Quick note: A reader wrote me asking for a good place to propose to his girlfriend. Rather than limit it to my locations knowledge, I asked my readers, and was inundated with lots of great ideas. If you’re looking for a good place to propose in NYC, just check through the comments.

A Scouting NY reader is planning on proposing to his girlfriend, and needs your help!!

Central Park - Wedding

I recently got a letter from a fan of the site telling me that he is planning on proposing to his girlfriend, and is looking for the perfect NYC location to do it. Both he and his girlfriend are huge fans of NY history and enjoy exploring the city together, and he really wants to choose a location that ties the city into his proposal in a unique, intimate and historical way, a locale they will remember for the rest of their lives.

His first thought was Gramercy Park – neither of them has ever been inside, and his hope was to work something out with the Gramercy Park Hotel for access, take her on a tour, then ask the big question when she was least expecting it. Great idea, right?

Of course, it comes as no surprise that the douchiest park in NYC is bordered by the douchiest hotel in NYC. They said the rules are very strict, and that he could only gain access by paying the $500/night room fee, which he can’t afford.

Coming up short on ideas, he wrote me a very thoughtful letter asking if I could suggest any other locations. His only requests were that it be somewhat off the beaten path, pretty, intimate, and historical. My first thought was Bannerman’s Castle, an incredible abandoned castle-like structure located on an island in the the Hudson. Then again, perhaps visiting decrepit ruins on an island in the middle of the freezing winter doesn’t exactly scream romance. Other ideas include Staten Island’s Snug Harbor, Governor’s Island…Bethesda Fountain is probably too cliched, no? Perhaps he could gain access to Grove Court by talking with a neighbor? Gantry State Park in Queens is a pretty amazing location.

Rather than limit the options to my knowledge of the city, I promised I’d turn it over to SNY readers: where should this guy propose?? Historical, intimate, off the beaten path, and New York-centric. Hell, if one of you comes up with something that he uses, maybe I’ll come up with a cool Scouting NY prize for you. Just post your ideas in the comments.

Ready? Go!

-SCOUT

PS – “The park was at one time opened to the public on Gramercy Day (which changed yearly, but was often the first Saturday in May). In 2007, the Trustees of Gramercy Park announced that it would no longer open the park on that day.” Fuck you, Gramercy Park. Seriously, go fuck yourself.

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  1. Lauren Avatar

    Ooh, great question & great suggestions so far!

    I would second Astoria Park and the tram, and add:
    – Socrates Sculpture Garden (on the water, beautiful views, sometimes some lovely art, rarely-to-never crowded)
    – Staten Island Ferry
    – Brooklyn Heights Promenade
    – Owl’s Head Park in Bay Ridge (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomvu/4110422963/)
    – Jamaica Bay / Broad Channel

    Good luck!

  2. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    Gustad, that is just beautiful. Best wishes for your life together.

  3. Dawn Gregg Avatar

    Staten Island Ferry as they are passing Lady Liberty…or atop Lady Liberty…(I trade my “freedom” for a life forevermore interwoven with and in mutual submission to my love)…

    or Bklyn Bridge (no words necessary)…

    or in a very special spot inside the Met (our love will stand the test of time)…

  4. Pluto Avatar
    Pluto

    For a romantic adventure like no other in NYC; go underground.
    Beneath the streets of Brooklyn, the mysterious and beautiful Atlantic Avenue Tunnel awaits.
    http://www.brooklynrail.net/proj_aatunnel.html
    http://curiousexpeditions.org/?p=474

    Three great things to consider:

    1)The only way in is by climbing down through an actual manhole in the middle of Atlantic Avenue (a lane of traffic is closed when tours are given). – It’s a trip!

    2) Besides being one of the most faccinating, historic sites in the city, the tunnel is strangely warm in winter – its a constant 60 degrees – winter and summer and not damp. It’s bizarre; but it must have something with the tunnel being underground and sealed up tight.

    3) The next tour is on February 14th!

    By flashlight or flickering candle, no lover will be able to resist a sparkling diamond ring presented in such a velvety dark setting.

    Good luck!

    Hopefully, one day we’ll have marriage equality – so that I’ll be able to do this too –with my man!

  5. Kathy Avatar
    Kathy

    I guess it’s too cold for Coney Island. If you want a view that will take her breath away, how about the Smith/9th Street Station on the F/G line? On the Coney Island bound side in particular you get a spectacular panoramic view of Brooklyn-Staten Island-Verrazano Bridge-harbor-New Jersey-Statue of Liberty-lower Manhattan-Queens. At sunset on a clear day, truly amazing, especially if the reflection from the setting sun is blazing in the windows of nearby buildings. It’ll be cold, but the better for snuggling!

