2808, 2011

Los Angeles City Hall

In a city where skyscrapers are taken for granted, Los Angeles City Hall still manages to turn heads. This seat of L.A. city government was the city’s tallest building for forty years, as new constructions were limited by building codes and earthquake stress concerns. In 1968, City Hall finally lost its title, and is now only the 28th tallest building in Los Angeles. Still, the dated art deco architecture of the building makes it prominent in a field of generic steel-and-glass towers. At night, the white masonry of the building makes it stand out even more against a dark sky. Also illuminated and the featured in this video is the Court of Historic American Flags, lining

2608, 2011

Multnomah Falls (Portland, Oregon)

Scenic Earth
425

Portland, Oregon is known for being a “green city” and indeed is full of beautiful natural places. Many of these are woven into the cityscape, but more breathtaking sights can only be found past the outskirts. In this video, eScapes takes you to the amazing Multnomah Falls. One of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls is 611 feet tall and, notably, does not dry up during the summer. Nearby paths provide visitors with views of the falls from various altitudes. Sightseers looking for a dramatic way to experience the falls might enjoy a walk over the misty Benson Bridge, as those seeking a more relaxing time watch the water from

1008, 2011

Cleveland, Ohio

American Cities
475

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

0808, 2011

Wichita, Kansas

American Cities
477

Though perhaps best known as the “Air Capital of the World,” producing nearly half of the world’s aircraft, Wichita embraces culture as well as industry. Just west of downtown, Keeper of the Plains Plaza, featured in this video, gives tribute to the Plains Indians and their traditional way of life. The site is known for its distinct pedestrian bridges and a large steel sculpture– the Keeper of the Plains— that is lit with a ring of fire for fifteen minutes each night. Another cultural landmark in Wichita is Exploration Place– a large science museum on the banks of the Arkansas River. The center features a variety of traveling and permanent exhibits, a movie theater, and more.

0608, 2011

Port Townsend, Washington

American Cities, Scenic Earth
429

Founded in the mid-1800s, Port Townsend, Washington was expected by many to become a dominant port city on the West Coast. Despite significant investment and early successes, Port Townsend was overshadowed by other northwestern cities. Lack of confidence by investors– including the Northern Pacific Railroad– caused the city to shrink into a quiet community now known for its abundance of Victorian architecture, artists, and retirees. The Port of Port Townshend Boat Haven, featured in this video, was built in the 1960s and favors smaller boats (the marina’s slips start at 20 feet). Wooden docks (instead of concrete) add to the city’s historic atmosphere, and even the boats are often wooden. In fact, Port Townshend is home

2707, 2011

Santa María del Mar, Peru

Tropical Beaches
424

The Santa María del Mar district of Peru is well known for its beautiful beaches. Just south of the country’s capital of Lima, this relaxation destination seems to have it all– pristine sand, a rolling surf from the Pacific Ocean, and a perfect boating harbor all framed by bold rocky slopes. Farther back from the beach are restaurants, a club, and numerous rental houses and apartments for seasonal visitors. Though there are not many nearby hotels, some apartments and houses can be rented for a daily or weekly term. Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An

1707, 2011

Tahquamenon Falls

Scenic Earth
482

Tahquamenon Falls is one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The upper falls shown in this video move an average of 7,000 gallons of water a second, and up to 50,000 at peak springtime flow. Against the white backdrop of ice and snow in this winter scene, the brown color of the Tahquamenon River is especially apparent. This color comes from tannin, an organic compound released by the decomposition of material from cedar swamps upriver. This color has given the falls a local nickname– “Root Beer Falls”– also given to a smaller, unnamed waterfall to the west with similar water. Andrew Ironside is a Christian minister and musician. He is the founder of

1207, 2011

London (Palace and Cathedral)

World Cities & Harbors
463

London is an undisputed global city. Its historical significance and broad influence might only be challenged by Rome, and its importance in modern times only rivaled by New York. This eScapes video features London’s most famous landmark– the Palace of Westminster and the iconic “Big Ben” clock tower. Although the Palace in its current form was only constructed in the mid-1800s, its site on the Thames River has been home to the seat of English power since the eleventh century. Also seen is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a 17th-century architectural accomplishment that helped inspire the style of the United States Capitol building. Bob Mamet is an internationally-acclaimed jazz pianist and composer. Incorporating vibrant and diverse styles into

1007, 2011

Samsø, Denmark

Scenic Earth
457

Samsø (pronounced sam-SOO) is a peaceful island in the middle of the country of Denmark. Largely agricultural, Samsø is known for its summer strawberry picking and early potato harvest. Much of the island is covered with wheat fields. Samsø is also noteworthy for its use of clean energy. After a government competition encouraged communities to switch to renewable energy, Samsø, which had traditionally relied on imported coal and gas, began producing more than 100% of its energy from renewable sources. The many wind turbines on the scenic landscape are monuments to the island’s change and progress. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band has expanded and

0707, 2011

Mendocino Cliffs, California

Scenic Earth
454

Despite its population of less than one thousand people, Mendocino, California has made a name for itself as a destination for relaxation and culture. The community’s Pacific Ocean coast features the Mendocino headlands– steep cliffs and rocky landforms protruding from the sea. Beautiful views like these have supported local bed-and-breakfasts for decades and have inspired the many artists that make their home in Mendocino. Mendocino County is also known for its fine wine and impressive forests, leading it to trademark the title, “America’s Greenest Wine Region.” Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An accomplished jazz flutist,