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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

Stained Glass at First African Baptist Church
Savannah

First African Baptist Church in Savannah: Visiting America’s Oldest Black Church

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 5, 2025February 6, 2025

Learn how to visit First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia

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Chicago Renaissance mural in Bronzeville
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – February 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 1, 2025February 28, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for February 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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church with a blue sky
Chicago, Secret Spot

How Chicago Became the Birthplace of Gospel Music: Inside Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 14, 2025March 1, 2025

Visit the birthplace of gospel music in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.

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Sheep at Black Thorn Farms in Asheville
Asheville, Travel Guide

Two Days in Asheville, North Carolina: Experience Arts, Brews, and Mountain Views

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 10, 2025January 30, 2025

Asheville is beloved for its laid-back vibe, setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and arts and culture.

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Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville
Asheville, Secret Spot

A Hidden Elevator and More Secrets at Asheville’s Omni Grove Park Inn

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 8, 2025January 13, 2025

One surprise in the hotel is hidden in plain sight right in the lobby.

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Nine Dragon Wall in Chicago Chinatown
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – January 2025

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 1, 2025January 14, 2025

Download a free printable calendar for January 2025 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Peace Window at Second Presbyterian Church
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – December 2024

by Jessica Mlinaric / December 1, 2024December 30, 2024

Download a free printable calendar for December 2024 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Charlie Chaplin mural in Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Where to Find Hollywood History in Chicago

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 20, 2024January 17, 2025

Visit three locations from Chicago’s filmmaking history on the city’s North Side.

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Promontory Point during the fall in Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – November 2024

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 1, 2024November 1, 2024

Download a free printable calendar for November 2024 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Travel Guide

How to Spend 24 Hours in Hollywood

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 23, 2024March 3, 2025

Visit Hollywood to experience its historic locations and traces of LA’s moviemaking magic.

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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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