Popping the Question, New York Style

New York is a big city, and there are plenty - and we mean PLENTY of places where you can pop the big question. We've narrowed it down to a small list of what we think are some of the most romantic spots that have the right ambience - a guarantee that she will say that magical YES.

· The Empire State Building - Do the movies "Sleepless In Seattle", and "An Affair to Remember" ring a bell? They've featured the observation deck of the Empire State Building as a backdrop for the film's key moments. Chances are, your lady had seen these movies a gazillion times, wishing at the back of her mind that one day she would have her own romantic "Hollywood" moment. Well this is your chance Cary Grant. Make that dream come true. Imagine cuddling together while you both look over the New York city lights, just moments before you whisper that all - important question in her ear. She'll thank you on your 25^th wedding anniversary for giving her a marriage proposal to remember.

· The Lincoln Center - so your girl likes Classical music, and you've never really figured out why. You could never tell Bach from Beethoven, which suits you just fine. But for that special occasion, you might want to make that ultimate sacrifice. Prove your love by skipping that televised football game (thank God for TiVo.) and get yourselves a couple of tickets for a night of Mozart at the Metropolitan Opera instead. After the show, when the lights go out and just before the curtain closes, she will want to give you a long, lingering thank-you kiss. Perfect prelude to the most important night of your lives.

· Gascogne - the name itself already seems to promise romance. When it comes to marriage proposals, you can never go wrong with the classic "expensive French restaurant" scenario. This lovely bistro, found on 158 Eighth Avenue (between17th and 18^th streets), boasts of excellent escargots and the best French wines. The setting is very intimate and cozy, plus the dining room is lit with candles. The woman of your life will surely agree to be your wife faster than you can say, "Will you marry me?"

· Hayden Planetarium - maybe like you, your girl is also a big Science Fiction geek, and you both even have identical Star Wars t - shirts to prove it. Or maybe you just want to pop the question in a different way. A night spent in the Hayden Sphere "Star Theater" will surely do the trick. Located within the Rose Center for Earth and Space on Central Park West, the Hayden Planetarium is known for its spectacular and very realistic "space shows". Perhaps while gazing up at an accurate reproduction of the night sky (care of the customized Zeiss Star Projector system), you can tell your honey how as a child you've always wanted your own star - and now that you're a grown man - you finally got your wish - in the form of your future wife. That half - dazed, half - dreamy look in her eyes is your cue to get down on one knee and flash that nice velvet box to her beaming face.

· Staten Island Ferry - if you're on a tight budget after splurging an obscene amount of money on that engagement ring, you can still have a deep and meaningful romantic evening without having to dig deep into your pockets. The ferry is free of charge, and what could be more romantic than professing your undying love while out at sea on a moonlit night?

We hope that the list gave you some wonderful ideas. Don't be afraid to get creative. Do something that reminds her of a wonderful memory you once shared, or a childhood dream perhaps. Your efforts will assure her that she is giving the rest of her life to an amazing man who is willing to go great lengths to make her happy.