Our son is planning on proposing in Newport in the next week or two. While they may hit a gorgeous near spring day and he could do it on the Cliff Walk, we would appreciate any other suggestions. They will be staying at the Viking Hotel. H

Hmmm....so many options.

After dinner at the Spiced Pear at the Chanler Hotel.

On the lawn facing the ocean at the Breakers.

Somewhere on Ocean Drive overlooking the water.

Not familiar with the Spice Pear-- a good dinner option-romantic setting? Any and all suggestions appreciated.

It will not be warm (40s) but at sunset on the lawn of The Castle Hill Inn (or at dinner at the same).

The Spiced Pear is an incredible restaurant. Expensive, but worth it.

http://www.spicedpear.com/

Other Options:

www.castlehillinn.com

Many places along Ocean Drive: www.oceandrivenewport.com. There's also Brenton Point.

The Chanler Inn, where the Spiced Pear is located, was formerly called Cliff Walk Manor, and is at the end of the Cliff Walk.

Let's see, a late afternoon stroll along the Cliff Walk, followed by a sunset dinner at the Spiced Pear. How could she say no?

What would your son prefer? Does he enjoy the outdoors? Beachside? surf? There's Second beach, Sachuest (nature preserve), Bretton Point. Spiced Pear is extremely formal (chintz, stuffed chairs) but excellent food. And yes, romantic but I would say for the older set. Castle Hill is outstanding, combining both the beauty and uniqueness of Newport and high-end cuisine. It is also quite romantic. Again, I would see what your son's taste is....what would he prefer.

Wyatt92 hit the nail on the head:

1. On the lawn of one of the mansions.

2. After dinner at the Spiced Pear or Restaurant Bouchard. I've never been to the Spice Pear but understand it is excellent. I've been to Bouchard's several times. It is on Thames Street. Excellent.

3. I love sitting out by the ocean at Bretton Point, but it is likely to be cold and defintiely will be windy.

4. If either are into history, he could propose at Hammersmith Farm (the Kennedys former Newport compound) or the church on Memorial Blvd. where JFK & Jackie O were married. St. Mary's ????

Any chance of bagging the Hotel Viking and staying at one of the B&Bs? There are many romantic B&Bs in Newport, the Francis Malbone House being my favorite. If your son calls ahead, I'm sure the innkeepers could help set up something extremely romantic, either at the inn or at one of the restaurants.

Rent one of those little electric boats at the Balboa Pavillion. They are easy to operate and the inner bay is very calm water.
Take her for a voyage, maybe with a little bubbly,it would be private and romantic.

This is a good question!
I would say a table by the window during dinner at Castle Hill Inn..
Anywhere along the Cliff Walk...
Private spot...behind the Eisenhower House overlooking the entrance to the bay...at the tiny lighthouse on Goat Island....
Let us know what he chooses!

The cliff walk in front of the Breakers would be perfect.

I work at the Spiced Pear and really, the atmosphere can't be beat. However, it is the MOST expensive restaurant in Rhode Island. Tell your son to go early so they can still have a view of the ocean. Also, the Spiced Pear dining room is closed Mon-Wed and Sundays are iffy. He definitely should make a reservation because if there are none on any given night then they will close the Spiced Pear dining room (they do keep the veranda/bar open, though}. Hope everything works out.

I vote for the lawn in front of the Breakers.Paul

Thanks so much for all your ideas and tips. He is coming here alone this afternoon and I will share all your suggestions with him. I will definately let you know what he chooses and how it all goes!

Just for good luck.....myself and about 5 other family members got engaged in Newport across the years and all of the marriages have been happy and long lived.

Hubby proposed to me on the beach at second beach(it was June) in 1970 and we are still going strong!!

Well guys he just left. He came here to pick up the engagement ring which he had shipped here for secrecy and safety. He had never seen the stone he bought set and he was thrilled with it. I shared all your suggestions with him and he was partial to the steps at the Breakers for this coming Friday afternoon. Let's hope for great weather. I am jsut hoping now that he has the ring in his possession he will be able to wait until Friday. I will let you all know how things turn out and if she says yes?? Thanks again for all your help. h

Well today is the day of the BIG proposal on the steps of the Breakers in Newport!! He plans to follow through despite the Nor'easter? More later with results!

That's terrific!!

Can't wait to hear how it goes!

She said "YES!"--and they are happy as clams! The weather was not good but he persevered--got down on his knee and popped the question. He said "She cried, then I cried etc" Funny stuff! It happened somewhere on the Cliff Walk but for some reason decided against the Breakers (actually she had been to the Breakers once before in the heat of the summer and had to wait in line forever-so it wasn't a pleasant memory for her) Whatever spot he chose he loves and now it is "their spot!"

They had a wonderful dinner at Prontos. His father and I had a bottle of champagne waiting, his sister sent a floral arrangement for their table and the restaurant made a complimentary dessert--chocolate ravioli in heart shape. He thought the place was quite intimate with great food and perfect for their special eveining. From my perspective I can't rave enough about the management of Pronto for their very accomodating ways. Thank you all for your help. Oh by the way she absolutely loved the ring and it fit perfectly. h