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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

Trip Sisters podcast on WLS-AM
Culture

Sharing Chicago’s Hidden Gems with the Trip Sisters

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 21, 2019January 20, 2020

I shared some of Chicago’s hidden gems with the Trip Sisters podcast on WLS-AM 890.

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Jeff Parker by Jessica Mlinaric
Chicago, Culture, Music

Having A Beer with Jeff Parker

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 26, 2019January 7, 2025

Jeff Parker discusses Tortoise’s creative process, the differences between Chicago and LA, and the need to surprise yourself.

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Louisville secret garden
Architecture, Louisville, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Louisville’s Secret Garden

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 5, 2019January 5, 2025

Louisville is home to an unexpected sanctuary – a hidden grotto in an apartment complex.

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Jessica Mlinaric discusses the SEcret Chicago book on the Rick Kogan show
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

Sharing Chicago’s Secrets with Rick Kogan

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 22, 2019October 10, 2020

Swapping secrets with Chicago media legend Rick Kogan on WGN Radio and in the Chicago Tribune

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Carr Chapel by Mies van der Rohe
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Hidden Chapel of Mies van der Rohe

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 15, 2019November 24, 2019

One of Mies van der Rohe’s most unique building designs is hidden in plain sight on the IIT campus.

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FieldHouse Jones will host Secret Chicago trivia on February 7, 2019
Chicago, My Books

Test Your ‘Secret Chicago’ Trivia at FieldHouse Jones on 2/7

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 7, 2019March 9, 2019

Test your ‘Secret Chicago’ trivia at FieldHouse Jones on Thursday, February 7 from 6 – 8 p.m.

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Great Lakes Christmas Ale with a Cinnamon Sugar Rim
Cleveland, Culture

Deck Your Great Lakes Christmas Ale with Cinnamon Sugar

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 21, 2018January 6, 2025

Some Great Lakes Christmas Ale fans play Sugar Plum Fairy by adding a cinnamon sugar rim to their draft glass.

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View of Chicago's Tribune Tower
Architecture, Chicago

Inside Chicago’s Historic Tribune Tower

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 13, 2018November 20, 2018

Step inside the “world’s most beautiful office building” and discover the Tribune Tower’s secret passages, hidden symbols, and stunning views.

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Chicago Loop
Architecture, Chicago

Inside 10 Cool Chicago Architecture Sites

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 6, 2018December 9, 2018

Go behind the scenes of 10 incredible examples of Chicago architecture from Open House Chicago.

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Having a beer with Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz at Riot Fest
Culture

Having A Beer with Speedy Ortiz

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 25, 2018January 6, 2025

Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz talks about touring a new album, working to make the music scene safer, and releasing her first book.

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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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