Episode 110 – Stick Your Nose In A Travel Book – Round Trip With Colleen Kelly
February 16, 2024
Start planning your next trip! On this episode of Round Trip, Colleen and Megan are joined by three authors who write about travel. Jessica Mlinaric shares a guide to secret spots across Chicago.
Chicago Scavenger with author Jessica Mlinaric – Chicago History Podcast
July 22, 2023
I had the pleasure of speaking with local author Jessica Mlinaric about her book Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago’s Hidden Treasures. Have a listen, and get a copy of the book for yourself!
“Chicago Scavenger” Invites You to Explore and Discover Chicago – Splash Magazines
June 14, 2023
Be inspired by Mlinaric’s Chicago Scavenger guide and solve the 342 riddles that make Chicago the #1 city in our hearts and a top tourist destination.
OTL #861: Chicago Scavenger – Outside the Loop Radio
April 15, 2023
Mike Stephen talks to local author Jessica Mlinaric about her new book, Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago’s Hidden Treasure.
Book Review: Chicago Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Chicago’s Hidden Treasure – Windy City Review
October 12, 2022
“The things you walk by everyday will hold new meaning. A neighborhood you have never ventured to could now hold new intrigue after flipping through the riddles and images.”
Literary Local – Glancer Magazine
October 1, 2022
Decipher riddles in rhyme and track down photos leading to over 300 hidden gems, including little-known museums, vibrant public artworks, nature areas, overlooked historical markers, charming cafes, and architectural oddities.
Be Your Own Tour Guide with New Book, “Chicago Scavenger” – Concierge Preferred
September 7, 2022
This interactive guide provides a comprehensive look into the Windy City’s many jewels. Author Jessica Mlinaric, Wicker Park native and founder of urbnexplorer.com, displays her passion for exploration, photography and culture so readers can connect with the beloved city she calls home.
Explore iconic Chicago neighborhoods in new interactive book – WGN The Chicago Scene
September 5, 2022
The new book, “Chicago Scavenger” will get you out in different parts of the city and help you explore the hidden gems of Chicago’s neighborhoods.
‘Chicago Scavenger’ book encourages readers to explore 17 city neighborhoods – WBBM
August 28, 2022
A book on the hidden treasures of Chicago encourages people to get out and explore 17 neighborhoods while following clues.
Interactive Book Aims to Get Chicagoans and Visitors Out to City’s Lesser-Known Treasures – WTTW
August 18, 2022
From America’s greenest restaurant to the tallest church building in the world, to the site of the first International Special Olympics Games, Chicago-based writer and photographer, Jessica Mlinaric, invites Chicagoans and tourists alike to explore the city through its hidden gems in her latest book, “Chicago Scavenger.”
New Book Leads Reader on a Hunt for Chicago’s Hidden Gems – WCIU
August 18, 2022
The book has riddles that lead to more than 300 Chicago locations, including the United States’ first Black art museum and a bed and breakfast run by monks.
Author Jessica Mlinaric on her book ‘Chicago Scavenger’ – Good Day Chicago
May 21, 2022
Author Jessica Mlinaric talks about her book “Chicago Scavenger” with Good Day Chicago weekend anchors Elizabeth Matthews and Mark Strehl.
Jessica Mlinaric, Author of Secret Chicago – Bridging Chicago
March 10, 2022
Reaching many different neighborhoods and landmarks, Jessica’s book, Secret Chicago, will uncover some of the weird, wonderful and obscure locations that make Chicago truly unique. Her adventurous spirit and infectious energy makes her an amazing tour guide and author, painting a picture most of us never imagined.
Eye on Travel: Chicago – Peter Greenberg
February 26, 2022
Jessica Mlinaric, Author of Secret Chicago and Chicago Scavenger, shares some of Chicago’s must-see hidden gems.
Discover Chicago’s Secret Side in This New Guidebook – Midwest Living
August 2, 2021
A Chicago transplant reveals—and revels in—her adopted city’s surprising secrets.
The Great Chicago Quiz Show (Episode 4) – WTTW
April 18, 2021
Geoffrey Baer puts contestants from across Chicago to the test as they contemplate all things Chicago. In this episode, we ask: where’s the station to board the “Soul Train”? We look for the Jewels in Chicago’s crown, and we dig up some dirt in a backroom deal.
