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Tag: Featured

Jessica Mlinaric and Geoffrey Baer with bicycles at the Illinois-Indiana State Line Boundary Marker
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

Exploring Chicago Mysteries with WTTW

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 23, 2024July 7, 2024

Explore three Chicago mysteries with me and Geoffrey Baer!

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Author Jessica Mlinaric in Chicago
Chicago, My Books

Chicago Scavenger Featured in the Chicago Tribune

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 9, 2022June 27, 2022

I shared the idea for the book, choosing the sites, and what I hope readers gain from the book.

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Jessica Mlinaric walks down Chicago's wood block alley
Architecture, Chicago, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Chicago’s Wood Block Alley

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 16, 2021January 5, 2024

Chicago’s Gold Coast is hiding some unlikely history.

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Arts, Italy, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: Italy’s Colorful Chapel of Barolo

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 26, 2021January 28, 2021

A colorful chapel is hidden in the Italian countryside

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Author Jessica Mlinaric at Oak Woods Cemetery
Chicago, Media Appearances, My Books

Touring Chicago’s Mass Grave with WGN Morning News

by Jessica Mlinaric / November 16, 2020November 22, 2020

Did you know that the largest mass grave in the Western Hemisphere is in Chicago? Check out this little-known Civil War history.

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Jessica Mlinaric's book Secret Chicago is now available
Chicago, My Books

‘Secret Chicago’ Book Now Available!

by Jessica Mlinaric / April 1, 2018August 7, 2019

‘Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure’ is now available from Reedy Press! Learn how I uncovered Chicago’s secrets for the book and how to connect at upcoming events.

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Hero Coffee is located in a private Chicago alley
Chicago, Culture, Secret Spot

Secret Spot: A Hidden Coffee Shop in Chicago’s Loop

by Jessica Mlinaric / January 30, 2018January 17, 2025

This little-known coffee shop is located inside a slice of Chicago history.

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Photo of the cafe at 8Arm in Atlanta
Atlanta, Culture

New Southern Brunch at Atlanta’s 8ARM

by Jessica Mlinaric / May 11, 2017January 6, 2025

8ARM feels like your cool kid friend is cooking for you.

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Photo of weathered doors in New Orleans' French Quarter
Architecture, New Orleans

Doors of New Orleans

by Jessica Mlinaric / March 15, 2017July 19, 2017

Peek inside the Crescent City with a look at its gorgeous doorways.

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Photo of coffee at Caficultura in San Juan
Culture, San Juan, Travel Guide

Breakfast 3 Ways in Old San Juan

by Jessica Mlinaric / February 28, 2017January 6, 2025

The capital of Puerto Rico starts the day with a good breakfast.

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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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