0308, 2011

Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas

Tropical Beaches
487

Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of the island’s lesser-known beaches and as a result is often free of the larger crowds sometimes found at more popular sites. Lines of palm trees provide a perfect frame for the ocean view and, just off the shore, rock formations add character to the sapphire-blue water. The relatively low number of visitors makes this beach a great spot for quiet relaxation, but snorkeling and recreational boating are also popular activities. Chris Standring is a jazz guitarist who has distinguished himself in the contemporary jazz realm with adventurous, lyrical compositions leavened with pure-pop perfection, dazzling guitar solos and thick beats. Though predominately influenced by

2707, 2011

Santa María del Mar, Peru

Tropical Beaches
427

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

2007, 2011

Oppenheimer Beach

Tropical Beaches
495

This relaxing beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands gets its name from J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist and researcher best known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” In the 1950s, Oppenheimer and his wife purchased a house above this beach, which was then known as Hawksnest. In 1967, Oppenheimer died and his ashes were placed in the water off of the beach. Years later, the beach was willed to the people of St. John by Oppenheimer’s daughter, Toni. The government has since managed and developed the site and decided to name it after the Oppenheimer family. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists,

1107, 2011

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Lighthouses
492

Crisp Point Light Station, in Paradise, Michigan, was first lit in 1904 and served Lake Superior ships until it was decommissioned in 1993. The light tower perfectly complements a pristine beach and dark blue water, but the strong waves of the lake, though beautiful, can be destructive. In 1996, the lighthouse lost its entrance building to coastal erosion from the lake, and the site has been the focus of many efforts to preserve or restore the coastline. Geoff Bowman is a solo pianist. “Manhattan” is a track off his debut album, Reflections. Links Crisp Point Light Historical Society Paradise, Michigan Area Tourism Council Paradise Chamber of Commerce

0707, 2011

Mendocino Cliffs, California

Scenic Earth
457

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,

0507, 2011

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Lighthouses
440

Visible for up to 21 miles, the Heceta Head Light is the brightest light on the Oregon coast– not bad for a lighthouse that has been using the same fresnel lens for 117 years. The Heceta Head Lighthouse and its keepers quarters were built in 1892 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse is said to be the most photographed in the United States and is an Oregon State Scenic Viewpoint. If ocean relaxation and the historic atmosphere don’t suit you, there’s always the opportunity for ghost hunting– the lighthouse is rumored to be haunted! Brian Culbertson is a contemporary jazz instrumentalist, songwriter,