Jessica Mlinaric’s “Secret Chicago” Book Sheds Light on Hidden Attractions – Splash Magazines
March 24, 2021
A new book outlines some of Chicago’s most intriguing secret places for both tourists and long-time residents. The author has offered her top 10 Must-See secret spots in Chicagoland.
Libraries to Host Virtual Lectures on ‘Secret Chicago’ – Chicago Daily Herald
February 25, 2021
Chicago author and photographer Jessica Mlinaric is set for another round of virtual library discussions on her book “Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.” It explores the Windy City’s quirks, secrets and mysteries.
‘Secret Chicago’ Author to Share Unknown Parts of the City’s Past – The Times of Northwest Indiana
February 20, 2021
Jessica Mlinaric’s “Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” is full of interesting bits of Chicago history that you may not have heard about before or would not have learned in history class.
The Silence of Chicago’s Past is Deafening at Oak Woods Cemetery in Greater Grand Crossing – WGN Morning News
November 13, 2020
Oakwoods Cemetery is one of the more significant historic cemeteries on Chicago’s South Side with burial sites of renowned figures like Mayor Harold Washington, civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, and Olympian Jesse Owens. It is also the site of the final resting place of up to 6,000 Confederate soldiers, the largest mass grave in the Western Hemisphere.
Go on a Spooky Graveyard Scavenger Hunt – Chicago Magazine
September 22, 2020
Jessica Mlinaric, author of Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, would like you to commune with the dead this Halloween by seeking out these seven macabre finds.
The Hidden Gems Across Chicago & In Every U.S. Town – Viewpoints Radio
Septeber 20, 2020
Suffering from a travel bug that can’t be quenched this year? Chicago writer, Jessica Mlinaric believes that if you look hard enough you don’t have to leave your community to experience something new.
Did You Know that Mead is Considered to Be the Oldest Alcoholic Beverage on the Planet? – WGN Morning News
August 31, 2020
We’re getting a tour of a meadery and a tasting of all things mead at Wild Blossom Meadery with author Jessica Mlinaric.
Remnants of the World’s First Nuclear Reaction Buried in Chicago Area Forest Preserve? Red Gate Woods Has the Secret – WGN Morning News
August 11, 2020
Today’s adventure has us heading to Red Gate Woods to find a piece of US history. Remnants of the Manhattan Project are still buried beneath the markers. It’s a free adventure while learning a little bit of Chicago history.
Secrets of Chicago: Hidden Spots You Probably Didn’t Know About – NBC Chicago
August 6, 2020
You may think you know all about Chicago, but have you heard of these hidden spots? Jessica Mlinaric, author of “Secret Chicago,” shared with “Chicago Today” some of her top picks to visit in the city if you want to feel like a tourist in your own town.
Bored of Quarantine? Secret Chicago Provides Adventure Guide – Matt Bubala Show, WGN Radio
June 27, 2020
Jessica Mlinaric is a Chicago writer, photographer, and marketer. Her book, Secret Chicago about hidden gems around the city. Visit Jessica’s website for information on how to purchase the book.
‘Secret Chicago’ Will Keep You Busy for Hours as You Make Your Way Around Your Neighborhood Walk – WGN Morning News
May 20, 2020
Now that our travel is limited, a quick walk around the neighborhood has taken on a new significance. Jessica is sharing some spots from the book that can be enjoyed outside from a distance while you’re getting some air and tagging it #secretsocialdistancing.
‘Secret Chicago’ Author to Discuss Unique Chicago Sites During Online Book Chat – Chicago Daily Herald
May 4, 2020
Mlinaric hopes that her book “can still give a sense of discovery and inspiration even though your ability to travel is limited right now.”
A Safe, Secret Walking Tour of Chicago – Do312
April 22, 2020
Author Jessica Mlinaric is back with a list of Chicago gems that you can get to within walking distance while still practicing social distancing.
Jessica Mlinaric, Author of Secret Chicago Book – Dean Richards Show, WGN Radio
October 27, 2019
Jessica Mlinaric, author of Secret Chicago Book, talks about her book and some of the spooky secret stories within. From the Oak Woods Cemetery to the Museum of Surgical Science, the Secret Chicago Book has plenty of interesting stories from the endlessly interesting city of Chicago. Listen to Mlinaric preview a few of the stories in her full conversation with Dean.
Author Discusses Hidden Chicago Gems – Matt Bubala Show, WGN Radio
August 30, 2019
So, you think you know Chicago? Author Jessica Mlinaric joins the Matt Bubala Show to discuss her book, Secret Chicago. We learn about Mlinaric’s favorite spots and why these gems made it into her book.
