1008, 2011

Cleveland, Ohio

American Cities
386

Cleveland, Ohio has made great strides in reinventing itself. Historically an industrial city known for its steel industry, Cleveland now boasts a vibrant cultural scene, service industries, and tourist attractions. Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor on Lake Erie unites the new and old city with the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum. This “ship that built Cleveland” was the flagship for the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company for sixty years. Today, the ship is a floating museum, open for tours, and a venue for various cultural events. Other sights in North Coast Harbor featured in this eScapes video are the famous Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the Goodtime III, an

2307, 2011

Santa Monica Pier

American Cities
428

The Santa Monica Pier, just west of Los Angeles, has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1909 to carry sewer pipes out to sea, the pier became a recreation destination and was quickly expanded and developed by entrepreneurs. In the last century, the pier and its harbor have been home to several amusement parks, restaurants, a ballroom, a cruise ship, an illegal mob casino yacht, and the “Muscle Beach” of Jack LaLanne and Joe Gold. Today, four million tourists each year travel to the Santa Monica Pier, which now includes the Pacific Park amusement park, an aquarium, restaurants, and many street performers and artists. Away from the electricity and excitement of the pier, the nearby

0807, 2011

Detroit, Michigan (Sunset from Belle Isle)

The skyline of Detroit, Michigan is dominated by the distinctive Renaissance Center. Best known as the world headquarters of General Motors, the seven-skyscraper complex includes the Detroit Marriott, the tallest all-hotel tower outside of Asia and the tallest building in the state of Michigan. Across the Detroit River lies Windsor, Ontario. The Ambassador Bridge to Canada, another distinctive part of the Detroit skyline, has connected the two cities since 1929. More than 25 percent of all trade between the United States and Canada crosses this bridge. Herbie Russ is a Michigan native and an accomplished saxophonist, keyboardist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter. His melodic style combines smooth jazz, urban contemporary, and pop music, and his performances can