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Culture

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – May 2022

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 1, 2022May 4, 2022

Download a free printable calendar for May 2022 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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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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Chicago's Sky Chapel
Culture

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – December 2021

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 1, 2021December 5, 2021

Download a free printable calendar for December 2021 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Downtown Chicago view from Bank of America Tower
Architecture, Chicago

Look Inside 12 Stunning Chicago Architecture Sites

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 19, 2021February 1, 2022

Check out some of my favorite architectural finds from Open House Chicago 2021.

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Manarola, Italy
Culture, Italy

Heavenly Views at an Italian Cemetery

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 22, 2021September 30, 2021

In the village of Manarola the best view belongs to the dead.

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Fan at Riot Fest 2021
Chicago, Culture, Music

My Riot Fest 2021 Highlights

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 22, 2021January 7, 2025

The punk rock carnival is back! Check out my highlights and favorite photos of Riot Fest 2021.

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View from the site of Fort San Carlos in St. Louis
Culture, St. Louis

Secret Spot: St.Louis’ Obscure Revolutionary War Battle

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 15, 2021July 1, 2021

Did you know that the Revolutionary War extended all the way to St. Louis?

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Putnam Chain in Chicago's Lincoln Park
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Revolutionary War History in Lincoln Park

by Jessica Mlinaric / June 8, 2021June 28, 2021

Lincoln Park is home to two little-known artifacts with supposed ties to the American Revolution.

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The Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Cleveland, Culture, Nature, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 20, 2021April 29, 2021

Over 30 gardens celebrate diversity and Cleveland’s ethnic communities

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Pula Zerostrasse
Architecture, Croatia, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Underground Tunnels in Croatia

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 23, 2021March 30, 2021

Two underground tunnels in Croatia hold subterranean stories

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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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