Best Spots to Propose in Chicago

So, you and your lady have made it through another year, and the Chicago winter hasn't cooled your passion for her. You've decided this is it, she's The One. You're going to propose. Fantastic! First, you're going to need a memorable place to pop the question.

You could go the standard route and take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the Magnificent Mile - never a bad idea when you're looking for romantic activities, especially if it's night and you're snuggled up together under a blanket - but perhaps you want to do something a bit more unusual, a bit more unique. No worries, there are a lot of other possibilities out there.

How about going up to the observation deck of the Sears Tower? Okay, this one could be considered a bit of a cliché, but that's because it works. If you're a Chicago resident and haven't had out-of-town visitors recently, chances are you haven't done this in awhile, and that'll add an element of unexpected fun. The panoramic views of the skyline are outstanding - among the best you'll find anywhere in the city. Go up at sunset and watch the lights come on around you, look at your favorite places through the telescopes - you can even have your picture taken by the staff.

Don't forget other 'touristy' Chicago locations; Buckingham Fountain, for example. It's a beautiful spot right in the middle of Grant Park, just a short walk from Michigan Avenue. If it's spring or summer, the fountain will amaze you with its illuminated sprays of dancing water; if it's winter, the water will be replaced by cascades of tiny lights. Either way, you can't miss. Lake Michigan is within view, Millennium Park (with a whole assortment of sculptures and gardens) is nearby, and the city's most well-known skyscrapers tower above you. If you want a location that spotlights the most popular view of Chicago, you can't go wrong here.

If you want your surroundings to be dramatic and a little flashy, maybe the Grainger Hall of Gems on the second floor of the Field Museum will be more your style. What better place to tell her she's a treasure you want to keep forever? You'll be surrounded by gemstones of all shapes, sizes and colors - enough to dazzle even the weariest eyes - and when you present her with that special gem, she'll feel like a princess. You can stroll along the paths of the Museum campus afterwards and enjoy the view of the lake.

Is culture more her style? In that case, why not visit the Art Institute of Chicago and propose in front of her favorite painting? Afterwards, you can visit the museum shop and buy a poster of the masterpiece that witnessed your proposal; it'll remind you both of this special day every time you look at it. (If painting isn't quite her thing, visit the museum on a bright, sunny day and enjoy the glorious blue expanse of Chagall's America Windows, overlooking the Institute's courtyard restaurant.)

If nature is your passion, there are several great locations to choose from. First, there's the Fern Room of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Warm, humid, and lushly green, it'll be especially welcoming in cold, gray midwinter, when summer seems so far away. Plus, Lincoln Park Zoo is only steps away. Spend the day visiting the animals, and then capture your own 'wild thing' within this little patch of jungle - it'll be a memorable beginning, no matter what the season.

If you're closer to the south side, there's Garfield Park Conservatory. It has a Fern Room as well, with a beautiful central pool. As a bonus romance-inducing event, the Conservatory holds an annual Chocolate Fest on the weekend before Valentine's Day, with free samples from over a dozen chocolate companies. Spend some time wandering through the gardens and feeding each other chocolates, then present her with a sweet treat she can keep forever - What woman could resist that?

If you'd prefer to wait until spring for your big event, you'll be able to see Garfield Park's new City Garden in full bloom. This beautiful garden has many winding paths adorned with colorful flowers and lush green spots - even a lily pool and a waterfall. Surrounded by so many colors and scents, with the freshness of spring in the air, a sweet beginning to your life together is almost assured.

Suppose you want a Hollywood-romantic experience, and you don't mind going all out? In that case, maybe a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, departing from Navy Pier, would be what you're looking for. Several cruise lines are based at the Pier, so do a little research first to see which one has the features you'd like best. Dinner, drinks and dancing aboard ship - now that's romance!

If you like watching the lake but prefer to stay on dry land, you can take a ride on Navy Pier's Ferris wheel. This popular attraction will give you a mind-blowing view of the pier and waterfront. At 148 feet high, it's not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely exciting! Get some ice cream, stroll among the shops and watch the Ferris wheel's flashing patterns of light; you'll feel like kids again.

These are just a few ideas; with a little research and creativity, you'll be able to come up with more. Remember, the place you choose to propose doesn't have to be flowery, flashy or stereotypically romantic; all it has to be is meaningful. If it's special to both of you, any location - a coffeehouse, a park, a bus stop, even a parking lot - can be the perfect place. Good luck making your choice, and congratulations!

Additional websites to check out:

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

http://www.artic.edu/aic/index.php

http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/home.html