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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

Toro y Moi at Salt Shed
Chicago, Culture, Music

Toro y Moi and Panda Bear Pack Salt Shed for an Electropop Dance Party

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 8, 2025February 8, 2025

Toro y Moi and Panda Bear returned to Chicago supported by Nourished by Time

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Chicago River is dyed green
Chicago, Culture

The Secret Behind Dyeing the Chicago River Green

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Learn how Chicago Plumbers Local 130 make the emerald magic.

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Stained Glass at First African Baptist Church
Savannah

First African Baptist Church in Savannah: Visiting America’s Oldest Black Church

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 5, 2025February 6, 2025

Learn how to visit First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia

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Chicago Renaissance mural in Bronzeville
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – February 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 1, 2025February 28, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for February 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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chicago skyline at sunrise by Jessica Mlinaric
Chicago

50 Fun Things to Do In Chicago in February

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 29, 2025May 10, 2025

Here’s 50 fun things to try in Chicago this winter

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Chicago, Secret Spot

How Chicago Became the Birthplace of Gospel Music: Inside Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 14, 2025March 1, 2025

Visit the birthplace of gospel music in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

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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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Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville
Asheville, Secret Spot

A Hidden Elevator and More Secrets at Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 8, 2025January 13, 2025

One surprise in the hotel is hidden in plain sight right in the lobby.

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Nine Dragon Wall in Chicago Chinatown
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – January 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 1, 2025January 14, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for January 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Snowtrekking at Northerly Island in Chicago
Chicago

55 Fun Things to Do In Chicago in January

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 17, 2024May 10, 2025

Whether you’re a local or visiting Chicago here are 55 fun things to do

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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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