San Francisco Engagement

Old Apr 17th, 2004, 07:30 PM
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San Francisco Engagement

Well, I'm ready to ask my girlfriend to marry me. I'd like to pop the question when we're out there mid-May. I've been to SF a few times before, but I don't know the city well, so I need some help.
Where do you think is the most romantic place in the city? I'm not planning on the give-her-the-ring-at-a-restaurant approach. I'm thinking someplace dramatically beautiful, natural; someplace we can have time to ourselves. The performing arts center (? is that the name, in the marina district), or the Marin Highlands overlooking SF, or Muir woods, or in a helicopter ride over the city (not so quiet though, eh?). I am open to a lot of different ideas, so fire away!
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Old Apr 17th, 2004, 08:11 PM
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I think you mean the Palace of Fine Arts, which would be a cool place to propose except that it would not be particularly private.

Marin Headlands (not Highlands) has a spectacular view, but is often windy and chilly.

You could get away from the crowds at Muir Woods if you hiked off the main path. Would you consider a hike at Pt. Reyes, or somewhere like that? There's always the middle of the GG Bridge for sheer drama!

Mid-May...hmmmm...you could do it right in the middle of the Bay to Breakers!
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Old Apr 17th, 2004, 11:33 PM
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My brother in law popped the question to my sister mid-span on the GG Bridge.
I happen to like the Marin Headlands and Point Reyes. I recommend Abbott's Lagoon in Point Reyes.
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 09:11 AM
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Abbott's Lagoon is lovely. Quiet, not crowded, short and easy walk in to the beach. Take a picnic lunch. We will expect a full report after the big event, of course!
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 01:14 PM
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I agree with PamSF, the sudden quiet present at the center span of the Golden Gate Bridge is memorable experience.

It's hard to describe but as you walk towards the city, all you hear and feel is the wind across the bridge and the rushing traffic. Then you hit center span and are struck by both the majesty of the view and the overwhelming quiet. It really is spectacular. Moved me so much that I took that time to pull out the cellphone to call family and friends and I really hate to talk on the phone!

Best wishes on whatever you choose!
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 03:00 PM
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Wow! Thanks all. I NEVER expected to hear the middle of GG Bridge. I'll be thinking about that one. I've been to Point Reyes before, but just to a high bluff overlooking the water. Abbott's Lagoon sounds very intriguing (thanks Pam and Marilyn).

I'd love to hear more.

Al
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 03:05 PM
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Al, check this out.

http://www.bahiker.com/northbayhikes/abbottslagoon.html

For even more info, google "Abbotts Lagoon"
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 06:12 PM
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Not sure how far you're willing to go but goatrock state park near Jenner, north of Bodega Bay is beautiful. Right where the russian river meets the pacific, seals playing, not crowded on weekdays. You could than hop over to Korbel or one of the other nearby winerys for a celebratory toast.
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 10:13 PM
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I don't know if you're planning to head up to the wine country during your stay but I have a friend who popped the question on a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley. I have to say the GG Bridge idea sounds very dramatic (and romantic.)
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 11:09 PM
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Abbott's Lagoon is a migratory waterfowl reserve. You walk an easy 1.8(approximately) miles to the ocean beach passing green pastures(in mid may perhaps still filled with wild flowers) and a lovely lagoon. There are enormous sanddunes and a wonderful beach. The beach is such you will have a great portion of it to yourselves. There is a hill one can climb just at the lagoon. I spent one birthday watching brown pelicans from that hill for about three hours. I think they will be back from Mexico by then. It really is rather magnificent to watch them take off and land.The walk is an easy enough one you can sneak a split of champagne into your pack and carry it out with two glasses. If you are there Thursday-Sunday check out having dinner at Manka's afterwards. I'm not certain what nights are just for guests but it will be a fitting place to celebrate! You will have a drive of about 1 1/4 hours back to SF.
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Old Apr 18th, 2004, 11:12 PM
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PS: the GG Bridge as a location has made for great fun over the years with my sister and brother in law. Everything from pressed pennies celebrating the 50th bridge anniversary to christmas tree ornaments of the bridge have meant great deal to them. I will say, he fell to his knees mid span and asked her to marry him. The story goes she said "get up,Mark and I will".
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Old Apr 19th, 2004, 07:52 AM
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How about this -
Go to the lighthouse at Point Reyes (on a clear day, obviously) and propose to her from one of the observation points there. I mean, really, you can't get much further out on the western rim of the U.S. If you've ever seen the view of the Farallon Islands from there, you know what an impact this will have.

