5 Best Places to Propose in Charlotte

Featured image by Riction - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

As a major financial center in the U.S., Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Recent census data indicates that roughly 40% of the city population is single, and while some insist that’s because there is no time for anything other than work, we suspect that it has something to do with being able to find romantic locations around town, especially when it comes to asking the sort of questions that accompany a diamond engagement ring. Here are our top five places to propose in Charlotte, for someone who wants to treat their fiancée like a queen in the Queen City:

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve

If privacy in a natural setting is high on your proposal priority list, you’ll find solitude from the urban masses at the 737-acre Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, even on holiday weekends. Bikes are allowed on the paved roads and gravel trails, but not on the ten miles of hiking trails, which eliminates the trail congestion often found near other urban centers. If you’re hiking in the summer, bring along bottled water or a hydration pack. It’s easy to go long on the trails and limited sign information can create confusion. Extra water makes the route-finding a little more bearable, and using a smartphone map app helps you focus more gorgeous proposal locations and less on route finding.

The Rooftop Terrace at the Fahrenheit Restaurant

Desserts or drinks with an evening skyline view are always a great prelude to a proposal, especially when you plan ahead. The Fahrenheit restaurant on the 21st floor of the SKYE condominiums and Hyatt Place Hotel on South Caldwell Street offers rooftop dining with a lofty downtown perspective. During peak hours and weekends the restaurant can grow loud, especially around the bar, so don’t hesitate to request a specific table or location. The dining fare is new American cuisine and the ambiance is contemporary but less formal than other nearby fine dining establishments. Seating near the fire pits on the terrace is popular on evenings, but check the restaurant website to see if other events are scheduled during your evening.

Veronét Vineyard and Winery 

Wine and a diamond ring make the perfect pairing. Just 30 minutes outside of Charlotte, this charming 70-acre vineyard with views of Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle is a romantic spot to pop the question. Once you've got a "yes", celebrate with a glass of sparkling wine. Currently, they are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM, with Monday through Thursday reserved for private events. The vineyard hosts fun events with various food trucks as well - be sure to check them out here. 

The Fig Tree Restaurant

Pop quiz: Were you wearing slacks, jeans, or shorts when you first met your significant other? The answer might seem irrelevant unless you’re a particularly romantic sort. If that’s the case, you might want to propose in a laidback fine dining establishment without a dinner jacket requirement. The Fig Tree Restaurant at the historic Lucas Home in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte is exactly that sort of place. The seasonal menus feature European cuisine with an emphasis on French and Italian, resulting in a broad appeal that fills this place up nearly every weekend and some weeknights. If there is a drawback to this popularity, it’s that noise from guests at nearby tables can make it difficult to be heard, especially if you’re planning on a private proposal. To minimize potential distractions, request a table away from the bar. If you’re planning on a dinner during the warmer months of the year, consider asking for patio or porch seating outside. On the other hand, a fireside table is perfect for a wintertime proposal.

McNinch House Restaurant

If you’re pairing your proposal with an evening of intimate fine dining, the Victorian McNinch House on Church Street in the Fourth Ward should be your proposal destination. While there are plenty of other places to propose in Charlotte that feature delicious fine dining, you may have to compromise with noise levels, crowding, or even parking availability. The McNinch House checks all the boxes, although bargain hunters should consider going elsewhere. The cuisine is new American with Southern and classic European influences, and the food is locally sourced with organic herbs and produce harvested from the chef-owner’s personal garden. This is one of the finest restaurants in Charlotte, and some of the McNinch House’s memorable meals can last up to three hours. So, diners must call for advanced reservations. Also, men must wear jackets and cellular phones should always be off or at least muted. The McNinch House is an excellent proposal location for couples that love Southern charm and want a traditional proposal.

Are you in the market for a ring for your Charlotte proposal? In Charlotte, engagement rings with a pavé or micropavé diamond halo are especially popular. Because North Carolina is so rich with history, perhaps engagement ring shoppers love the vintage charm of a halo ring. Of course, the added sparkle doesn’t hurt either.

Ritani makes it easy to find the perfect engagement ring in North Carolina. Design your ring online, then preview it for free at a local jeweler or WeWork near you. It's the best way to blend unbeatable online diamond prices with an in-person experience. If you don't love your ring or loose diamond, there's no obligation to buy it. 

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