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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

Sharing bewitching links.
Culture

Link Love: Bewitched

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 24, 2015January 4, 2017

Fall has nestled in and the haunting season is upon us. Here are a few things that have lately bewitched me.

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Muhammad-Shah-Tent
Arts, Cleveland, Culture

At the Museum: Muhammad Shah’s Royal Persian Tent

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 23, 2015January 4, 2017

Experience a piece of textile art fit for a king at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

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-chicago-architecture-biennial
Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Free Public Programming during the Chicago Architecture Biennial

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 18, 2015January 4, 2017

The largest international survey of contemporary architecture in North America is coming to Chicago.

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paseo-boricua-chicago
Chicago, Culture, Travel Guide

Humboldt Park Neighborhood Guide

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 3, 2015January 4, 2017

Trendy and traditional picks from this Puerto Rican neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.

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renzo-piano-whitney
Architecture, Culture, New York City

Monday Inspiration – Renzo Piano

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 24, 2015January 4, 2017

The new Whitney Museum of American Art offers a vantage to admire at every angle.

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Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in Architect’s Newspaper

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 21, 2015January 12, 2025

A historic building in the Chicago Loop gets new life offering luxurious leisure.

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chicago-fried-chicken-uncle-remus
Chicago, Culture

Chicago’s Best Fried Chicken

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 26, 2015January 6, 2025

One of the best things you can do in Chicago is to embark on a fried chicken crawl.

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urbnexplorer-frank-gehry-inspiration
Architecture, Cleveland, Culture

Monday Inspiration – Frank Gehry

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 23, 2015January 4, 2017

With a shape compared to frozen custard, this building is definitely cool.

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Image of my article on Chicago photographers featured in Instagram's newsletter
Chicago, Culture

Chicago Photography Article Featured by Instagram

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 22, 2015January 4, 2017

I recently published my 100th piece for Chicagoist, an article that explores the ways Chicago’s budding and professional photographers utilize Instagram to connect and sharpen…

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Architecture, Culture, Washington D.C.

Félix Candela’s Shells at the Art Museum of the Americas

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 25, 2015January 4, 2017

These whimsical structures were an engineering and architectural feat.

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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

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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