Jeremy, if your plan is to propose while exploring the city on Friday, I would highly recommend letting the emotion take you where it may. There are so many fantastic "undiscovered" sights in NYC, and you may very well come across something that makes it the perfect moment.

As you plan out your day, you may think of certain "maybe" places...but I would venture to say that if you have THE perfect place in mind, you may find yourself preoccupied rushing her to that particular place and bypassing a lot of the rest. Wait until the moment FEELS right, and just when she thinks the day can't get any better- there you are on your knee! :)

I happen to think a little bit of planning is a good idea. Otherwise Jeremy will be preoccupied all day with finding the perfect moment. That sounds more stressful to me than a little advanced planning for the perfect setting. I say keep the ideas coming! I like the Central Park idea and the museum too...

Planning or not is definitely a personal choice. I'm way too "type-A" personally to just wing it! I'd get stressed-out looking around for that moment, as cherie points out.

I'd agree with the idea of a Central Park proposal. IMO, nowhere in NYC is as romantic. It's classic. If the weather were warmer, I think the top of the Empire State Building would be great too ("An Affair to Remember," "Sleepless in Seattle").

Jeremy -
Your soon-to-be-financee is a very lucky girl. You are very considerate and romantic!!!! It sounds like this is going to be a weekend that neither of you will ever forget.

I don't have any suggestions for proposal locations (although top of the Empire State Building and Central Park both sound like great ideas).

I can't wait to hear her reaction!

Don't know what time you're arriving in NYC, but what about a helicopter ride and proposing in the air?

I arrive just before 1pm...there are so many ways to do it in New York I am learning.....heck, I could do it right outside the busy train station as a kickoff to "Engagement Weekend," the middle of Times Square, just about anywhere...I am very excited.

The concierge, Chris, at the W Union Square has been unbelieveable. He has emailed me at least twice a day to check on my plans and with advice. Really above and beyond. Made me a reservation at Union Square Cafe in the event we don't want to do Daniel that night. I guess Union Square is a good spot also, I called to get a 8:30 there either night with no luck, but he got it for me.

The lean right now is central park with some privacy, going to search for a good spot in the park.

Is it a bit sad that we all seem to be as excited as you are???
I feel like I'm getting engaged.
Go Jeremy - if you can make us all feel this nervous and excited for you - imagine how Mrs Jeremy will feel !!..

No kidding. This is fantastic!

Whooohoooo! Go Jeremy and furture Mrs Jeremy!

Jeremy, I found the coolest thing to help you in your search for a great romantic place in central park.... go to www.centralpark.com
Then click on "Maps" and there's an interactive map (which uses satellite imagery) and you can zoom in and see all the famous places in the park, read info about each, look at pictures, etc. It's TOO cool. Anyway, check it out... maybe this will help.
Carol

Carol....that is awesome!!! Thank you!

So last night we are watching the NCAA tournament games (what a woman right, she really could probably care less but pretends she does AND cheers for my teams. But I do put up with a lot of Laguna Beach and other weird shows)...anyway, it was just killing me! I was dying to drop a hint.

I am almost positive she knows I am planning something for next weekend. I did ask her to not make any plans so we could spend some time together before her new job, and she asked if we would be leaving town. I lied and told her we would just hang in DC.

Friday's are awesome, great for research since I have worked my a** off this week!

Thanks again, glad you all are feeling it like I am. I promise to post after with the full rundown. Her and I could have a blast doing just about anything. Heck, we made a fort a few weeks back and just holed up in my condo for the weekend and had a blast!

This however, will be awesome.

Oh, and as a bonus, I totally forgot about my tax refund. Meeting with my tax person today so that is definitely going to add to the weekend. Isn't amazing the way things work sometimes?

Dude, you are soooooo right about the refund....Mine was posted overnight....Now I'll spend the weekend thinking how to spend it...hmmmmm....:D

Don't drop any more hints to her!
She will love all the surprises.

