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Culturally Curious Travel
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Nature

Valley of Fire in Nevada
Las Vegas, Nature

Hiking Nevada’s Valley of Fire

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 18, 2021December 16, 2024

Take a day trip from Vegas to hike spectacular sandstone formations

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Matthiessen State Park
Chicago, Nature, Travel Guide

The Best Places to Get Outside In and Around Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 11, 2021November 18, 2021

My favorite walks, hikes, and natural areas in Chicagoland

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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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North Park Village Nature Center
Chicago, Nature, Play, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Sanitarium Turned Nature Center

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 13, 2021July 7, 2024

Few realize that this 46-acre park is built on the site of a former sanitorium.

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Chicago Magazine January 2021
Chicago, Nature, Play

Outdoor Winter Activities for Chicago Magazine

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 2, 2021February 10, 2021

Chicago magazine’s January 2021 issue hit newsstands this week features ways to safely enjoy winter outdoors. This time of year, we all need an excuse to…

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Chicago Portage National Historic Site
Chicago, Nature, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Chicago Portage

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 23, 2020January 21, 2021

Visit an overlooked link to Chicago’s origin.

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The Signal Tree in Akron, Ohio
Akron, Nature, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Mystery of Akron’s Signal Tree

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 15, 2020January 28, 2021

It’s age, shape, and function are still a mystery.

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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

  • 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
  • Charlie Chaplin mural in Chicago
    Where to Find Hollywood History in Chicago
    November 20, 2024

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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  • About
    • Contact
  • Destinations
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