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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 talks about her book 'Secret Chicago' on WGN Morning News
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Featured on WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 5, 2018June 1, 2024

My first book, Secret Chicago, is officially released! To help spread the word, WGN invited me to share some of Chicago’s unusual places on their morning news…

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Jessica Mlinaric's book Secret Chicago is now available
Chicago, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Book Now Available!

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 1, 2018August 7, 2019

‘Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure’ is now available from Reedy Press! Learn how I uncovered Chicago’s secrets for the book and how to connect at upcoming events.

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Jessica Mlinaric's book 'Secret Chicago' is featured on WBEZ's Morning Shift
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Featured on WBEZ’s Morning Shift

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 28, 2018October 10, 2020

Today I kicked off the press tour for my book Secret Chicago! The book’s official release date is just a few days away on April…

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chicago-energy-vortex-west-loop
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

“Hidden Chicago” Spots for Chicago Magazine

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 27, 2018March 20, 2019

Chicago magazine’s “hidden city” issue is live. Check out my articles, including Chicago’s smallest cemetery.

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Jessica Mlinaric Author of 'Secret Chicago'
Chicago, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Book Coming Soon!

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 23, 2018May 2, 2018

I wrote a book! ‘Secret Chicago’ will be published by Reedy Press this April and it’s available for pre-order on Amazon now.

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Hero Coffee is located in a private Chicago alley
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Hidden Coffee Shop in Chicago’s Loop

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 30, 2018January 17, 2025

This little-known coffee shop is located inside a slice of Chicago history.

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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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Order of Elks domed rotunda ceiling in Chicago
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Inside Chicago’s Stunning Architecture

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 21, 2017March 3, 2018

Open House Chicago lets you peek inside Chicago’s most distinctive buildings. The annual two-day festival offers free access to over 200 locations.

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Image of fans at Pitchfork Music Festival 2017
Chicago, Culture, Music

Pitchfork Music Festival 2017 Highlights

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 19, 2017January 7, 2025

Explore Chicago’s favorite weekend with your favorite bands, new artists, and festival fashion.

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Photo of the cafe at 8Arm in Atlanta
Atlanta, Culture

New Southern Brunch at Atlanta’s 8ARM

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 11, 2017January 6, 2025

8ARM feels like your cool kid friend is cooking for you.

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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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