Popping the question for Valentine's Day? 11 proposal locations in Cincinnati
Everyone knows Valentine's Day is a time for love.
Couples across the Queen City ring in the holiday in a variety of ways, with some putting a literal ring on it.
We put together a list of the best proposal spots in town. Cincinnati subreddit users actually did much of the work for us, naming dozens of great locations.
So if you're looking for a place to ask the big question on Cupid's day or perhaps sometime during February (coincidentally National Wedding Month), look no further. This list is in no way comprehensive and is not ranked in any particular order.
11 proposal locations in Cincinnati
Gazebo in Washington Park
1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
The OTR staple is one of the city's oldest parks, featuring views of the historic Cincinnati Music Hall and other landmarks. Tip: Go at night, when the gazebo's twinkly lights are glowing and passersby are few and far between.
Devou Park
1201 Park Drive, Covington.
Nestled in charming Covington, Devou Park offers some of the best views of Greater Cincinnati. Atop the park's Memorial Overlook is a sprawling panorama of Cincinnati and Covington. The 700-acre rolling landscape also offers plenty of secluded trails for intimate "engaging" moments (wink wink).
Roebling Bridge
Smale Riverfront Park: 166 W. Mehring Way, Downtown.
This bridge connecting Covington and downtown Cincinnati over the Ohio River is a cornerstone of the Queen City's landscape. Over a century old, the suspension bridge is widely regarded as an engineering and architectural icon.
Smale Riverfront Park, tucked along the Ohio River Trail, offers the perfect view of the suspension bridge from the Ohio side. For a more private affair, try out the sidewalks on either side of the Roebling Bridge, lit up (romantically) during the night.
Bellevue Hill Park
2191 Ohio Ave., Clifton Heights.
Tucked on a hilltop of Clifton Heights, Bellevue Hill Park offers crowd-less serenity and amazing views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. The area also features a pavilion designed by architect R. Carl Freund in 1955, which was intended to serve as an outdoor dancing venue.
Scope out your bench of choice and enjoy the panoramic view of Cincinnati's cityscape.
Purple People Bridge
1 Levee Way, Newport.
The pedestrian-only bridge, formerly known as the Newport Southbank Bridge, connects Newport to downtown Cincinnati.
Looking for that wow factor? The Purple People Bridge is actually available to rent out for private events, including parties, fundraisers (and perhaps even proposals). Want to send a message? Small and large frame signs are also available to rent to display the message of your choice along the bridge.
The steps of Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish
30 Guido St., Mount Adams.
Holy Cross-Immaculata Parish, a Roman Catholic church situated atop Cincinnati's rolling Mount Adams neighborhood, enjoys a sweeping view of Downtown. Simply position yourself on the steps of the front entrance to take in the view.
The church steps are packed during Good Friday each year as part of the annual Praying of the Steps tradition, but crowds should be clear during the month of February.
Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park
1501 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills.
This indoor botanical garden nestled in Walnut Hills' Eden Park offers you your choice of background scenery. From the fern house to the orchid house, there's greenery of all kinds for you and your nature-lover to appreciate.
Ault Park
5090 Observatory Circle, Mount Lookout.
The Mount Lookout staple is known widely as one of the top spots to snap special photos or host milestone events. The 224-acre park features countless romantic green spaces, including the cherry blossom tree groves that blossom in March and April and the brumm and rose gardens.
If you'd like a stellar view for a backdrop, ascend the steps of the pavilion.
Spring Grove Cemetery
4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village.
Though this spot might be considered "outside the norm" for proposals, one Redditor commented, it is a popular destination for wedding photos. This nonprofit cemetery, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, spans over 700 acres.
The arboretum features a pond and fountain, an open air museum and several garden spaces.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills.
Positioned atop a rolling hill in the picturesque Walnut Hills neighborhood, the grounds of the Cincinnati Art Museum offer a unique, serene backdrop to pop an important question.
Currently, the museum is showing a special exhibit, "Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass" featuring glass work from contemporary indigenous artists. From European paintings and sculptures to East Asian art, there's a collection for any and all art lovers at this beloved Cincinnati attraction.
A Cincinnati sporting event
Whether you're a Reds aficionado or a die-hard Bengals fan, Cincinnati has a plethora of sports teams. And their stadiums make the perfect settings for proposals.
FC Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Cyclones and our various college basketball teams all have games throughout the month of February. If you can wait to pop the question, the Reds start play in March and the Bengals will return this fall.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Looking to propose in Cincinnati? 11 spots to pop the question
