Best Spots to Propose in Binghamton, NY

Binghamton, NY may not be the most romantic place to propose to your significant other. There is no Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building or gondola along the river in Italy, but there are some interesting and romantic places in even this small town. Remember that the best kinds of proposals are not necessarily the most extravagant and those that lend an element of surprise, along with some personal meaning will be the ones she will remember for the rest of her life. With a little thinking, you can come up with a very personal and meaningful proposal site in Binghamton and the nearby towns.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Binghamton has numerous parks throughout the county and in the surrounding ones that are beautiful and can be the perfect spot to propose to your loved one. If you both enjoy picnicking or had one of your first dates at one of the local parks, this could be the perfect place to pop the question. Some of the more beautiful parks include Hickories Park in nearby Owego, Dorchester Park in Whitney Point and Otsinengo Park in Binghamton. Consider taking her for a walk underneath the circle of hickory trees at Hickories Park and popping the question while the almost fairy tale like leaves form a canopy above the two of you. If you enjoy rollerblading or walking, the pond in Otsinengo Park could be the perfect spot to profess your love and ask her to marry you. You can tell her what is in your heart as you are walking around the pond and then stop at one of the secluded benches that overlook the river to get down on your knee and pop the question.

Rent a rowboat at Dorchester Park. While the two of you are out in the middle of the lake, pop the question. Or, if you both love to fish, go to one of the numerous fishing spots throughout the county on the gorgeous Susquehanna River, attach her ring to her line and hand it to her. This will surely surprise her!

If the two of you enjoy hiking together, consider proposing to her during your hike. Perhaps arrange it so that you can pop the question as the sun is setting (or rising). Consider driving up to nearby Ithaca, NY and taking a hike at one of the beautiful gorges and popping the question in front of one of the waterfalls such as Buttermilk Falls.

Fun Places to Propose

Binghamton is the home of six carousels around the county; one of the few in the country that still has wooden animals aboard. If your partner enjoys a little fun and acting like a kid, or even if you are planning to ask your partner when the kids are present if you have some in your relationship or if she is bringing one of her own into the marriage, this could be a cute option for you. Perhaps you can take her on a carousel tour and ride all six, having the attendant punch the ride cards for each one so she has a souvenir of the day. On the last one, have the attendant hand her the ring box along with her card. She will be taken aback and very surprised.

Ross Park Zoo:
If you both love animals and the zoo, the Ross Park Zoo could be a unique place to pop the question. Consider slipping the ring on her finger as the two of you watch her favorite animal. Even better, have one of the bricks engraved on the brick walk with your question to her. Be sure you know exactly where the stone is before you do this and as you walk, drop a coin or some item to get her attention to look down.

Drive in movie theater 45 minutes from Binghamton in Unadilla, NY. You can slip the ring into a box of candy or popcorn (try not to get too much butter) or into another snack or even box of chocolates you have brought from home. When she goes to reach for it, she will feel the ring and/or box and be very surprised!

Roberson Planeterium or Kopernik Observatory: If the two of you are astronomy buffs, one of these options are for you. Take your sweetie to see a planetarium show at Roberson and pop the question when the lights dim and all the "stars" are out. Or, for the real thing, take a short drive to Kopernik where you can either attend one of their star educational sessions on the weekend or sit out under the gazebo overlooking the countryside as the two of you sit in blackness, surrounded only by the bright stars.

Restaurants

Binghamton is home to a number of romantic and cozy restaurants. You may want to consider asking her at your favorite restaurant to make the place even more memorable. If you prefer, here are a few suggestions:

Number 5 is one of Binghamton's more expensive dining establishments with selections ranging from frog legs to escargot. Dress up for a romantic dinner out in a quiet, candlelit atmosphere.

The Cellar Restaurant is a cozy restaurant perfect for a romantic dinner. A short drive from Binghamton in downtown Owego, this restaurant will offer you both a delicious gourmet meal in a quiet, romantic setting.

The Plantation House is one of Binghamton's more upscale dining establishments. Order a bottle of wine or champagne and have the waiter bring the ring in her glass, or slip off to have the waiter place her ring on a dessert before bringing it to the table.

The Silo Restaurant in Greene, NY. In the warmer months, take her for one of the free horse and carriage rides on the property of the Silo and pop the question. Or, take a walk together on the beautiful property and as you gaze over the mountains, profess your love to her as you take her hand.

The Sherwood Inn in Greene, NY offers good food and overnight packages. For less than $150 you can take your sweetheart away for the night, propose over a complimentary bottle of wine and dinner for two in the classy dining room, then stay in one of the lovely suites for a nearby romantic getaway. Have brunch at the Silo just down the road before heading back to town.

The Chestnut Inn at Oquaga Lake is about 45 minutes from Binghamton and can be the perfect evening out or weekend getaway. Have a romantic dinner for two by the fireside and pop the question over champagne or dessert. Stay in one of the beautiful rooms and enjoy some time by the lake.

With some planning and a little imagination, you can find the perfect spot to propose to your partner in any number of different settings, from the fun and playful to the more romantic and traditional. If you keep in mind what you and your partner enjoy doing together and what would mean the most to her, you will find that Binghamton has dozens of good spots to pop the question, even if it may not be just like the places in the movies.