Good luck and congratulations in advance.

check out luxury link... we bid and won a suite in the towers at the ny palace for my 40th birthday. the same package is up for bid, follow the link below. it was an amazing and extremely luxurious experience. if you win the auction for the opening bid, it is a very good deal (and includes taxes which really add up to a lot in nyc AND an incredible breakfast and other stuff too).

http://www.luxurylink.com/auctions/a...892&save=1

if you bid, call the hotel first to make sure they have space. we stayed there over thanksgiving which you would think would have been blacked out but it wasn't... they were VERY accomodating.

You all make very good points that NOT planning a proposal site might in fact be more stressful.

I just want to clarify that while I think it's good to have an option in mind, if the mood strikes you, don't be afraid to change plans and go with the emotion of the moment!

Here is a little thought. One of the more romantic places in NYC is the park in Brooklyn Heights. You can see the whole NYC skyline from this park. You can access this area via the Brooklyn Bridge. If the weather warms up and the winds die down, you might consider walking the bridge. There is also nice restaurant there called the River Cafe. They claim to see more engagements than any other restaurant in NYC.

When I got I engaged in NYC, my husband booked a show at the Algonquin Hotel. Harry Connick, Jr. played here early in his career to give you an idea of the type show they produce. The whole place gives a sense of a bygone era.

Oh, and good luck. This is really sweet that you are putting so much thought into this.

Jeremy,

How's it going? did you manage to hang out over the weekend and not say anything? you must be getting soooo excited. Let us know how you are going.

I did well, but was definitely aided by the fact I have a pretty bad cold so I spent most (make that all) of the weekend on the couch. Oh well, at least it means I will be 100% for this coming weekend!

Let's see...any new info??? Well, my bigger than expected tax return allowed me to upgrade us to the Acela for our trip. I made a reservation for Buddakan for Saturday night, that really sounds like a cool, new place.

I just need to narrow down the place where I pop the question in the next few days. I am definitely taking all of these into consideration so thank you very much! Central Park is in the lead but given how awesome you all have been with suggestions, I am defnitely open.

Haircut, drycleaning and the other essentials are getting taken care of today!

Jeremy

Flyingmaltese, that is a pretty sweet idea! I just found a site with pictures of the park and the walk along the bridge. Didn't know you could take the walk along the bridge. Here's the thing, we get to the hotel around 1pm Friday and I want to do it that afternoon. Wonder how long it would take me to get from the W Union Square to the brooklyn bridge, walk across, spend some time in the park and maybe have a glass of wine somewhere nearby..then take transportation all the way back since we will have already walked one way on the bridge.

If time allows, that is a very cool idea. I have seen pictures from that park before, just never knew that it was from there.

Jeremy

Weird to think I am going to be living out this thread in about 4 days time!

You should see how the weather is before walking the bridge. It can definitely get very windy there. In fact, it could windy at Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Proposing outdoors might not be comfortable with your cold. The weather is still quite windy in NYC.

How about proposing at a romantic spot of a NYC museum. The Met is very popular but might be too crowded with tourists. A good place in the Met might be the armory collection--you could be her knight in shining armor. The temple in the Egyptian collection is pretty and was a film scene for When Harry Met Sally, but this section is often crowded. There is an European Sculpture and Decorative Arts wing, which I always like to visit because there are floor to ceiling windows of Central Park, and this area is usually calm.

A lot of proposals happen in restaurants. You have a restaurant reservation at Daniel's. That is an excellent restaurant, and I am sure that they can help with a creative marriage proposal. My friend's husband had ordered a bottle of champagne, and he had the waiter put the engagement ring in the glass so that it would ride with the bubbles. He got down on one knee as the waiter poured the champagne. No girl could refuse a proposal like that.

Also, be flexible with wedding proposal plans. My husband proposed to me at an outdoor site in NYC. He chose the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building, despite an elevated terror alert for NYC. Once on the Observation Deck, we could see helicopters clustered where there was the greatest terror threat. There were 3 helicoptors above the Financial District, 2 helicoptors above the Plaza on Central Park, 1 helicoptor above Yankee stadium, and 8 helicoptors surrounding the Empire State Building. At least we learned how King Kong felt.

Remember, if you are planning an outdoor proposal spot, have an indoor Plan B if it doesn't work out because of bad weather.