Or....for a more history-laden scene, how about Drake's Beach? I have been down on the shore there at sundown when the chalky cliffs turn rose-colored with the twilight and sworn I could feel the presence of Drake's ship there. Believe me, if I had been proposed to there, I would have been swept off my feet, and surely not just by a incoming wave!

Good luck whatever you choose - I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggestions you have received so far!
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Old Apr 19th, 2004, 02:37 PM
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If you like the sound of the ocean, here's a possibility: Go to McClure's Beach, the northern most beach of Point Reyes. Bring a picnic. Walk down to the beach. Once on the beach, go to the left all the way to the end of the beach. Walk through the cleft in the cliff and you will find yourself on a little beach with no one else there. It is generally portected from the wind by the jutting cliffs.
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Old Apr 19th, 2004, 03:44 PM
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Ah, this is why I love the Fodor's forum (I've used it and advised on Italy many times...).

Alright, I don't remember how far Point Reyes is from the city. She's just in for a short weekend (Fri pm to Sun pm) and we're meeting my dad for dinner Sat. I was planning to do this Sat afternoon, so we can all celebrate Sat at dinner. I may rent a car for points north, but dang, the middle of GG bridge sounds unique. I was also planning to get her a massage, facial, maybe haircut Sat am to pamper her prior to dragging her off
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Old Apr 19th, 2004, 03:51 PM
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oops..... prior to dragging her off on a wild adventure. I don't want it to get TOO hectic! So I was thinking a reasonable travel time is within the city and Sausalito/Tiburon/Headlands area (I hear you about the wind though for the last one). I'm still interested in the Abbott's Lagoon and the secret spot off McClure's. Both sound great. I'll need to do some readin'. How far a drive??

I have reservations at Aquarello Sat pm. Any serious thumbs up or down on that one?

Thanks for all your comments and input. BTW, this will all be May 21-23, so yes, I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes when I return.

Mille grazie,

Alfredo
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Old Apr 25th, 2004, 07:23 PM
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By the way, if it's lousy weather, anyone have any indoor suggestions?

I'm still open to other suggestions regarding possible locations.

Thanks,

Alfredo
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Old Apr 26th, 2004, 08:43 AM
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It takes about 1 1/4 hours from SF to Point Reyes. The walk out Abbott's Lagoon is about 45 minutes(It's about 1.5 miles to the beach although you will be in the midst of pasture and the lagoon sooner than that). If you can't stand the anticipation, there is a bench facing the lagoon maybe ten minutes into the walk. It will be on your left.
If you are planning to loop Tiburon, Sausalito and the Headlands, it will take you at least that long. Depending on where you are staying in SF, it could take about 30 minutes or less to make it to the Headlands if you do not include Sausalito and Tiburon first. The climb to the top of the hills(or thereabouts) will probably take you about 10-15 minutes if you park in the lot at Rodeo Beach. It is very windy. I have sipped champagne up there though and it's glorious!It might be the spot given your plans for the spa on Saturday and wanting to celebrate with your Dad that night. I haven't eaten at Aquarello but it's on my most do list.


Regarding the middle of the Bridge idea. You will have to park on either side and walk the span. You won't need a car if you do it on the SF side. You could take a cab to the SF side lot and walk from there.

Good luck!
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Old Apr 26th, 2004, 09:34 AM
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Yay - I just got in SF myself. Don't worry about the weather. That time of year there's almost no chance of rain - the most you'll have to worry about it is that it will be chilly or foggy (unlikely, but romantic in it's own way).

But, just in case, I think SF MOMA would be a dramatic indoor location. On the top level there is a bridge across the atrium. There's also a small patio that looks west across the city.

Good luck!
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Old Apr 26th, 2004, 10:45 AM
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Ooh, I kind of like that MoMA idea.

There are a few of places in Golden Gate Park that suggest themselves.

a) Shakespeare garden
b) Stow Lake maybe in the little chinese pavillion or from inside one of the little paddle boats
c) down by the windmill near Ocean Beach

Other places in the city:

Top of Twin Peaks
In the center of the labrynth at Grace Cathedral (the have one inside and one outside) or the beautiful little park across the street, which is the top of Nob Hill.

Baker or China beach looking out to the GG Bridge.
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Old Apr 26th, 2004, 06:35 PM
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I second the Twin Peaks idea - but if the fog rolls in, you're screwed. And sometimes there's tons of tourists up there, but I think it's the best view in the city.
The Windmill on the Northwest end is great, there's a beautiful garden there and I'm sure you could find a nice, quiet corner.
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