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Arts

Sky Landing by Yoko Ono in Chicago
Arts, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Yoko Ono’s ‘Sky Landing’

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 15, 2022March 22, 2022

Sky Landing is Yoko Ono’s first permanent artwork in the Americas.

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"Alley Cats" by artist Kelly Monico in a Denver alley
Arts, Denver

Secret Spot: Denver’s Cat Alley

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 16, 2021March 26, 2021

Have you ever turned a corner in a city and felt like you stepped into a different world? That’s exactly what the Downtown Denver Partnership…

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World's Fair Bison in Humboldt Park
Arts, Chicago

The World’s Fair Bison of Humboldt Park

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 9, 2021December 31, 2023

The Humboldt bison are a curious Chicago story!

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Arts, Italy, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Italy’s Colorful Chapel of Barolo

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 26, 2021January 28, 2021

A colorful chapel is hidden in the Italian countryside

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Found object installation at the Heidelberg Project
Arts, Culture, Detroit

The Heidelberg Project Transforms a Detroit Street into an Outdoor Art Gallery

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 24, 2020November 26, 2023

The project aims to enrich Detroit’s McDougall-Hunt community with art.

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Oakland Museum of Contemporary Art
Arts, Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Oakland Museum of Contemporary Art

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 19, 2020November 22, 2020

The free, outdoor museum is dotted with abstract wooden sculptures.

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Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia
Arts, Croatia, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Roman Mosaic Hidden in Pula, Croatia

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 26, 2020August 17, 2020

An ancient Roman mosaic has been hiding in an unlikely spot Pula, Croatia for centuries.

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The Light in the Piazza at Lyric Opera by Liz Lauren
Arts, Chicago, Culture

Fall in Love in Italy This Holiday with The Light in the Piazza at Lyric Opera

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 18, 2019January 18, 2020

Fall in love in 1950’s Italy with the Lyric Opera’s production of ‘The Light in the Piazza.’

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Muhammad-Shah-Tent
Arts, Cleveland, Culture

At the Museum: Muhammad Shah’s Royal Persian Tent

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 23, 2015January 4, 2017

Experience a piece of textile art fit for a king at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

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Image of Edward Gorey illustration
Arts, Chicago, Culture

Freebie: Edward Gorey Exhibits at LUMA

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 9, 2014January 4, 2017

The Loyola University Museum of Art highlights Edward Gorey’s whimsy in two current exhibits.

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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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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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