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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

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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Bughouse Square Chicago
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: The Radical History of Chicago’s Bughouse Square

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 10, 2023July 17, 2023

This park was a haven for Chicago’s socialists, atheists, and eccentrics.

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Congo Square in New Orleans
Culture, Music, New Orleans

Exploring the Birthplace of Jazz in Congo Square

by Jessica Mlinaric / July 4, 2023January 7, 2025

We hear the influence of Congo Square’s rhythm around the world.

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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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