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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

Croatia, Culture

Croatian Homecoming

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 1, 2014January 4, 2017

Tracing my family tree, face-to-face, in Croatia.

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Image of Edward Gorey illustration
Arts, Chicago, Culture

Freebie: Edward Gorey Exhibits at LUMA

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 9, 2014January 4, 2017

The Loyola University Museum of Art highlights Edward Gorey’s whimsy in two current exhibits.

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Image of Poetry Foundation events
Arts, Chicago, Culture

Freebie: Celebrate National Poetry Month

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 15, 2014January 4, 2017

Take advantage of free readings at the Poetry Foundation in Chicago.

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Architecture, Arts, Cleveland, Culture

Come Together at the Cleveland Museum of Art

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 25, 2014January 4, 2017

The museum recently completed a historic expansion that is billed as the largest cultural project in Ohio’s history.

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Chicago, Play

Embrace the Elements with Snow Trekking at Northerly Island

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 18, 2014January 4, 2017

Snow trekking is available at Chicago’s Northerly Island most winter weekends.

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Chicago, Play

Take Heart Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 11, 2014January 4, 2017

On loving Chicago, in spite of the polar vortex.

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Chicago, Culture

Greetings from Jeppson’s

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 6, 2014January 6, 2025

A celebration of Chicago’s bitter bastard of the spirit world, Malört

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Chicago, Culture, Music

Do This: Danish Opera & Phillipines Benefit

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 20, 2014January 7, 2025

Two unique musical performances hit Chicago this weekend.

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Architecture, Culture, Detroit

Street Scene: Michigan Central Station

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 7, 2014December 28, 2016

Will the former world’s tallest rail station shine again?

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Chicago, Culture, Music

Favorite Posts of 2013

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 1, 2014January 7, 2025

Here are some favorite posts I’ve written elsewhere in 2013.

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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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