2509, 2011

Sterling State Park, Michigan

Scenic Earth
374

Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie, Sterling State Park in Monroe, offers lakefront fun including camping, swimming, fishing, and boating. Other attractions include hiking and bicycle trails through the nearby woods and wetlands. This eScapes video features a peaceful sunrise over the lake: a scene usually reserved for lakefront campers and those who make it to the park before the crowds arrive. Marc Antoine is contemporary jazz guitarist. Though gifted from a young age, his playing was threatened by a serious accident to his left hand while he was a teenager. Despite a grim prognosis, Antoine recovered to become one of today’s leading jazz guitar acts. Currently living in Spain, Antoine frequently tours with other

2409, 2011

Detroit, Michigan (Skyline at Dusk)

Detroit, Michigan is known as the “Motor City” so it may be appropriate that the standout on its skyline is the Renaissance Center housing the headquarters of General Motors. In this relaxing view from across the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario, the glossy dark facade of the Renaissance Center is a sharp contrast to the older buildings that make up the rest of downtown. Other landmarks visible in this video include Cobo Center on the far left, and the Detroit Princess, a riverboat offering dinner and entertainment cruises on the Detroit River since 2005. Marion Meadows is a smooth jazz saxophonist and composer. Skilled with both the tenor and soprano saxophones, Meadows has collaborated with jazz

2209, 2011

Put-In-Bay, Ohio at Night

American Cities
534

Put-In-Bay, Ohio, on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island, is a tourist hotspot during the boating season. Put-In-Bay attracts millions of visitors each year, although its permanent population is only about 130. Once a pivotal port during the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, this “Key West of the North” is also known for its nightlife and the many bars and pubs that light up the night with neon signs. Chris Botti is a contemporary jazz trumpeter who has become one of the top-selling instrumental artists of the 21st century. His performances blend pop, jazz, and classical music– resulting in a style that reaches beyond only jazz audiences. Links Put-In-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau

2209, 2011

San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge)

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is instantly recognizable and a symbol of the entire city. Almost as famous (and seen in the foreground of this video) is the frequent ocean fog that blankets the city and the bridge. San Francisco Bay’s fog is one of the reasons for the bright red/orange color of the bridge, formally called “International Orange.” The distinctive color is more apparent to passing boats and ships and also complements the surrounding landscape. The bridge and other San Francisco landmarks can be seen from Pier 39, a popular destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The 300-berth Pier 39 Marina serves boaters of all kinds, and offers relaxing boat tours of the bay. Nestor

2109, 2011

Point Vicente Lighthouse

Lighthouses
410

Standing tall over California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Vicente Lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1926, although it was reduced to a mere 25 watts during World War II. Today, like most currently active lighthouses, the Point Vicente Light has been modernized with electronic equipment. Also like many lighthouses, it is rumored to be haunted! A small museum sits on the grounds and it and the tower are opened to visitors once a month. Marc Antoine is contemporary jazz guitarist. Though gifted from a young age, his playing was threatened by a serious accident to his left hand while he was a teenager. Despite a grim prognosis, Antoine recovered to become one of today’s leading

2009, 2011

Lake Tahoe

Scenic Earth
435

Sitting on the border of California and Nevada, the two-million-year-old Lake Tahoe has been recognized for its beauty since before the country’s westward expansion. Early pioneers, like the Indians at the site before them, were impressed by the calming lake and within a few decades, the site had become a favorite vacation destination for wealthy western families. Today, the shores of Lake Tahoe host a large resort culture of hotels, casinos, and ski lodges. These attractions are kept just far enough from the lake as to not damage the pristine beauty of the lake, which attracts countless boaters each year. Those who haven’t seen Lake Tahoe in person yet better hurry– the lake will be completely

1909, 2011

Port of Los Angeles

Shipwatching, World Cities & Harbors
422

The port of Los Angeles began as a small port used by Spanish traders. Over the centuries, it has developed into what is now the largest shipping port in the United States. This eScapes video features an APL shipping vessel making its way out to sea, loaded with containers. Freighters like this are a common sight in the port, but it also serves recreational boaters and is one of the largest cruise ship ports in the country, providing homeport to Carnival, Disney, Princess, and Norwegian cruise lines. Andy Snitzer is a jazz saxophonist who has toured with many popular artists including the Rolling Stones and Paul Simon. Also an accomplished producer, his solo work blends a

1809, 2011

Madison, Wisconsin

American Cities
398

This relaxing view of Madison, Wisconsin could easily be mistaken for a view across an inlet of Lake Michigan– except Madison lies in the middle of the state, removed from the Great Lakes. Still, Wisconsin’s capital has great lakes of its own: the “Four Lakes” of Mendota, Menona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa surround the city. Looking at the downtown skyline, the Wisconsin State Capitol is impossible to miss. This is no accident; a local law prohibits any buildings within a mile to be taller than the capitol dome’s pillars. Although low, the downtown skyline remains dense with government buildings, the University of Wisconsin, and more. Joyce Cooling is a contemporary jazz guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. She has

1709, 2011

Dana Point, California

Tropical Beaches
372

Dana Point is a California city known for its miles of beaches. A relatively new city, it was first settled in the early 1900s and not incorporated as its own city within Orange County until 1989. Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr., a seaman who took note of the area while sailing on the merchant ship Pilgrim in 1840. Today, a replica of Pilgrim can be seen at the Ocean Institute at the west end of the harbor. Sixty miles south of Los Angeles, Dana Point is a perfect place to relax by the seaside, but it is also known as a great surfing destination away from the crowds found at more famous

1609, 2011

Feather River Canyon

Scenic Earth
425

The Feather River Canyon is a popular scenic driving route in Plumas County, California. A few sights along this route are particularly famous. One of them, featured in this video, is the intersection of the Tobin bridges over the Feather River. The upper bridge carries trains over the lower bridge, which carries automobile traffic. This location can be especially breathtaking as trains pass through the canyon. Even when they don’t, the interaction of this evergreen landscape, rushing river, and criss-crossing bridges can be a beautiful and relaxing scene in itself, as evidenced by this video. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He has released several albums since the 1990s and been a frequent accompanist and