Find the Perfect Spot in Sarasota, Fla. to Pop the Question
Hey Sarasota guys, listen up. Yes, your soon-to-be- fiancee has a pretty good idea you love her but if you still need to “wow” her with the marriage proposal. Although I cannot coach you through the process, I am sharing my recommendations for Sarasota’s best places to propose.
If your soul mate is a foodie diva , one of Sarasota’s best places to propose is a romantic restaurant:
Siesta Key’s Ophelia’s on the Bay (www.opheliasonthebay.net) offers an intimate waterfront setting accented with inventive New World cuisine and attentive servers. Enjoy the evening either tucked away in a private corner or enjoy dinner by candlelight on the deck. Reservations are recommended. Tel: 941-349-2212.
Pattiegeorge’s (www.pattigeorges.com) waterfront location on Longboat Key, its refined yet relaxed atmosphere, and artistically synthesized culinary dishes makes this restaurant a delicious and unforgettable marriage proposal location. Raise a glass to the view then to each other. Reservations are recommended. Tel: 941-383-5111
Vernona in The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota (www.ritz-carlton.com/sarasota) serves up a warm, intimate and elegant atmosphere. Fresh ingredients ensure savory goodness in every bite. If you don’t propose during dinner, amble outside to the balcony overlooking The Ritz-Carlton’s Rose Garden and Sarasota Bay. Reservations are recommended. Tel: 941-309-2000
If the love of your life is a cultural princess, consider proposing in one of Sarasota’s cultural icons:
Proposing at the Venetian-inspired Ca’d’Zan Mansion on the grounds of the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art (www.ringling.org) is practically a guaranteed “I do.” This historic winter home of circus magnate John and Mable Ringling has a gorgeous patio overlooking Sarasota Bay making it an ideal proposal location. Or, the museum grounds have three gardens to pop the question: the quirky Dwarf Garden, the regal Rose Garden or the secluded Secret Garden. Dotted with sculptures, preciously manicured greenery and a replica of Michelangelo’s David, the Museum’s Courtyard is a lovely proposal site, too.
If your bride-to-be is one who enjoys romance, entertainment and surprises then take her to a performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (www.vanwezel.org) for an evening she’ll never forget. After snuggling close during the performance, walk hand-in-hand along the waterfront sidewalk and ask her to marry you on that bench overlooking Sarasota Bay under twinkling stars.
If shopping is how she defines culture, head to St. Armands Circle (www.starmandscircleassoc.com), buy her a waffle ice cream cone from Big Olaf’s Creamery and ask her to marry you in the center of the Circle. Tropical foliage creates a romantic and intimate backdrop perfect for your marriage proposal.
If the woman of your dreams is a wild babe, think of proposing to her in the great outdoors:
Proposing on the beach is a no-brainer in Sarasota. Stroll along the country’s top beach, Siesta Key Beach, at sunset and ask her, “Will you marry me?” just as the sun slips into the Gulf of Mexico. Or, head down to Venice’s Caspersen Beach to dig for fossilized shark’s teeth. Scoop up a handful of sand, slip in the ring and surprise her with your “find.”
Hop on a sailboat for a sunset cruise or if she’s a landlubber, walk around Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. If she truly enjoys flowers, the Butterfly Garden, Mangrove Walkway and gazebo are just some of the places to propose in Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (www.selby.org). If she’s a nature gal, paddle through Myakka River State Park and propose with alligators looking from afar on the banks.
There you go fellows, a list of Sarasota’s best places to propose. It is now up to you to muster up the courage, get down on one knee and make it happen.