Episode 45 – Secret Chicago – Trip Sisters
April 20, 2019
Secret Chicago author Jessica Mlinaric offers tips on unique things to do in Chicago that surprise even the Trip Sisters.
Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure – Rick Kogan Show, WGN Radio
February 5, 2019
You think you know Chicago? Jessica Mlinaric begs to differ as she talks about her book, Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
Are there any secrets left for us to discover about Chicago? Find out in ‘Secret Chicago’ – Chicago Tribune
January 21, 2019
“I was surprised and delighted to find in the book a few things that were new to me, and likely will be to many of you.” – Rick Kogan
Chicago’s Cool People and… Secrets – Jetting Around
July 29, 2018
Author Jessica Mlinaric teamed up with Jetting Around to spill a few of Chicago’s secrets and give away a copy of her book, Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
Unique Places to Take Dad for Father’s Day – WGN Morning News
June 4, 2018
Jessica Mlinaric, the author of Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, joined the WGN Weekend Morning Show with some ideas for Father’s Day that you may not have thought of.
Quiz: Chicago’s Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure Places – Chicago Tribune May 6, 2018
How well do you know Chicago? Jessica Mlinaric, Wicker Park resident and author of “Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure” has compiled Chicago locales you may or may not know about. If you want to test your knowledge, make a go of it.
Shipwrecks and Sex Antiques? Chicago’s Weird and Wonderful Places Highlighted in New Book – Chicago Tribune
May 4, 2018
The new release offers answers to a variety of things you didn’t know you didn’t know about Chicago. Case in point, Mlinaric learned the world’s first nuclear reactor is buried in a Chicago forest preserve. Another tidbit the urbnexplorer.com blogger unearthed in her research for her book: Chicago’s connection to gospel music.
Chicago’s Weird & Wonderful Secret Spots – Feast of Fun
May 2, 2018
As people plan their summer getaways, many folks who enjoy the podcast write to us to ask: “what should I do while I’m in the Windy City?Joining us to talk about some of Chicago’s hidden gems is writer Jessica Mlinaric whose new book, Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird Wonderful, and Obscure is now available.
Book Review: Secret Chicago – Windy City Review
April 25, 2018
Even if you think you know Chicago well and are familiar with some of its out-of-the-way haunts, you would be surprised to learn from this book about many more hidden gems, quirky attractions, and lonely landmarks that have stayed below the radar—until now.
Interview: Third Coast Talks Secret Chicago with Jessica Mlinaric – Third Coast Review
April 21, 2018
We got a chance to sit down with friend, colleague and author Jessica Mlinaric to talk about her book, Secret Chicago and found out what her inspirations were, how she picked places, and what other amazing secrets Chicago holds.
Author Jessica Mlinaric Explores Chicago’s Hidden Treasures in Her New Book – WGN Morning News
April 4, 2018
There’s more to Chicago than meets the eye. From a circus in a church to a grave in a junkyard, author Jessica Mlinaric uncovers 90 “weird, wonderful and obscure” destinations around the Windy City even locals may not know about. Mlinaric’s book Secret Chicago is available now online.
Beyond The Bean: Your Top Chicago Spring Break Recs – WBEZ Morning Shift
March 28, 2018
Morning Shift talks to Jessica Mlinaric, author of Secret Chicago: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure, about her top recommendations. We also open the phones to hear listeners’ favorite Chicago hidden gems.
OTL #599: Loyola University strike, Secret Chicago, Chi Teen Lit Fest preview – Outside the Loop Radio
April 7, 2018
This week Mike Stephen reveals his debut on the local podcast Improvised Star Trek, dives into the contract negotiations between the Non-Tenured-Track (NTT) faculty and Loyola University Chicago, chats with local author Jessica Mlinaric about her new book Secret Chicago, and previews the Chicago Public Library’s ChiTeenLitFest.
Seven Secret Chicago Art Displays – Do312
March 29, 2018
Chicago’s beauty goes deeper than surface level. You probably have a million reasons why you like this city. We do, too. But what about the reasons to love it that you don’t even know about yet? Local author Jessica Mlinaric explores dozens of unknown and bizarre gems around town in her new book Secret Chicago: A Guide To The Weird, Wonderful And Obscure. To celebrate the book’s April 1 release, Mlinaric gave us a sneak peek of the types of surprises you can find in Secret Chicago.