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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

Shooting photos on the walls of Dubrovnik
Shop

My Favorite Travel Photography Gear

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 25, 2023December 28, 2023

Peek in my camera bag with my travel photography gear list.

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Burnham Island at Graceland Cemetery in the fall
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – October 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / October 1, 2023October 27, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for October 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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The Cure at Riot Fest by Jessica Mlinaric
Chicago, Culture, Music

Favorite Moments from Riot Fest 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 26, 2023January 7, 2025

Music fans packed Douglass Park all weekend despite two days of rain.

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Fountain of the Great Lakes by Loredo Taft
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – September 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / September 1, 2023September 14, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for September 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Riverbank Neighbor's Park in Chicago
Chicago

Secret Chicago Printable Calendar – August 2023

by Jessica Mlinaric / August 1, 2023August 13, 2023

Download a free printable calendar for August 2023 featuring one of Chicago’s hidden gems.

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Bon Iver at Pitchfork Music Festival
Chicago, Culture, Music

A Scorching and Soulful Finale for Pitchfork Music Festival Day Three

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 25, 2023January 7, 2025

Pitchfork remains a beloved festival 17 years later.

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Big Thief at Pitchfork Music Festival
Chicago, Culture, Music

Rain Delay to Rain Dance at Pitchfork Music Fest 2023 Day Two

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 23, 2023January 7, 2025

Weather delays didn’t dampen the party at Pitchfork day two.

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The Smile at Pitchfork Music Festival
Chicago, Culture, Music

A Sunny Start at Pitchfork Music Fest 2023 Day One

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 22, 2023January 7, 2025

Chicago artists like Sen Morimoto, Jlin, and Ric Wilson shined.

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Low at Pitchfork Music Festival 2022
Chicago, Culture, Music

Chicago Pitchfork Artists Preview the Acts They Want to See

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 20, 2023January 7, 2025

Hear from Ric Wilson, Ariel Zetina, and more!

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Big Freedia in Millennium Park
Chicago, Culture, Music

Big Freedia Got Millennium Park Bouncing

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 14, 2023January 7, 2025

The Queen Diva served acrobatic feats and New Orleans energy.

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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

  • 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
  • Charlie Chaplin mural in Chicago
    Where to Find Hollywood History in Chicago
    November 20, 2024

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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  • About
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