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Architecture

Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 16, 2021January 5, 2024

Chicago’s Gold Coast is hiding some unlikely history.

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Shedd Memorial Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Shedd Memorial Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 19, 2021September 28, 2021

Want to admire Tiffany stained glass without the crowds?

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New and old Cape Henry Lighthouses
Architecture, Virginia Beach

Discover Early American History at Virginia’s Cape Henry Lighthouse

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 21, 2019November 27, 2019

Some of the most important events in early American history are packed into the Cape Henry Memorial Park.

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Chicago's Wrigley Building by Jessica Mlinaric
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Behind the Scenes at 10 Unique Chicago Architecture Sites

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 28, 2019January 26, 2020

Check out some of our favorite Chicago architecture finds from Open House Chicago.

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Louisville secret garden
Architecture, Louisville, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Louisville’s Secret Garden

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 5, 2019January 5, 2025

Louisville is home to an unexpected sanctuary – a hidden grotto in an apartment complex.

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Carr Chapel by Mies van der Rohe
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Hidden Chapel of Mies van der Rohe

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 15, 2019November 24, 2019

One of Mies van der Rohe’s most unique building designs is hidden in plain sight on the IIT campus.

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View of Chicago's Tribune Tower
Architecture, Chicago

Inside Chicago’s Historic Tribune Tower

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 13, 2018November 20, 2018

Step inside the “world’s most beautiful office building” and discover the Tribune Tower’s secret passages, hidden symbols, and stunning views.

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Chicago Loop
Architecture, Chicago

Inside 10 Cool Chicago Architecture Sites

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 6, 2018December 9, 2018

Go behind the scenes of 10 incredible examples of Chicago architecture from Open House Chicago.

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Exhibit at the new Chicago Architecture Center
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Peek into the New Chicago Architecture Center

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 15, 2018August 7, 2019

Explores Chicago’s newest cultural destination

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Order of Elks domed rotunda ceiling in Chicago
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Inside Chicago’s Stunning Architecture

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 21, 2017March 3, 2018

Open House Chicago lets you peek inside Chicago’s most distinctive buildings. The annual two-day festival offers free access to over 200 locations.

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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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