Proposal in the Twin Cities... (Suggestions welcome) (Minneapolis, St. Paul: hotels, limousine)

[CMartel2]

While I've spent very little time in the Twin Cities and know not nearly as much as I'd like about the area, I'll be proposing there to the most incredible girl I've ever met in the coming weeks. I wanted that moment to be our moment together, quiet, and personal, even if it be on a city street. Finding the perfect spot would be easy in the mountains where I grew up or in other cities where I've lived, but it's a bit more complicated in an unfamiliar Minnesota winter in what will have to be a quick weekend visit.

I had thought about taking her to Monticello where the Trumpeter swans winter and proposing during a walk by the lake. I've never been, but it looks beautiful, and I know she's never been there.

At some point, lunch at a not-so-classy but fun restaurant with a personal meaning to her lies ahead.

Later that evening I'd planned on dinner at perhaps W.A. Frost or the Nicollet Island Inn. I'd debated staying there at Nicollet Island or perhaps at Graves 601 Hotel--complete, opposites, I know, but that's the point. The idea of pumping out $28 for parking irritates me, however.

I guess what I'm looking for are pointers. Having not been to these places, I'm going strickly off of things I've found on the internet and on personal preference.

Any other recommendations? This isn't quite yet set in stone. Well, except the rock, which is taken care of. For restaurants, I'd be looking at a place with a warm ambience, candelit or lowly lit. Maybe fireplaces.

Any other ideas for beautiful natural settings or views?

I'd debated going to a performance by the Minnesota Chamber Orchestra or a play that evening, but they seem to fall pretty much in the 7:30 to 8:00 PM range. I think I'd rather enjoy a long dinner and conversation, instead.

[MRNorthSide]

There is always the Stone Arch Bridge, which also happens to be right next to the Nicollet Island Inn. It used to be a railroad bridge, but is now pedestrian only. You get a great view of the city that isn't seen by car.

[Clifford63]

Nicollet Island Inn. - This would be a nice choice.

If you call around before you make a decision, you will find many of the nice places do make it a priority to make your stay very special.

The new Mannies in Foshay is getting great reviews. Have not been to the new location, but food and service is wonderful. I would guess this is now a top five choice.

Hotels - The Ivy, Westin, Marquette are top notch. Graves is not my deal, but it is nice.

Highly recommend the long dinner and conversation over a show of any kind. You can't go wrong with Capital Grill. They have the nice setting, and they will go the extra mile for you on a night when you really want that.

Ruth Chris, Mortons and Murrays are all very good food and service, but not as nice in setting and privacy.

[BarbaraMN]

How about doing something outside--since that would be uniquely Minnesota in the snow. There are some great outdoor ice rinks (Centennial Lakes in Edina is one) that would be pretty and, unless you're a good skater, you may find yourself on your knee more than once.

What does she really like to do?

[3three3]

Ideas:

-Dakota Bar & Restaurant in downtown Minneapolis. Very romantic, extraordinarily delicious food, and music...depending on the night. Check the music calendar ahead of time because certain concerts can be a bit loud (depending on where you sit) and could impact conversation...though, personally I've just found that this results in cozier sitting and more intimacy. Possible proposal sites downtown could be: a) the hotel you book (Graves 601 and Marquette have nice accommodations), b) The Depot Ice Skating rink, c) Peavey Plaza on Nicollet Mall, etc...

-Cafe & Bar Lurcat on Loring Park in Minneapolis. Delicious food and great ambiance, more of a young/classy vibe. Occasionally has music, so inquire ahead about noise or reserve a more private dining table. Possible proposal sites for this would be: a) A short distance from the restaurant's door is the walking bridge to the Walker Art Center. You could propose in the sculpture garden at the Walker, in the Walker Art Center itself (if you timed it right and made it in during open hours...), on the Walker outdoor patio (if it's open), and there are also a couple gazebos in Loring Park.

-Zelo Restaurant, downtown Minneapolis. I've only been there once and don't have as much to say about it. It's snazzy, though.

-Table of Contents is a quaint, uber-ambiant little restaurant in Southwest Minneapolis. It's located on 43rd and Nicollet Ave S. It's delicious and super romantic and warm. Proposal ideas would be to go from the restaurant to: a) Lake Harriet..which would be a 5 minute drive from the restaurant, and escort her onto the stage of the Lake Harriet bandshell, then drop to one knee with the Lake and evening lights shining through the bandshell's windows, b) drive from the restaurant to the Lake Harriet, around the lake and on down to Lake Calhoun (they are part of the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis) and propose along Lake Calhoun...I'd stay in the southern side so it would be quieter and have less overhead lighting (also, the skyline of downtown is beautiful from that side of the lake).

