My girlfriend has always wanted to go to NYC. We have a trip planned for this fall, and I'm thinking about using it as the perfect opportunity to propose to her.

I need help from those who are most familiar with NYC - what is the best place to pop the big question? I'm looking for someplace more private than public, preferably outdoors with a picturesque view. Needs to be somewhere you can go at sunset/early evening. Can anyone offer some suggestions?

Thanks for your help!

If you don't mind going very far uptown you might consider Fort Tryon Park, where the Cloisters Museum is located. It has a walking path with many relatively private areas and some benches here and there for seating. IN some paerts of the park there's a fantastic view of the Palisades (a set of cliffs on the Jersey side of the Hudson - still in a natural state and undeveloped due to their protected status). It's a lovely natural area and has appeal for many because it feels so removed from Manhattan - perhaps this doesn't fit your criteria but is worth considering.

There are some places in Central Park you can consider. One is the Conservatory Garden at 105th St and 5th Avenue. It is a place where people get married. Another place is at the far end of the Bronx - Wave Hill. It offers a great view of the Palisades and the Hudson River. If you do this in the middle of Fall you will also have the beauty of the changing colors of the leaves.

The Closters was my first thought, but since the museum closes at 5 or so, you might not feel like hanging around the park until later. How about the Staten Island Ferry coming back to Manhattan at sunset? You can't beat that view, and it could certainly be romantic; if it's early enough in the fall that sunset is still on the later side and on a weekday, the ferry will likely be uncrowded and you could find a semi-private place outside on deck.

Circle line; go to the waters edge restaurant in LIC--take their private water taxi--outside terrace at sunset with views of NYC--great!!!!
Or just a quiet spot in Central park!

I vote for the Staten Island Ferry at sunset time. Also, you could probably find a quiet corner atop the Empire State Building at night.

I recommend Central Park, in a spot called "Poet's Walk". It's a long walk lined with Elm trees, very beautiful and romantic.

Good luck.
/J

Anthony, We were engaged at the '76 bicentennial fireworks, in Battery park! It rained at "the moment", and we were engaged under a blanket on the lawn! Private moments are everywhere, NYC everywhere will be special. Plan your events, the right moment will happen! What a lovely time, enjoy yours!

All the above idea's are great but I had a few to add! At the Metropolitan Museum of Art two spots come to mind- The Temple Of Dendar or the Japanese Garden area (may be hard to find just ask for directions!)

Anthony-

I would suggest the River Cafe, right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. Don't know if they have any private rooms with a view of the city, but it's worth a shot. The setting would be very romantic! Good luck!

Another suggestion: at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the bar area on the roof has a great view of Central Park. It is really nice at sunset.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions so far. I like the ideas of the ferry and Met roof-top. Ideally though, I would love to have a great view of the entire city from up high. Are there any private viewing areas (from restaurants or public sightseeing spots) that would offer a clear view of the city from several stories up? Howard mentioned the Empire State Building, and a friend mentioned Windows on the World. Does anyone have experiences at places like these that they could share?

Try the Marriott Marquis in Times Square for a great view. They have a rooftop bar overlooking the city. I think it revolves as well.

Look at zagats under views. Also

There is a wonderful restaurant near columbia university that is very dignified, formal with city views.
TERRACE AT BUTLER HALL. but check out the restaurant in LIC that you take boat to--waterside i think.
Now for your trip report.

How about the Brooklyn Bridge. I once saw a couple dining w/an actual table & chairs including a violinist for some ambiance. Or you can do an "Affair to Remember" proposal on top of the Empire State Building. I wouldn't suggest the Circle Line or Staten Island Ferry for two reasons. 1.) Seasickness possiblity...could get very ugly. And 2.) Heaven forbid she says no...the Circle Line cruise is a very long cruise...enough said. Good luck w/the proposal!

I've been to Windows on the World a few times and, if seated by the window, it offers a great view of the City (make sure you ask to be seated by the window when making a reservation). Be sure to wear a jacket because it's required for men. After dinner (assuming that she says "yes"), you can go over to "The Greatest Bar on Earth", which is located on the other side of the same floor with the same great view, and celebrate the engagement with a drink.

Good luck!

In my recent experience (within the past two years), it's been very difficult to see the view from the bar area of Windows on the World unless you get there very early or have the patience to wait for a window table. Also, the sheer volume of tourists on the Empire State Building makes it unlikely that you'll find a quiet corner there. Check out www.bargemusic.com - it's an intimate setting (seats 125 max) with chamber music performances Thurs - Sun evenings and is on a converted barge with fantyastic views of the NYC skyline. I haven't yet attended but the photos indicate that it's a very romantic setting.

I know that you said private but

I heard one of the girls at the bank I go to mention that her boyfriend had proposed to her in NYC. He had a message come up on the board in Time Square. She had loved it.

I don't know how you would go about doing this though.

As a "native" New Yorker, there are so many fantastic spots in NYC that are recommended - a couple already mentioned. But here are mine: Top of Empire State Bldg. (open till midnight everyday) at sunset is beautiful and you can watch the city lights turn on; in a boat on the boat basin in central Park (very private) followed by a celebratory drink at the boathouse; at a really romantic restaurant - my choices in this order: Chanterelle, March, Cafe Des Artistes; in Windows on the World on the top of the World Trade Ctr. (already recommended - but sunset will probably not be busy) and if you tell the restaurant in advance - they'll most likely help participate in making your evening memorable; on a carriage ride through Central Park; on a ferry around Manhattan with the beatiful skyline in the background; in the Haydn Planetarium in Museum of Natural History right before the Big Bang; Cloisters already recommended - it's a good one; at the Bronx Botanical Gardens; at a Yankee game with the question in lights on the big board (a little too public for my taste); in a romantic hotel suite at the end of a lovely evening.

Good luck and let us know how it went! Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Lisa

I second the suggestions about Brooklyn Bridge. Great view of the city and outdoor ambience. Also, look into the Staten Island Ferry. Could be unique approach!