Jeremy,

You can do what my Jeremy did last June . . .

http://www.alphadreams.com/pics/proposal/proposal3.jpg

It was amazing!

arod, ohmygod, how cute do you both look. I feel old. Jeremy you are doing well, scoff some Vitamin C and heaps of cold medicine to get you in top form. We are counting on you. Can't believe I am also going over to NYC next week - not quite the exciting trip you have planned though.!!!

Hi Jeremy,

Very excited for your plans. As you are staying at the W Union Square (great choice BTW) there is a new restaurant in another just renoved hotel on 29th/Madison. The restaurant is called "Country". The hotel/restaurant also has some great areas for having a drink. Decor is very hip/swank but luxurious. Oh also, the food is excellent.

If you are heading to the Meatpacking District, have a drink atop the Gansevoort Hotel, beautiful views of the river (but not that romantic). In the area there are some places to dine, Matsuri, Morimotos (new), Highline Thai, Vento (okay Italian), the new Del Posto (Mario Batali's restaurant).

If you head to Tribeca, you can always have a drink/dinner at Megu, an over the top Japanese restaurant. Bouley has a more casual restaurant across the street that doesn't take reservations. Also, new in the area, designed as a an Austrian cafe is Blau Gans on Duane Street. It is a great place for delicious pastries, excellent coffee, and a nice Austrian breakfast.

Congratulations, it will be wonderful. Also, there is a castle in Central Park near the Shakespeare Theater. Nice views of Central Park as well as a charming little pond.

I also wanted to add, keep the reservation at Daniel! It will be a memorable experience, and you have the reservation!! Just make sure that when they seat you, you are not relegated to the outside perimeter tables (on another level) and you are seated on the main floor. (just ask nicely and they will change your table if this happens) If you want to keep up the swank factor, head to the Carlyle Hotel and have a drink at the Bemelmen's Bar (sp?). They have romantic live music on the weekends, usually a trio.

If you want to have a drink with a view, you can also head up to the bar the Peninsula Hotel on 55th/5th Avenue. You will be smack in the middle of the city.

The cold is better today....took the afternoon off an watched a few movies, feel about 80% today.

The restaurants and lodging are complete....totally committed to those. The drink spots recommended have all been great and I am narrowing down the actual "pop the question" spot.

Megan (my girlfriend) and I always have the most fun just the two of us, but over the past 10 days it has NEVER been better in our 2+ years together. Not sure if she can sense it, or if it's just me, but regardless, I like it!

I think being engaged/married to this woman is going to suit me very very well!

Thanks again for your help....I promise you will hear from me when I return (and most certainly again before I leave). She doesn't even think I am taking off Friday from work yet as she has lunch planned with a friend. Which is perfect, as this is a friend i can call last minute and give her the scoop. So, at the very least, the start of this trip will be shocking.

Jeremy

Can Megan's friend keep a secret? If so, maybe you can involve her. Have Megan's friend take her out while you pack Megan's bag before your departure time. When Megan returns, you can surprise her with the trip, and having the bag packed is a really nice touch.

I believe that Jeremy said that a friend was packing the bag. (Which is a good idea - a friend's fiance packed her bag for a similar trip, and he was so overwhelmed that he threw in old formal dresses from college!) One more plot to get the friend involved with... Is there any way she can meet Megan the day before for a manicure? (She can always say that she has a gift certificate that she needs to use up, so Megan has to come with her, etc.) I live in fear of being proposed to when my nails are scraggly, claw-like, and not diamond-worthy...

(Oh, and speaking of clothes, you know that jackets are required for men at Daniel, right?)

Can't wait to hear how this all turns out!

Yep, her best friend is packing her bag for her so that is taken care of....she really only needs clothes for dinner Friday and her friend has a killer outfit picked out. (I have a jacket for Daniel, no worries there, but thanks for the heads up!). Part of Saturday's surprise is buying outfits together for Saturday night at Budakkan so her friend won't need to worry too much about packing. I just ordered the Sedan to the train station on Friday. I'm not even going to get her out of bed Friday morning and she will just think I am leaving for work.

