0211, 2011

San Francisco (Fisherman’s Wharf at Night)

Between the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, the famous neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf attracts locals and tourists with its nightlife. This eScapes scene presents the relaxing skyline of San Francisco at night, with the Bay Bridge in the foreground, and a view of the restaurants and storefronts on the Wharf. Joe McBride is a smooth jazz pianist and singer. A Missouri native, McBride released his debut album in 1992 and has also toured and opened for popular R&B/jazz acts including Whitney Houston and Larry Carlton. Links San Francisco Official Travel Site San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Bay Bridge Public Information Office Joe McBride Official MySpace

2610, 2011

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
476

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

2010, 2011

Avenue of the Giants, California

Scenic Earth
402

The Avenue of the Giants– US Highway 101 in Humboldt County, California– runs for 31 miles through one of the most scenic landscapes in the country. Along the way, the road cuts through Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to over 17,000 acres of old-growth coast redwood trees. These redwoods spurred much of the early settlement in the area. Settlers in the second half of the 1800 found opportunity for logging in the forest, although it could take up to a week to fell one of the giant redwoods. Much of the redwoods were eventually cut down before conservation movements were born in the early 20th century. Fortunately, preserving the forest created even more economic opportunity through

1910, 2011

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

American Cities
405

The Great Plains might not be known for large cities, but Oklahoma City is an exception. The 31st largest city in the country, Oklahoma City stands out in the center of the United States, equidistant from New York and Los Angeles. One third of Oklahoma’s entire population resides in the Oklahoma City metro area. This eScapes video tour of Oklahoma City includes relaxing views of downtown’s impressive architecture, including the striking glass facade of Leadership Square and the state capitol. One of the most famous sights in the city is the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The site of 1995’s tragic federal building bombing has been transformed into a beautiful landscaped park. A reflecting pool, less than

1810, 2011

Brandywine Falls

Scenic Earth
389

Even though Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has no shortage of natural beauty, it’s no wonder why Brandywine Falls remains one of its most popular sights. This 60-foot waterfall is not only beautiful, but educational for budding geologists who take the time to look at the thin layers of rock that create the falls’ “bridal veil” cascade. Located on the eastern edge of the national park, Brandywine Falls is surrounded by evergreens, maple trees, and hemlocks. Visitors to the park can look at the falls from various angles with the help of walkways and a pedestrian boardwalk. Jim Brickman is a songwriter and solo pianist. One of the most commercially successful adult contemporary artists, Brickman

1710, 2011

West Point Lighthouse, Washington

Lighthouses
454

Seattle’s West Point Lighthouse was built in 1881, marking the entrance to Elliott Bay and, in modern times, the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Now a part of the city’s Discovery Park, the West Point Lighthouse adds ambience to a public beach, where visitors can find a spectacular view of both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. Though federal ownership of the lighthouse ended in 2002, the U.S. Coast Guard still occupies the lighthouse’s nearby keeper’s quarters. Randy Jacobs is an instrumental guitarist and songwriter who has collaborated and appeared with not only some of the biggest names in jazz, but some of the biggest names in all of music. His solo career has blended jazz with

1410, 2011

Mt. Adams & Trout Lake, Washington

Scenic Earth
410

Even in a state full of beautiful scenery, the Cascade Mountains stand out. This eScapes video brings you a relaxing view of southern Washington’s Mount Adams from the edge of the tranquil Trout Lake, about 13 miles south of the summit. This untouched landscape is a perfect place to relax and take in the view. Just don’t sit for too long– Mount Adams is a dormant volcano and could erupt sometime in the next few thousand years. Gregg Karukas is a contemporary jazz keyboardist. After launching his solo career in the 1980s, Karukas formed a band that featured Dave Koz and Boney James, and became the original keyboardist for the Rippingtons. Now a genre favorite, Karukas

1310, 2011

Isaac Ludwig Mill, Ohio

American Cities, Scenic Earth
431

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,

1210, 2011

St. Louis, Missouri Gardens

American Cities
349

Dozens of parks are hidden in the cityscape of St. Louis, Missouri. The most famous might be the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the home of the Gateway Arch that also includes acres of landscaped grounds and two large ponds. However, the city also holds the Missouri Botanical Garden, the nation’s oldest continuously-operated botanical garden. Some views of the Missouri Botanical Garden featured in this video include the the park’s Victorian District and the domed Climatron, a tropical greenhouse that spans 24,000 square feet with no interior structural support. Earl Klugh is contemporary jazz guitarist originally from Detroit, Michigan. Since his first album in 1976, Klugh has received twelve career Grammy nominations and produced more than twenty

1110, 2011

Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse

Lighthouses
349

Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse, just south of Gulliver, Michigan on the north shore of Lake Michigan, has aided navigation on the lakes since 1892. Nearby Seul Choix Bay gets its name from the French for “only choice,” since early French settlers found it the only place appropriate to land their boats. Today, the light station is automated, owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and kept by the Gulliver Historical Society, which also operates a museum on the grounds. Ryan Fontanilla is a songwriter and acoustic guitarist based in Washington, D.C. He explores new concepts for acoustic guitar music by utilizing string, woodwind, electronic, and percussion instruments and by experimenting with unique structures. “Son of