Crossroads of America”.

Indianapolis was founded in 1821 as a planned city and chosen for its central location within Indiana, which later earned it the nickname “The Crossroads of America.” Its growth accelerated with the arrival of railroads and major highways, transforming it into a transportation and manufacturing hub. Over time, the city developed a strong cultural identity shaped by sports, music, and Midwestern traditions, all of which are reflected in the imagery of the mug.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Calgary

The mini mugs are back for this Canadian city where prairie grit meets mountain air. Discovery Series Ornament Calgary features cool blue tones, a subtle nod to the nearby Rocky Mountains.

Calgary was established in 1875 as a North-West Mounted Police fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, initially serving to maintain order during western expansion. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 transformed the frontier outpost into a ranching and agricultural center serving southern Alberta’s cattle industry.… Read more

Been There – Antofagasta

Been There Antofagasta is the latest release from Chile.

The Antofagasta Region in northern Chile takes its name from the port city of Antofagasta, with the word likely derived from indigenous languages meaning “hidden town” or referring to copper deposits. Spanish colonial presence remained limited in this harsh desert until the 19th century, when mining operations discovered vast nitrate and copper deposits. The region was originally part of Bolivia until the War of the Pacific (1879-1884) resulted in Chile annexing the territory, gaining access to valuable mineral resources.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Edmonton

The Discovery Series Ornament Edmonton is a fresh release for a dynamic Canadian city known for its vast river valley, thriving arts scene, and role as Alberta’s capital.

Edmonton emerged as a fur trading post in 1795 when the Hudson’s Bay Company established Fort Edmonton along the North Saskatchewan River. The settlement grew slowly until the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898 made Edmonton a gateway for prospectors heading north, while the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1891 spurred development.… Read more

Discovery Series – The Hamptons

Discovery Series The Hamptons is a mug for a collection of upscale seaside towns known for their beaches, historic villages, and summer retreat culture.

The Hamptons encompass a collection of villages and hamlets on the eastern end of Long Island, New York, with settlement dating back to the 1640s when English colonists established farming and whaling communities. Originally known as Southampton, East Hampton, and surrounding areas, these towns remained agricultural and fishing communities for centuries before transformation began in the late 1800s when wealthy New Yorkers discovered the pristine beaches.… Read more

Been There – Coquimbo

Been There Coquimbo is mug for a vibrant Chilean port city known for its colorful hills, rich maritime heritage, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. I would like to thank the follower of our blog for the photos of this beautiful mug.

The Coquimbo Region in north-central Chile takes its name from the Coquimbo Bay and the city of Coquimbo, with “Coquimbo” likely derived from indigenous Diaguita words meaning “place of calm waters.” Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1540s, establishing La Serena in 1544 as Chile’s second-oldest city and a strategic point along the route to Peru.… Read more

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