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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

Culture, Music

Interview with Emily Haines of Metric

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 18, 2013January 7, 2025

Haines reflects on technology’s effect on the music industry and more.

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Photo of a documentary about van culture
Chicago, Culture

Interview: Andrew Morgan And Nick Nummerdor Invite You To Go Vannin’

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 13, 2013January 7, 2017

A new documentary reveals that van culture never actually died.

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Chicago, Culture

Design Cloud Studio Curates Co-Working Space For Creatives

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 9, 2013January 7, 2017

Chicago’s newest co-working space was created with designers in mind.

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Chicago, Culture

Freebie: Chicago Opera Theater Performs in a Pool

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 8, 2013January 7, 2017

If you’ve never seen opera, this is a great opportunity to get your feet wet.

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Arts, Chicago, Culture

SOFA Chicago 2013

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 2, 2013December 28, 2016

Sculpture Objects Functional Art + Design Fair celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend.

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Culture, Music

Interview: Brandon Schwartzel of FIDLAR

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 29, 2013January 7, 2025

FIDLAR discusses an upcoming album, party music, and Halloween costumes.

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Architecture, Chicago, Culture

Art Deco Delight at Open House Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 19, 2013January 7, 2017

Enjoy a rare chance to tour this historic private building courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

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Chicago, Culture, Music

Fiona Apple And Blake Mills at the Chicago Theater

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 17, 2013January 7, 2025

Fiona Apple returned to Chicago Tuesday with Blake Mills.

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Chicago, Culture, Music

Riot Fest 2013 Highlights

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 18, 2013January 7, 2025

From reuniting The Replacements to featuring badass ladies like Joan Jett and Blondie, Riot Fest ruled.

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Chicago, Culture, Music

Empire of the Sun Burns Like A Supernova At Aragon

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 13, 2013January 7, 2025

Empire of the Sun landed at the Aragon Ballroom with intergalactic electro-pop theatrics.

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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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