Been There – Sanya

Been There – Sanya is a mug for a picturesque coastal city located at the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, China. Strategically positioned in the South China Sea, the city has long been an important maritime and cultural center, with its origins tracing back to the Han Dynasty when it was first established as a significant settlement. Geographically, Sanya is characterized by its stunning tropical landscape, featuring pristine beaches, lush mountains, and a warm climate that attracts tourists from around the world.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Austin

With the overwhelming amount of releases from the latest collection of Starbucks mugs, it’s not easy to keep track of all of them. My pattern for adding them to the site is that I pick the unexpected ones first. Discovery Series Ornament – Austin is a good example since this city didn’t have an ornament before.

Austin, the capital of Texas, has a rich history that reflects its transformation from a frontier settlement to a vibrant cultural hub. Originally inhabited by Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache tribes, the area was first settled by European Americans in the 1830s, when pioneers established the village of Waterloo along the Colorado River.… Read more

Been There – Changsha

Been There – Changsha is a mug for the city in the heart of the Hunan Province of China. Originally established during the Warring States period, the city emerged as a crucial cultural and political center in ancient China. Its strategic location along the Xiang River made it a significant hub for trade and military campaigns. Throughout successive dynasties, Changsha developed as an important administrative and economic center, with particular prominence during the Han Dynasty. The city gained additional historical significance as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China, further cementing its place in the nation’s revolutionary narrative.… Read more

You Are Here – Le Mans

I’m excited to share the news about the release of the new mug from France, You Are Here – Le Mans! Huge thanks to the blog reader for providing the pictures!

Le Mans, a city in northwestern France, is steeped in a rich history dating back to Roman times. Originally known as Vindinium, it was the capital of the ancient Gallic tribe, the Cenomani. The city flourished under Roman rule, evident in its remarkably preserved Gallo-Roman walls, which are among the finest of their kind in Europe.… Read more

Discovery Series – Manhattan

Discovery Series – Manhattan is probably the most colorful among “Boroughs of NYC” mugs. There are five in total, but it’s safe to say that some people mistakenly equate Manhattan with all of New York City. This is likely because Manhattan is the most well-known borough, home to iconic landmarks like Times Square, Central Park, and Wall Street. For many, especially tourists or those less familiar with NYC, Manhattan embodies the city’s global image.

The history of Manhattan goes back to 1624, when Dutch settlers established a trading post on the island, calling it New Amsterdam.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Cambridge

It seems that Starbucks decided to release as many Discovery Series locations as quickly as possible. And we get ornaments for the locations that never got one before. This is exactly the case with the Discovery Series Ornament—Cambridge because just as I got back from my trip to Boston, this little mug was spotted online.

Cambridge, founded in 1630, has a rich history deeply intertwined with American academic and revolutionary heritage. Originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the area was a crucial site during the American Revolution and later became home to two of the world’s most prestigious universities: Harvard (founded in 1636) and MIT.… Read more

You Are Here – Venezia

Starbucks You Are Here Venezia is a mug for a well-known city in northeastern Italy that emerged from a unique historical melting pot. Founded in the 5th century by mainland residents fleeing barbarian invasions, Venice began as a series of lagoon settlements that gradually developed into a powerful maritime republic. By the Middle Ages, the city had transformed into a dominant naval and commercial power, controlling extensive trade routes between Europe and the Byzantine Empire. The Venetian Republic, which lasted for over a thousand years until 1797, was renowned for its sophisticated political system, intricate diplomatic networks, and extraordinary wealth generated through maritime commerce.… Read more

Been There – Yokohama

Starbucks Been There Yokohama mug features the symbols and landmarks of a Japanese city that transformed from a modest fishing village into the country’s premier international port after Commodore Matthew Perry forced its opening in 1859. The city rapidly became a gateway for foreign trade and cultural exchange during the Meiji period, introducing Japan to Western influences that would help shape its modernization. Despite suffering massive destruction during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and World War II bombing raids, Yokohama rebuilt itself each time, emerging as Japan’s second-largest city and a major commercial hub.… Read more

Been There – Tochigi

Been There Tochigi is a mug for a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, that evolved from a prosperous riverport town during the Edo period (1603-1867). The city flourished as a key trading point along the Uzuma River, where merchants transported goods between Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and the northern regions. The historic Kuranomachi district preserves many traditional storehouses (kura) built by wealthy merchants, featuring distinctive black-and-white striped walls that showcase the city’s architectural heritage. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Tochigi adapted to modernization while maintaining its cultural significance, though its role as a trading hub diminished with the advent of railways.… Read more

Been There – Shenyang

Starbucks Been There Shenyang is a mug for a city in Liaoning Province. Historically known as Mukden, it is one of China’s most significant industrial cities, with a rich history spanning over 2,300 years. The city served as the capital of the Later Jin and Qing dynasties before they conquered China proper, making it a crucial center of Manchu culture and power. During the early 20th century, Shenyang became a focal point of Russian and Japanese imperial ambitions, with Japan’s occupation of the city in 1931 serving as a prelude to their invasion of China.… Read more

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