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Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
Chicago

Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW

Explore three Chicago mysteries with me and Geoffrey Baer!

Author Jessica Mlinaric in Chicago
Chicago

Chicago Scavenger Featured in the Chicago Tribune

Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

Glasner Studio brick wall with tiles
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – July 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 1, 2025July 16, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for July 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Skyline along the Chicago River
Chicago

55 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in July

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 24, 2025July 22, 2025

Heading to Chicago this summer? Check out these 55 fun things to do.

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Softcult performing in Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Music

Softcult and She’s Green are a Shoegaze Dream at Cobra Lounge

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 17, 2025July 17, 2025

Shoegaze revival’s rising stars delivered a show straight out of the ‘90s.

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Nancy and Ann Wilson of Heart performing
Culture, Music

Heart Rocks Ravinia Festival

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 10, 2025July 17, 2025

Heart didn’t skip a beat at their Chicago show at Ravinia Festival.

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Keith Haring "Self-Portrait" in Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – June 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 1, 2025June 5, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for June 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from the south
Chicago

40 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in June

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 27, 2025July 22, 2025

Heading to Chicago this summer? Check out these 40 fun things to do.

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Seelbach Hotel Rathskeller
Louisville

Raise a Glass at This Historic Louisville Speakeasy in the Seelbach Hotel

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 13, 2025May 14, 2025

Become part of the historic hotel’s story on your next trip to Louisville.

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Maypole in Chicago's Lincoln Square
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – May 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 1, 2025May 10, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for May 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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View of Millennium Park from the Chicago Athletic Association
Chicago

40 Fun Things to Do in Chicago in May

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 22, 2025July 22, 2025

Heading to Chicago this spring? Check out these 40 fun things to try.

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The Secret Chicago book launch party was held at the Drifter
Chicago, Secret Spot

Discover the Drifter Chicago: A Historic Speakeasy Hidden in River North

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 15, 2025July 18, 2025

The Drifter is a modern speakeasy in a Prohibition-era tavern.

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About Me

Urban Explorer is a travel blog highlighting history, culture, and hidden gems to inspire curious travelers by Jessica Mlinaric, author of 'Secret Chicago' and 'Chicago Scavenger.'
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Newsletter



Buy My Books

Chicago Scavenger book by Jessica Mlinaric
Secret Chicago book by Jessica Mlinaric

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Secret Spots

  • The Secret Chicago book launch party was held at the Drifter
    Discover the Drifter Chicago: A Historic Speakeasy Hidden in River North
    April 15, 2025
  • How Chicago Became the Birthplace of Gospel Music: Inside Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
    January 14, 2025
  • Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville
    A Hidden Elevator and More Secrets at Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn
    January 8, 2025

Media Appearances

  • Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
    Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW
    April 23, 2024
  • Downtown Chicago view from Bank of America Tower
    Swapping Chicago Favorites with Peter Greenberg
    February 26, 2022
  • Author Jessica Mlinaric at Oak Woods Cemetery
    Touring Chicago’s Mass Grave with WGN Morning News
    November 16, 2020

Travel Guides

  • Knoxville, TN in spring
    The Big Ears Festival Guide to Knoxville, TN
    March 2, 2025
  • Walls of Ston, Croatia
    How to Spend One Day in Ston, Croatia
    February 11, 2025
  • Sheep at Black Thorn Farms in Asheville
    Two Days in Asheville, North Carolina: Experience Arts, Brews, and Mountain Views
    January 10, 2025
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