Question for my fodor's posse....what do you all think about me having the W hotel pack us up a picnic lunch for two and taking that to Central Park once we arrive. I could use the site someone posted earlier to pick a location and walk there and have a nice quiet picnic. We are now showing SIXTY-THREE DEGREES for Friday which is pretty nice if you ask me! It's not Arizona, but it's 61 in DC right now and I would easily sit outside and i know she would too.

Okay, maybe that is a stretch, but it would be nice to set our bags down, head downstairs and have a picnic lunch waiting for us to take, whisk off in a cab to central park...I don't know, I think she would really love that!

Jeremy

That sounds wonderful to me! I love a good picnic. And the great thing about Central Park is that it's so big...it's easy to find a place where there aren't too many people around.

Wonderful idea!!

Sounds wonderful! Put some thought into what food/drink will be in the picnic basket...it could be really cool. And might you propose during the picnic? I think that would be a lovely setting for an intimate proposal, and then you can just celebrate, celebrate for the rest of the weekend!

I would definitely propose during the picnic...also, for background, a picnic is very "us." We often pack up a picnic, put my dog in the car, and just drive so it would be very appropriate. It also kind of takes pressure off of what place in Central Park I choose because the picnic and the overall ambiance of the park will provide the setting.

Jeremy

And actually, because it's something that the two of you do frequently, maybe she won't be totally expecting it. If she does have a clue (which you've suggested she does), she may be expecting one of the more "typical" romantic locations- Empire State Building, etc. In addition, she'll probably be very relaxed in that setting. The small element of surprise could in fact make it that much more special!

Yes, perfect!

Parks (especially Central Park)and picnics will be extra special to you both in the future and very easy to replicate "the magical memories" at anniversaries.

BAM! And there you have it! I have scouted some possible covered areas should the weather turn on our picnic. The concierge at the W is sending me some items to choose from tomorrow. I want to take some champagne obviously but I don't really want to get arrested the day i get engaged. I might just have to chance it.

Okay, now my heart is racing. Leaving work in 30 to go home and look at the ring for the tenth time this week!

Jeremy

Help Needed! I am using the link provided by Carol M: http://www.centralpark.com/pages/map-it/maps.html

Where will I be entering the park if I take a cab from the W Union square to the park? I have only entered across the street from the Plaza hotel before (I think that is Central Park West). Any reference point that I can use for the cab driver and to choose my final destination in the park would be apprecaited. Thanks!

Jeremy

I'd suggest going up the WEST side and get out of the cab at Columbus Circle and walk into the park at 59th St. I would not count on it being all that nice though on Friday, since it has been a bit overcast and 63 is not all that warm yet. The nice thing about the park though is that the flowers are JUST starting to appear. I saw some daffodils and crocus on my way home tonight. Also it is dark at 6:30 and you don't want to be walking around the park after dark. How about doing the picnic on Saturday and find a nice restaurant to propose Friday night. Or get some tickets to Lincoln Center and propose at the fountain at LIncoln Center.

Keep up posted as your plans get finalized we can't wait for all the details.

I will be at the park by 3pm as i will be to the hotel by 1pm. Definitely want to do it Friday as I have a few plans already for Saturday....if the weather really ends up being 63 I will be very happy! That is more than nice enough to sit outside for an hour or two, especially somewhere as beautiful as Central Park.

Dammit...some couple that met on the Biggest Loser (the weight loss reality show) just got engaged on a carriage ride in Central Park on Access Hollywood and she was incredibly annoying. Oh well, won't let that tarnish it!

Jeremy-
Perhaps it's been suggested already,
if not, print this post out for her to read later !

Best to You,
R5

Jeremy,

OHMYGOD, have you remembered to ask her DAD ???? you have to do this before you go. Yes you do. Now pick up the phone and dial or whip around to his house. Quick. I know its old fashioned - but hey, at least consider it.
I am so excited for you. I so hope you write in here on Monday because I leave on Monday night (Monday morning your time, and I can't wait for TWO weeks to find out if Megan said yes - which we have all established she would be nuts if she didn't...) but of course she will..

I think the idea of a picnic is beautiful and as you said, you can determine the whole thing. Why would you be arrested ? is that because of the whole paper bag thing in the States ???

Razzle, nice idea to print this out, :-) imagine showing it to your kids..... :-))