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Culture

Secret Buddhist garden in Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Secret Garden in Chicago’s Old Town

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 25, 2019November 10, 2025

If you’re looking for peace in the city, Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood has a serene garden in hiding.

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Haim headlines Pitchfork
Chicago, Culture, Music

Favorite Moments from Pitchfork Music Festival 2019

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 22, 2019January 7, 2025

Check out our highlights of Pitchfork Music Festival 2019.

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The O'My's in Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Music

Having a Beer with the O’My’s

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 19, 2019January 7, 2025

We talked to the O’My’s about working with Chance the Rapper, and getting beer tattoos.

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Trip Sisters podcast on WLS-AM
Culture

Sharing Chicago’s Hidden Gems with the Trip Sisters

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 21, 2019January 20, 2020

I shared some of Chicago’s hidden gems with the Trip Sisters podcast on WLS-AM 890.

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Jeff Parker by Jessica Mlinaric
Chicago, Culture, Music

Having A Beer with Jeff Parker

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 26, 2019January 7, 2025

Jeff Parker discusses Tortoise’s creative process, the differences between Chicago and LA, and the need to surprise yourself.

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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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Great Lakes Christmas Ale with a Cinnamon Sugar Rim
Cleveland, Culture

Deck Your Great Lakes Christmas Ale with Cinnamon Sugar

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 21, 2018January 6, 2025

Some Great Lakes Christmas Ale fans play Sugar Plum Fairy by adding a cinnamon sugar rim to their draft glass.

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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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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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