-Cue Restaurant at the Guthrie Theater. It's very ambiant and romantic...and, you'd have a great proposal site with the Guthrie's cantilevered bridge or any of the spots within the theater with glass floors.

All the restaurants I've suggested meet your criteria. Romantic, candles, warm, great ambiance, etc. If you consider any of these places, be sure to call ahead and check their calander - as well as inform them of your plans and ask about what special accommodations they'd be willing to make for you to ensure privacy or romance.

I'm sure I could keep thinking of things....because I'm a dorky romantic, but there ya go. Also, another place that I'd suggest for a possible proposal site would be Rice Park in downtown St. Paul...all the trees are lit up with white christmas lights in the winter and it's a very, very romantic and beautiful spot. You wouldn't have giant lights above, just the trees, and since it's downtown St. Paul...it would be quite quiet at night..a private and beautiful proposal spot. The only reason I didn't include it on the list is because I'm not as familiar with the restaurants in downtown St. Paul and didn't know where to recommend you go. But, if you can find that, Rice Park would be super pretty.

I would disagree with the Stone Arch Bridge suggestion. Viewing the bridge from the picture's view, indeed it looks like a romantic place. But, being ON the bridge at night...not so romantic. The street lights that are in abundance and the bright florescence of them kills the romance. If you do the Nicollet Island Inn idea, I'd stick to the quiet paths along the river that are just a few steps from the restaurant.

*p.s: I second the suggestion for the Capitol Grille for a downtown spot. Morton's and Murrays are nice if you want a good steak, but I wouldn't consider them romantic.

[golfgal]

There are so many lovely parks and quaint towns around the metro area that would be a nice setting for a proposal. I know there are several Bed and Breakfasts in the Stillwater area that have a pretty nice dinner and usually have lovely yards (even in the winter). Pioneer Park in Stillwater is on the bluff and overlooks the downtown area and the river-very lovely spot any time of the year. The Lowell Inn (especially the Matterhorn room) would be a nice place for a romantic dinner.

Forepaugh's in St. Paul is another wonderful choice. It is a Victorian home turned into a restaurant so the rooms are small and intimate. It is right in the park and that area in the winter looks like a Christmas Card.

[CMartel2]

You guys and gals have been absolutely fabulous! My head has been spinning with all these suggestions. In the end, I want to propose in a very simple place. Not in the hustle and bustle of a restaurant, but ideally in the outdoors. But after that, I want us to celebrate together. You all have definitely given me some options, and I sincerely appreciate the effort you put forth.

I have to apologize for not getting back sooner. I've been pretty tied up with school lately.

Thanks again!

[bfrabel]

You didn't say when you are coming, but if it is around the last week of January I would try to visit some of the St. Paul Winter Carnival events. The parades and ice scuptures are awesome to see. Winter Carnival
If you are looking for a unique place to eat that is not too expensive, I would recommend Savoys Pizza in St. Paul. It is really dark in there and they have the best pizza you will ever have. I believe they serve wine and it wont set you back $100 like some of the other suggestions. Original Red's Savoy Pizza in St. Paul and Newport Minnesota

[CMartel2]

Golfgal,

I'm going to take you up on your B&B suggestion in Stillwater. I found the Elephant Walk B&B, and it looks absolutely fabulous. We both love Thai food and have talked about going to Thailand, so booking the Thai room seemed perfect.

I think we'll end up dining at W.A. Frost in St. Paul. I have a thing for church architecture, so being near Cathedral Hill is an added bonus for me. I'd love to take some time to explore a bit. We got a table next to the fire, so it ought to be perfect.

3Three3,

Your ideas are great, and I really appreciate them. I'm going to contemplate the lake ideas and Rice Park, which does look beautiful, and I'll be there during the Winter Carnivale, so even better. I'll also think about the Pioneer Park idea in Stillwater.

I'd love to be able to scout out all these places before I go, but that's not going to be an option given that I'm being picked up from the airport.

Again, I appreciate the suggestions, everyone. Hoping to make this a special day for her...well, two of us.

[golfgal]

Too bad you can't do it today-there is a lovely light fluffy snow falling that would add an amazing amount of atmosphere to your proposal.



Summer view

Here is a link to a photo of the gazebo in downtown Stillwater-another excellent choice:

Twin Cities East Metro Limousine Service Area | White Bear Lake Limo, Stillwater Limo, Woodbury Limo

This is another great B&B in Stillwater-a short walk from Pioneer Park too (the Elephant Walk is on the other side of town): Stillwater Minnesota Bed and Breakfast - The William Sauntry Mansion Lodging Accommodations (Minneapolis/St. Paul area)