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Culture

Jim Bachor Cheeto mosaic
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Pothole Art Hunting: Chicago Mosaics Hidden in Plain Sight

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 22, 2020October 12, 2020

Jim Bachor transforms infrastructure craters into public art.

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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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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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Jon Langford and Rob Miller by Jessica Mlinaric
Chicago, Culture, Music

Having a Beer with Jon Langford and Bloodshot Records’ Rob Miller

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 15, 2019January 7, 2025

Rob Miller of Bloodshot Records and Jon Langford of the Mekons shared how their work—and beer—has changed in the last 25 years.

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Dancer at the Chicago powwow
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: An Urban Powwow in Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 12, 2019June 10, 2021

The annual powwow welcomes all to celebrate Native American culture.

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Haserot Angel at Lake View Cemetery Cleveland
Cleveland, Culture, Secret Spot

Dead Presidents and Crying Angels: Exploring Cleveland’s Lake View Cemetery

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 31, 2019April 28, 2021

From Tiffany glass to rock and roll, here are 5 hidden gems to explore.

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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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Mini golf course in the basement of Ahlgrim Acres Funeral Home
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Play Mini Golf in a Chicagoland Funeral Home

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 16, 2019October 31, 2019

An unlikely links is hiding below a Palatine funeral home. The basement is home to a 9-hole miniature golf course!

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Ezra Furman and band in Chicago by Jessica Mlinaric
Culture, Music

Having a Beer with Ezra Furman

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 3, 2019January 7, 2025

I talked with Ezra about drinking Old Style and the how art has helped him stand up for his beliefs.

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Mike Kinsella of American Football by Jessica Mlinaric
Culture, Music

Having a Beer with American Football

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 28, 2019May 11, 2025

Mike and Nate Kinsella of American Football talked about life as touring dads and collaborating on a beer for their latest record.

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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

Instagram

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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