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Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
Chicago

Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW

Explore three Chicago mysteries with me and Geoffrey Baer!

Author Jessica Mlinaric in Chicago
Chicago

Chicago Scavenger Featured in the Chicago Tribune

Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

Author Jessica Mlinaric Appears on WGN Morning News virtually
Chicago, Culture, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Social Distancing on WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 20, 2020October 12, 2020

WGN Morning News invited me to share secret spots to explore outside.

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Roman amphitheater in Pula, Croatia
Arts, Croatia, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Roman Mosaic Hidden in Pula, Croatia

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 26, 2020August 17, 2020

An ancient Roman mosaic has been hiding in an unlikely spot Pula, Croatia for centuries.

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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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In the WGN Radio Studio
Chicago, My Books

Sharing Chicago’s Spooky Secrets with WGN Radio

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 28, 2019January 19, 2020

Listen in to hear my creepy recommendations and an encounter with Chicago’s most famous ghost!

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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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Chicago Scavenger book by Jessica Mlinaric
Secret Chicago book by Jessica Mlinaric

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