  6. Cindy Avatar
    Cindy

    Here are my suggestions:

    Historical
    He could propose in front of Federal Hall, where George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States. I can’t think of any place more historically significant in NYC than Federal Hall.

    Historical and NYC-centric
    He could propose at the Transit Museum in Brooklyn — in one of the old buses or subway cars. It sounds hokey, but those old relics are quite charming.

    NYC-centric
    He could propose on top of the Washington Arch at Washington Square Park. He’d have to talk the Parks Dept into giving him access. If denied access, he could propose under the arch.

    In Better Weather
    He could propose on the roof at the Metropolitan Museum. It offers nice views of Central Park. They even have a roof bar that serves champagne.

    In Better Weather
    He could propose on top of the Wonder Wheel at Coney Island.

    Other Ideas
    The reservoir at Central Park in April, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, is incredibly romantic and beautiful. Another spot that is ultra-romantic is the pier near Empire-Fulton Ferry Park in Brooklyn at night. The view of Manhattan all lit up in bright lights is spectacular.

  7. F Avatar
    F

    In the parlour of the Merchant’s House museum, since Gertrude Tredwell never got to marry her beau.

  8. F Avatar
    F

    Re: the Merchant’s House Museum, maybe in the little pretty garden: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2748417920_023a2c482f.jpg?v=0

  9. F Avatar
    F

    And, sorry for commenting again (I wish there was an edit feature on this), not only is it pretty and intimate, but it’s uniquely historical – it’s a perfectly preserved NY house, with all the furnishings and belongings intact from the family that lived there from the 1800s for a hundred years, it has a romantic story attached to it (although one of thwarted love), and the people at the Museum are so nice, I bet they could help him to arrange something special. And though the garden is pretty, if it’s cold, he could do something inside. He just has to hope that none of the resident ghosts turn up to celebrate alongside them!

  10. […] few weeks ago, I ran a post about a guy who emailed me for help in finding a unique New York location to propose to his […]

  11. […] few weeks ago, I ran a post about a guy who emailed me for help in finding a unique New York location to propose to his […]

  12. David Avatar
    David

    The Conservatory Garden (around 105th and 5th Ave) in Central Park, the South Garden … as early as possible or before it closes when there are the least people around … romantic, intimate garden, small classical fountain, flowers, etc. (Spring is probably best … when the cherry blossoms are out). Good luck !

  13. […] Scouting NY readers have a lot of ideas where in New York some guy should propose to his girlfriend, including: the abandoned subway tunnel under Atlantic Avenue, to get that dim romantic lighting just right; the Roosevelt Island Tramway, for that tantalizing touch of danger; Gowanus Canal, in order to show her the relationship can’t go anywhere but up from here; Castle Clinton, so their love gets optimal tourist exposure; and that spot in Grand Central where you can talk to each other from way across the room. Intimate! […]

  14. Lis Pearson Avatar

    The New York Public Library Schwarzman Building (5th Ave. and 42nd Street)is available for proposals. You and your fiance(e) can come in after hours and have our gorgeous Astor Hall all to yourselves for 45 minutes – or you can bring a photographer – or your Moms, etc.
    Contact our Special Events Department to discuss. 212.930.0730.

  15. bachelor Avatar
    bachelor

    Gustad,

    Granted I’m no alpha male, but the way you told your story and the photos made me shed a tear 🙂

    I think you exemplify the way to go about proposing: a bridge in Central Park sure is pretty, but by no means the most amazing/original/surprising location. What IS amazing/original/surprising is what you made of it and the sincerity with which you expressed your feelings, and I think that’s a good lesson for everyone.

    Sure, someone might propose on top of Mount Everest, but doesn’t the extravagance overshadow what really matters, ie. love for one another?

    Thank you for sharing your lovely story and pictures.

  16. Dave Avatar
    Dave

    How about one of the Tudor City parks on Tudor City Place and E42 or 43 St? Very NYC and like little brothers/sisters of Gramercy Park. But without the attitude.

  17. BZB Avatar
    BZB

    Dave,
    Yes, Tudor City is very romantic and a great spot to get engaged or married (you can rent the park for a reasonable fee). You will forget that you are in the heart of Manhattan. Check out their website at http://www.tudorcitygreens.org

  18. Aaron Avatar
    Aaron

    The top of the Beekman Tower at 49th & 1st. Worked for me.

  19. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    What about taking her on a private wine tasting or giving her the ultimate spa engagement. The website http://www.proposal-ideas.com/new-york-proposals/new-york-proposal-ideas.html has other great ideas you should check out! Good luck!

  20. Wonderwheel Avatar

    That’s so sweet of you. I wish I could have the same proposal when my bf plans to do it.