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Travel Guide

Knoxville, TN in spring
Knoxville, Travel Guide

The Big Ears Festival Guide to Knoxville, TN

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 2, 2025March 24, 2025

With an artistic sensibility and laid back vibe, Knoxville is the perfect creative hub to host Big Ears. 

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Walls of Ston, Croatia
Croatia, Travel Guide

How to Spend One Day in Ston, Croatia

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 11, 2025March 1, 2025

Don’t miss ancient history, delicious wines, and world-famous oysters.

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Sheep at Black Thorn Farms in Asheville
Asheville, Travel Guide

Two Days in Asheville, North Carolina: Experience Arts, Brews, and Mountain Views

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 10, 2025January 30, 2025

Asheville is beloved for its laid-back vibe, setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and arts and culture.

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Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Travel Guide

How to Spend 24 Hours in Hollywood

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 23, 2024March 3, 2025

Visit Hollywood to experience its historic locations and traces of LA’s moviemaking magic.

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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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World's Folk Arts Church by Howard Finster at Paradise Garden in Summerville Georgia
Alabama, Georgia, Travel Guide

Day Tripper: Paradise Found in Summerville, GA

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 12, 2017March 20, 2019

This trip is deep-fried, small town Americana with a side of funky fixings.

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Photo of coffee at Caficultura in San Juan
Culture, San Juan, Travel Guide

Breakfast 3 Ways in Old San Juan

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 28, 2017January 6, 2025

The capital of Puerto Rico starts the day with a good breakfast.

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Image of the clock tower in Ravenswood
Chicago, Culture, Travel Guide

Ravenswood Neighborhood Guide

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 14, 2017January 6, 2025

Ravenswood is leafy, tranquil neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, but don’t mistake it for boring.

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leons-frozen-custard-milwaukee
Culture, Milwaukee, Travel Guide

Where to Eat and Drink in Milwaukee

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 2, 2016January 6, 2025

There are many reasons to visit Milwaukee, and eating and drinking are among the best.

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montreal-mini-adventure-urbnexplorer
Culture, Montreal, Travel Guide

Montreal Mini-Adventure

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 12, 2016January 4, 2017

Montreal’s culture is as multifaceted as its famous geodesic dome.

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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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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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