Looking for the perfect place to ask a very important question in the Hudson Valley? Wow your special someone by setting the scene at any of these local hotspots.
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts
Katonah
Roslyn & Nicky
For the culture buff, Caramoor is more than just a music venue. Visitors can also explore the enchanting Cedar Walk and gazebo, Italian Pavilion (inspired by the architectural elegance of Brunelleschi), and sunken garden of wildflowers and fluttering butterflies in summer months. The grounds are open to the public for exploring, picnicking, proposing, and taking in the sound art Thursdays through Sundays, and you can schedule a docent-led tour of The Rosen House.
Sam’s Point Preserve
Cragsmoor
Pankti & Vinamra
For the outdoorsy couple, find Sam’s Point Preserve, located at the highest altitude of the Shawangunk Mountains stretching 5,000 acres in Minnewaska State Park. For avid hikers, a proposal on the Point will boast some gorgeous views. The full Sam’s Point and Verkeerderkill Falls Trail is a challenging loop stretching 8.6 miles, or you can hike to the falls and back for a moderate 5 miles with a myriad of gorgeous overlooks along the way. Note that parking reservations are required for weekends and holidays, April 15 through November 15.
Untermyer Gardens
Yonkers
Kristine & Victor
A Westchester landmark since 1917, this 43-acre public garden stuns year-round, particularly in the spring and summer. There are a myriad of locations for a gorgeous proposal, like the Temple of Love pergola (a natural choice), The Vista and its marble columns overlooking the Hudson River, Color Gardens, and Rhododendron Walk. Admission is free, but if you’re planning on hiring a photographer, you’ll need to pull a permit first.
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz
JJ & Emily
Voted #1 Resort in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region by Condé Nast Traveler, this historic resort in the Hudson Valley has something to offer year-round, from swimming in Lake Mohonk in the summer to ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Treat your betrothed to a spa treatment, yoga session, or meditation before dropping to a knee on the lakefront, in the manicured gardens, or amid Hudson Valley foliage on a hike on the mountainous landscape. Meals included in overnight rates.
Storm King Art Center
New Windsor
Adam & Adam
Art aficionados will love this 500-acre outdoor museum in the Hudson Valley, home to large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions. Since 1960, this iconic living gallery has enhanced the area’s hills, meadows, and forests with contemporary art. Permanent works, like the towering “Suspended” sculpture (1977, pictured) by Menashe Kadishman, complement rotating exhibitions. Drop to one knee under one of these large wonders, or simply spread out a picnic on the landscaped grounds.
Playland
Rye
Julia & Frank
Nearly 100 years old, this Westchester institution is known for its Art Deco architecture and status as a National Historical Landmark. Playland also offers beach access on a gorgeous stretch of Long Island Sound, perfect for popping the question. After the “yes” (fingers crossed), celebrate by bringing out your inner child with more than 40 rides, endless carnival games, and a classic arcade.
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