0605, 2013

Big Sable Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
947

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest on the Great Lakes, and one of the most popular for its location within Michigan’s Ludington State Park, a popular summer getaway. The light stands on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and requires a two-mile hike (or bicycle ride) across sandy terrain or through the nearby woods. The light was first lit in 1867. The original lens has since been removed, but a 300-millimeter plastic lantern continues to shine from the 112-foot tower. Kenny G is a contemporary smooth jazz saxophonist and the most commercially-successful and well-known artist in the genre. His albums have sold more than 48 million copies in the United States alone. Kenny

0111, 2012

Baltimore, Maryland

American Cities
530

Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, blends a beautiful Atlantic harbor, a modern cityscape, and quaint neighborhoods. It is also a great historical destination: the city had a role in the onset of the American Revolution, and its harbor was significant in the War of 1812, through the Civil War, and in World Wars I and II, when it was used as a shipping and shipbuilding center. Baltimore is known as the “city of neighborhoods.” The city’s towering Washington Monument is appropriately a highlight of the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, and this eScapes scene features a few more, including Federal Hill and Fell’s Point. Finally, a statue at Federal Hill honors Major General Samuel Smith, commander of the Battle

2910, 2012

Portland, Oregon at Night

American Cities
485

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 Although it is the largest city in Oregon, Portland feels surprisingly intimate, thanks to its land-use planning, natural spaces, and implementation of light rail and bicycle routes. Though its economy centers on its port and its many technology companies, Portland might be better known as a cultural capital. The area is known nationally for its relaxed attitudes and focus on the creative and culinary arts. This eScapes scene presents a nighttime view of the city, including its many waterfronts. The distinctive clock tower building is the Jackson Tower, a

2510, 2012

Yosemite National Park (Lake & Meadow)

Scenic Earth
493

California’s Yosemite National Park is known internationally for its amazing geology, ecology, and scenery. Since 1890, it has been a destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable. This scene features just as few of the countless natural sights in the park, including the calm Tenaya Lake and the Tuolumne Meadows, where wide expanses of grasses and trees are complemented by boulders and the winding Tuolumne River. The clean water through this river is ultimately used as drinking water by San Francisco, where it requires only minimal treatment. Chris Botti is a contemporary jazz trumpeter who has become one of the top-selling instrumental artists of the 21st century. His

2210, 2012

Key West Lighthouse

Lighthouses
526

Built in 1847, the Key West Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the country. In order to reduce the threat of hurricanes, which had destroyed the previous lighthouse at Key West, this tower was placed a half-mile inland. As the surrounding trees grew, along with the city of Key West, the tower needed to be heightened twice– once in 1873 and again in 1895. The light was deactivated in 1969. Today, visitors can climb the tower, which is still tall enough to see across the Key West Historic District and out to sea. The lighthouse grounds also include a restored keeper’s quarters, which now functions as a museum. The Rippingtons is a Grammy-nominated American contemporary

1110, 2012

Ambassador Bridge (Detroit, Michigan)

World Cities & Harbors
568

American truck drivers taking cargo “south of the border” would likely be on the way to Mexico. But from Detroit, Michigan, they could also head to Canada across the Ambassador Bridge, which carries more than 25 percent of all trade between the United States and its northern neighbor. Thanks to a dog leg in the Detroit River, this is the only border crossing at which Canada lies to the south of the U.S. In this sample video, a parade of trucks crosses the bridge in both directions as the sun sets in the west. Silhouetted in the foreground is the Detroit Princess riverboat, which offers dinner and pleasure cruises along the river for public and private

0110, 2012

Mackinac Island, Michigan

American Cities
479

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

2409, 2012

Tulsa, Oklahoma at Night

Sandy Kovach
522

Tusla made its name as an oil town, but in recent years it has transitioned to a service-based economy, emphasizing cultural attractions. The city is notable for its large concentration of art deco architecture. One of the most prominent examples is the Philtower Building, which was completed in 1928 and has a pyramidal roof that can be seen illuminated in this video. Marion Meadows is a smooth jazz saxophonist and composer. Skilled with both the tenor and soprano saxophones, Meadows has collaborated with jazz and pop greats including Bob James, The Temptations, and Michael Bolton. He has also released solo albums since 1990. Links Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau The Philtower Building Wikipedia article: Tulsa, Oklahoma

1709, 2012

U.S.S. Constitution

Shipwatching
496

Few ships have as much prestige and history behind them as the U.S.S. Constitution, one of the U.S. Navy’s original six frigates, built in 1797. The Constitution was even named by George Washington himself! The U.S.S. Constitution is notable for its role in the War of 1812, scoring several sea victories against the British and emboldening the spirits of the American military. During a duel with the HMS Guerriere, British cannonballs were seen bouncing from the Constitution‘s thick oak hull, which spawned the vessel’s legendary nickname, “Old Ironsides.” The Constitution survived the War and served another four decades in the Navy before being taken out of active service in 1855. Today, the Constitution is still a

2708, 2012

Dallas, Texas

American Cities
385

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