Mackinac Island, Michigan

American Cities
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Watch full HD version of this single song sample episode on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel #452 While summer resorts are common, none have the quaint historic charm of Michigan’s Mackinaw Island. Situated between the state’s two peninsulas, this relaxing island has been drawing tourists since Victorian times with its beautiful scenery and leisurely culture. The well-preserved historic buildings of the island, and its complete lack of motor vehicles, give Mackinac a “stuck in time” atmosphere that was famously captured in the 1980 film Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. Away from the antique buildings of downtown, most of the island is undeveloped, with 80% preserved as Mackinac Island State Park. Mackinac Island’s

Auckland, New Zealand (Albert Park)

Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 New Zealand’s capital, Auckland, is one of the most scenic large cities in the world. Surrounded by beautiful harbors, lush volcanic hills, and even a rainforest, the city also has beauty within its limits. Striking architecture is everywhere, framed by city parks that provide attractive relaxation spaces. This eScapes scene takes you to Auckland’s Albert Park, adjacent to downtown. A notable feature here is the bronze statue of Queen Victoria, erected in 1899. Looking towards the city, the impressive Sky Tower can be seen towering above the skyline, from

Dallas, Texas

Founded in 1841, Dallas, Texas has a tradition of entrepreneurs and big business. The first western settler, John Neely Bryan, chose the Dallas area as a spot for a trading post, selling to American Indians and other settlers. Later, farming, ranching, and oil industries swelled the town’s population through the early part of the 20th century. Today, Dallas is a business capital with an emphasis on banking, communications, technology, health care, and logistics. Two of the world’s most profitable companies, AT&T and Exxon Mobil, are headquartered in the city. This eScapes scene features a look at the Dallas skyline and views from downtown’s Dealey Plaza. Though best known for its notorious connection to the 1963 assassination

The Toledo Zoo Aviary

Founded in 1900, when its only exhibit was a single woodchuck, Ohio’s Toledo Zoo has come a long way to become a nationally recognized institution. Now home to over 9,000 animals from over 800 species, the Toledo Zoo not only promotes family fun, but the conservation of the natural world. One of the oldest buildings at the Toledo Zoo, built during the Depression-era Works Progress Administration, is the award-winning Aviary. The Aviary was remodeled in 1998 to include walk-through exhibits and new interpretive areas, some of which can be seen in this eScapes video. Joe McBride is a smooth jazz pianist and singer. A Missouri native, McBride released his debut album in 1992 and has also

Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park

The most accessible mountain area in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge offers spectacular views of the park and numerous hiking opportunities. Miles of forested land, rugged mountains, wildlife, and wildflower meadows greet park visitors year-round. Named “Hurricane Ridge” for its frequent strong wind gusts (over 75 miles an hour), this location receives up to 35 feet of snow each year. The weight of this snow discourages tree growth along much of the ridge, creating open meadows and bare slopes like those seen in this sample video. During the winter, the road to Hurricane Ridge mostly remains open, though often threatened by the risk of avalanches. Ski and snowshoe rental is offered at the ridge’s visitor center.

Château Margaux, France

Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 Bordeaux’s Chateau Margaux is one of the most prestigious wine producers in France. Though its history dates back to the 12th century, it wasn’t until the 1570s that the grounds were used as a vineyard. The beautiful chateau itself wasn’t built until the 19th century but it’s already become a French historical monument, as well as a monument to the French winemaking tradition. Chateau Margaux wines are known throughout the world and have a price to match their reputation. In 2011, bottles of Margaux ranged from $225 to $2,400.

Duluth Canal Lighthouses at Sunrise

The Duluth-Superior Harbor on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin is the busiest bulk cargo port on the Great Lakes. But, in the early hours of the day, the waterfront becomes a therapeutic escape from the frantic activity of the rest of the day. The entrance to the Duluth-Superior ship canal is marked by two historic lighthouses: the Duluth North Pierhead Light and the Duluth South Breakwater Light. The southern light has served the port’s freighters since 1874, but the narrowness of the canal and frequent foggy conditions necessitated a second light to the north, first lit in 1910. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

The modern steel tower and well-maintained grounds of the Whitefish Point Lighthouse leave little hint that the light is 150 years old and the oldest active light on Lake Superior. Originally built as a stone tower in 1848, the lighthouse was replaced with its current design in 1861, after the opening of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. The broad framework legs of the tower are designed to withstand high winds and storms from the lake. Lake Superior’s severe storms are responsible for another feature at Whitefish Point: the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on the lighthouse grounds. Whitefish Point neighbors the most hazardous part of Lake Superior, where the most vessels have been lost. One

Isaac Ludwig Mill, Ohio

From 1868 to 1970, the historic Isaac Ludwig Mill at the Maumee River and Erie Canal near Toledo, Ohio, was an operational saw and grist mill, powered exclusively by water turbines (although a backup steam engine added in 1900 provided power during flood conditions). Today, the mill has been restored to its original condition and is a prominent attraction inside the Providence Metropark. Visitors can see demonstrations of the mill’s equipment, buy mill-ground flour and cornmeal, and see the mill’s powerful saw. Doc Powell is a Grammy-nominated guitarist who has built a legacy as a musical chameleon. His signature guitar sound has been featured in over 140 recordings by some of the premier stars in pop,

Colorado Springs

Visitors to Colorado Springs, near the foot of Pike’s Peak, would not be surprised to learn that this area originally inspired America, The Beautiful. Beauty is not in short supply in this amazing natural setting, where millions of years of prehistoric lake sediment and alpine glaciers have carved the landscape into a beautiful series of hills, mountains, and lakes, punctuated by impressive mountains. This landscape lends itself to skiing, hiking, and biking. The tradition of outdoor recreation in Colorado Springs might be one of the reasons why it is the site of the United States’ Olympic Committee and Olympic Training Center. Fourplay is a jazz “supergroup” formed in 1990. Permanently featuring jazz keyboard legend Bob James,