Are you an out-of-the-box kind of couple looking for one of the best places to propose in Virginia? Then, look no further. The Getaway Mavens, experts in both romantic and quirky getaways, have you covered. Read on.
One could argue that all of Virginia is romantic – after all, the State’s tagline is “Virginia is For Lovers.” So, for many more ideas, refer to this Virginia Tourism site.
Out Of the Ordinary Places To Propose in Virginia
While Soaking In the Historic Healing Waters of Bath County
Take an hour long soak in the oldest and most historic healing pools in the USA. Thomas Jefferson traveled one and a half days to soak in these 98-degree mineral pools – first opened to the public in 1761 – in order to sooth his aching arthritis. Considered the “Oldest Covered Spa in the USA,” (others may be older but were not enclosed), Historic Warm Spring Pools in Bath County VA were called “healing waters” due to the high concentration of magnesium sulfate, iron, silica, and boron – known to relax and soothe the body. To this day, the Warm Spring Pools maintain a remarkably consistent flow and temperature year-round, unaffected by seasonal changes. After this calming soak, drive less than a mile to your own private bath – in the uber-romantic Turley Suite at the Inn at Gristmill Square where your own sexy bathtub and mosaic shower await.
At the Hottest New Restaurant or New Boutique Hotel in Leesburg
Dressed in Southern Gentleman chic, the banquette-lined ground floor dining room of Shutters on King, in downtown Leesburg, with its exposed brick walls, wood floors, plush couches, stone fireplaces and handsome backlit bar makes for a perfectly delicious place to propose. Start with a glass of wine and an order of Clay Pot Chicken Wings, then vow to be his/her foodie partner throughout life. Bed down next door at the new boutique, Hotel Burg – and definitely have a drink in the elegantly dressed lounge before retiring to celebrate your new engagement.
While Perusing the Witty Murals in Norfolk VA
Sure, Norfolk VA is home to the world’s largest Naval Base, with its share of “Floating Grey” attractions and cobblestone streets. But this naval city has a massive arts scene, mostly in the reinvigorated NEON Arts District.
Grab a map, and walk hand in hand while checking out formerly bereft old buildings, now plastered with a wide spectrum of vividly painted murals.
Choose one that moves you, and pop the question. It makes for a great selfie or Insta background.
While Banging The Pleasure Machines in Roanoke VA
One would imagine that most couples in Roanoke VA get engaged under the 88 ½ foot, mountaintop Roanoke Star. But you’re not “most couples.”
You grew up haunting pinball arcades, and now you’re grown up, are in love, and want to get hitched. What’s the best place to propose in this Virginia town? Why, either Starcade or the Pinball Museum at Center in the Square, natch. For a set fee, you can spend hours doing what you love, and then pledge your love to each other for the rest of your lives.
Atop the Woodstock Tower on Massanutten Mountain
Feel on top of the world within the George Washington National Forest in Virginia’s Shenandoah County. It’s fun to climb the spindly Woodstock Tower and a great platform for a marriage proposal.
But, if you want the best views of the valley and snaking Shenandoah River, take the gravel path down to the hang-gliding launch point: another best place to propose in Virginia.
Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Poe: You Can Have Both in Richmond VA
Richmond VA is definitely a city of contrasts. It was the “Cradle of the Confederacy,” but now has a pretty liberal arts and beer scene. So, too, no two couples are alike.
American Revolution buffs might want to pop the question while checking out Historic St. John’s Church – where Patrick Henry stirred emotions with his “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech.
Literary duos will feel more at home at the excellent Poe Museum, where you can plan a life together Forevermore.
While Lost in the Largest Corn Maze in the USA, Somerset
The largest corn maze in the USA, Liberty Mills Farm, happens to be in a tiny little ‘burg in Orange County VA. While this area of Virginia is known for Montpelier, home to the primary architect of the US Constitution, James Madison, the region offers other delights.
These include the sassily named Well Hung Vineyard and this human-sized labyrinth. So, plan on popping the question inside the maze. And, if you get lost, at least you’ll be lost together.
While Straddling Two States in the Middle of State St. Bristol
Virginia bars close a full hour before Tennessee’s do (2am vs. 3am), so no big deal in Bristol VA. All you have to do is walk a few steps across the road. The VA/TN state border runs directly down State Street, effectively cutting the town in half.
So, Bristol, known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” is a great place to propose in both VA and TN. For maximum romance, stay in either The Sessions Hotel or The Bristol: cool luxury boutique hotels.
On A Leisurely Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Lexington
There’s something lulling and romantic about a horse-drawn carriage ride, am I right? Like, it’s perfectly suited to, and gets you in the mood for, a marriage proposal.
This one, run by the Lexington Carriage Company, in Lexington VA, is better than most because the terrain is so hilly, the draft horses so game and the passing views are so interesting.
Plus, for those who prefer an audience, you’re almost guaranteed a group of adoring witnesses.
In the Stunning Home and Garden of Harlem Renaissance Poet, Anne Spencer, Lynchburg
It seems strange that there was a thriving African American community in a town called Lynchburg, but there you have it. Lynchburg VA was actually named for Quaker, John Lynch, and in the early 1900’s a block of Black intellectuals found safe harbor here.
One was the beautiful Harlem Renaissance poet, Anne Spencer, and her self-taught architect husband, Edward, who moved here with two children in 1903. The Anne Spencer House, decorated with found objects and gifts, is a wonder.
But the garden. Ah, that garden.
Designed by Edward, its beauty and thoughtfulness symbolize the undying love this husband had for his wife, and, as such, is surely one of the most romantic and best places to propose in all of Virginia.
