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Culture

Trash Unreal by Arthur Hollback
Cleveland, Culture

Trash Unreal Brings a Weird, Inclusive Drag Party to Cleveland

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 31, 2023June 10, 2023

Trash Unreal created a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.

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University of Chicago Botany Pond
Architecture, Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – April 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 1, 2023March 19, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for April 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Tulum Mayan Site
Culture, Mexico

History Minute: Exploring the Maya Ruins of Tulum

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 13, 2022February 27, 2025

Explore the remnants of the Mayan city of Tulum.

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St. Dunstan in the East
Architecture, London, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Hidden History in a London Garden

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 27, 2022October 1, 2022

Discover a park and powerful reminder of the London’s history.

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Ghost church in Pilsen, Chicago
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Pilsen’s Ghost Church

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 27, 2022March 19, 2023

A Pilsen church is preserved in a surprising statement.

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The Roots at Pitchfork
Chicago, Culture, Music

A Dynamic Finale at Pitchfork Music Fest Day Three

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 18, 2022January 7, 2025

The final day of Pitchfork Music Fest 2022 started with a lull and ended with a roar.

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Culture, Music

A Soothing Saturday at Pitchfork 2022 Day Two

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 17, 2022January 7, 2025

Day two was a mellow day of music. Attendees swayed to sets by Mitski, Low, Karate, and more.

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Pitchfork Music Festival 2022
Chicago, Culture, Music

A Damp Dance Party at Pitchfork 2022 Day One

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 16, 2022January 7, 2025

Fans enjoyed The National, Amber Mark, Tierra Whack and more on Friday.

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Image of fans at Pitchfork Music Festival 2017
Chicago, Culture, Music

Four Chicago Artists to Catch at Pitchfork Music Fest 2022

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 11, 2022January 7, 2025

Don’t miss these must-see Chicago artists at Pitchfork Music Fest!

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makaya mccraven in chicago
Chicago, Culture, Music

Makaya McCraven’s Avant-Garde Jazz Transports Lincoln Hall

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 2, 2022January 7, 2025

Makaya McCraven is a Chicago drummer, “beat scientist,” and composer.

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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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