Nestled in the northeast corner of Florida close to the Georgia state line, Jacksonville offers a little bit of everything: arts and culture, fine dining, and outdoor excursions. Jacksonville Landing is full of options for shopping, dining, and having drinks, and Jacksonville Beach is a 20-30 minute drive outside downtown. Here are a few creative proposal ideas in Jacksonville to give your bride-to-be an experience she’ll never forget.
In the Open Air
Plan a romantic evening with reservations on a dinner cruise on the St. John’s River. According to their website, "Enjoy the beauty of the wildlife-rich St. Johns River while indulging in chef-prepared cuisine, live entertainment and endless hospitality. All in climate-controlled comfort." A truly magical experience and the perfect place to pop that all-important question down on one knee!
At the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, admire the private art collection of Arthur and Ninah Cummer in the cozy museum (which is free on Tuesday evenings), then spend time walking around the beautifully manicured gardens and past the giant oak trees. Pass serene reflection pools and fountains on your way to admire the view of the river. There, you can present her with a sparkling diamond cluster ring that will be even more breathtaking than the view.
Out at a Show
If your lady loves arts and entertainment, think about creative proposal ideas that involve taking in a show. If she’s the theatrical type, she won’t mind drawing a crowd when you drop to one knee in the lobby during intermission and declare your love for her.
A great many well-known broadway musicals visit Jacksonville as they tour the country, from West Side Story to Billy Elliot. Check the listings in advance to find one that your sweetheart would love to see.
The historic Florida Theatre, which opened in 1927, is one of the most eclectic venues around. Take a look at the event listings and you’ll see that in a single month, the theatre may host a mainstream comedy show, a variety of classic films, a blues concert, and a live children’s show.
At a Romantic Restaurant
Everything about Orsay says class: the decor, the service, and the food. The cuisine is traditional French with occasional influences from the American South. “Out of this world” is how many diners describe the dishes they’ve eaten here, from the French onion soup to the mussels in white wine, garlic, butter, and thyme. Your mouth will water just looking over the menu. Order a decadent dessert, like vanilla bean creme brulee or a chocolate espresso torte, and sip a glass of wine before you ask for her hand in marriage.