A Memphian's Guide to Breath-taking Views of Memphis, Tennessee

I've lived in the Memphis/Mid-South area for about 16 years now, so I guess that makes me a "Memphian." I've enjoyed the many sights, sounds and flavors of Memphis throughout the years; first as a tourist and then later as a resident. Memphis is known for its music scene and food, but what many people don't know is that our city has some breath-taking views that only a true Memphian knows are in existence. As a writer who is generous with my knowledge and always excited to show a new person around, I am about to reveal a few of the best places to go to steal a beautiful view of Memphis, Tennessee.

The Roof Top at the Madison Hotel

While most tourists and even residents of Memphis are scrambling to get to the roof top of the famous Peabody Hotel where the marching ducks are kept, a privileged few are enjoying an unobstructed view of the mighty Mississippi River and the Hernando De Soto Bridge (referred to by the Memphians as the "New Bridge" or "M Bridge") from the roof top of the Madison Hotel. The Madison Hotel is located in Downtown Memphis at 79 Madison Ave. I had the pleasure of attending a wedding atop the Madison Hotel in October of 2008, when the climate was cool and not too humid. The hotel is very elegant with touches of Contemporary Blues and Jazz décor, but the view from the roof top really takes the cake! For more information on the Madison Hotel please visit: The Madison Hotel

The Roof Top at the Clark Tower

Clark Tower is an office building located at 5100 Poplar Ave in East Memphis. This 34-story high rise is very
easily visible from about 8 to 10 miles away and has a restaurant called "The Tower Room" on the 33^rd floor. The Tower Room has a beautiful view of the city, but the roof top of the Clark Tower offers a truly exquisite view of Memphis. Unfortunately, the roof is not open to the public. A few years ago I was assigned as a security officer to a post at Clark Tower during the evenings. I had keys that opened the door to the roof. As part of my duties I had to check all floors, but having access to the roof was an added perk. This breath-taking view was not for anyone susceptible to motion sickness or afraid of heights because at nearly 400 feet in the air the Clark Tower definitely sways. I spent many hours enjoying this view of the city and would have shared it if I could. For more information about The Tower Room restaurant located in Clark Tower please visit: The Tower Room

The Memphis & Arkansas Memorial Bridge

The Memphis & Arkansas Memorial Bridge is referred to by Memphians as the "Old Bridge," because it was built before the Hernando De Soto Bridge ("New Bridge"). This bridge carries Interstate 55 from Downtown Memphis, across the Mississippi River and into West Memphis, Arkansas. The "Old Bridge" features a narrow walk-carriageway along the Southside of the bridge that is accessible to pedestrians and bicycles. This walkway offers a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and Memphis that only the truly adventurous explorers can enjoy. The passing traffic is extremely close to the carriageway and makes the entire bridge feel like it is vibrating violently. Large shipping barges pass under, extremely close to the pilars that hold up the bridge, and far below on the river. If you are afraid of heights, bridges, traffic or water, this is not a good place to visit. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a picturesque sunset and an adrenaline rush, this is the best place in all of Memphis to visit! It is by far my favorite place to go as a Memphian. For more information on The Memphis & Arkansas Memorial Bridge please visit: Memphis & Arkansas Bridge

Whether you're a tourist planning to travel to Memphis, or a Memphian looking for a breath-taking view of your hometown, these are some of the best places to go to enjoy the city. Chances are very favorable that not only will you love the views, but you'll probably meet some good people there too!