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Chicago

The Drifter is featured in the Secret Chicago book
Chicago, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Book Launch Party

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 1, 2018June 16, 2018

Please join us in Chicago on May 6 at The Drifter (676-8 N. Orleans St.) from 2-5 p.m. for books, entertainment, and fabulous prizes!

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Author Jessica Mlinaric talks about her book 'Secret Chicago' on WGN's Outside the Loop radio show
Chicago, My Books

Talking ‘Secret Chicago’ with Outside the Loop Radio

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 10, 2018April 11, 2018

I shared some of Chicago’s secret and unusual spots from my new book, ‘Secret Chicago,’ with WGN’s Outside the Loop Radio podcast. Listen here!

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Author Jessica Mlinaric talks about her book 'Secret Chicago' on WGN Morning News
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Featured on WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 5, 2018June 1, 2024

My first book, Secret Chicago, is officially released! To help spread the word, WGN invited me to share some of Chicago’s unusual places on their morning news…

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Jessica Mlinaric's book Secret Chicago is now available
Chicago, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Book Now Available!

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 1, 2018August 7, 2019

‘Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure’ is now available from Reedy Press! Learn how I uncovered Chicago’s secrets for the book and how to connect at upcoming events.

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Jessica Mlinaric's book 'Secret Chicago' is featured on WBEZ's Morning Shift
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Featured on WBEZ’s Morning Shift

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 28, 2018October 10, 2020

Today I kicked off the press tour for my book Secret Chicago! The book’s official release date is just a few days away on April…

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chicago-energy-vortex-west-loop
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

“Hidden Chicago” Spots for Chicago Magazine

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 27, 2018March 20, 2019

Chicago magazine’s “hidden city” issue is live. Check out my articles, including Chicago’s smallest cemetery.

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Jessica Mlinaric Author of 'Secret Chicago'
Chicago, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Book Coming Soon!

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 23, 2018May 2, 2018

I wrote a book! ‘Secret Chicago’ will be published by Reedy Press this April and it’s available for pre-order on Amazon now.

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Hero Coffee is located in a private Chicago alley
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Hidden Coffee Shop in Chicago’s Loop

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 30, 2018January 17, 2025

This little-known coffee shop is located inside a slice of Chicago history.

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Order of Elks domed rotunda ceiling in Chicago
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Inside Chicago’s Stunning Architecture

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 21, 2017March 3, 2018

Open House Chicago lets you peek inside Chicago’s most distinctive buildings. The annual two-day festival offers free access to over 200 locations.

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

Pitchfork Music Festival 2017 Highlights

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 19, 2017January 7, 2025

Explore Chicago’s favorite weekend with your favorite bands, new artists, and festival fashion.

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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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