Clay Cliffs
I Propose
6 sweet engagement ideas for lovebirds looking to lock it down in 2022 By Craig Manning
Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day is actually not the biggest day for proposals and engagements. According to wedding planning website The Knot, the most popular day of the year to ask someone to spend their life with you is actually Christmas Day, followed closely by Christmas Eve.
Nevertheless, love is definitely in the air at this time of year, and whether you’re plotting a proposal for Feb. 14 or thinking about putting the gears in motion for an engagement sometime later this year, the big question is this: How are you going to ask the BIG question? A proposal, when executed correctly, should be like your own personal version of a fairytale. When you think about how, when, and where to pop the question, the “perfect” plan should depend a lot on you, your partner, and the love story you’ve shared together so far. Indoors or outdoors? Fancy or no-frills? Summer or winter? Privately or with an audience? The answers to these questions and others will vary for every couple. So while we can’t tell you what proposal idea is the perfect fit for you and your significant other, we can give you a few cool, unique proposal ideas that we think are worthy of consideration. Fun, romantic, quirky, and northern Michigan through and through, these six ideas will get you thinking outside the box as you plot your own big romantic moment.
Take a Hike If the person you’re proposing to is the outdoorsy type, then a hike on a beautiful day, culminating in the moment you pop the question, might be the perfect way to go. Choosing the right hiking spot takes the proposal — often just a few minutes at most — and turns it into a whole memorable experience. Plus, if you plot your destination right, you can give yourself an unbeatable backdrop for this big life milestone. We recommend Clay Cliffs Natural Area, a Leelanau Conservancy nature preserve near Leland whose trails lead to overlooks with truly breathtaking views of both Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Just take a look at that picture and tell us you wouldn’t want to have that view in the background while you’re asking the love of your life to marry you. You might even consider hiring a photographer on the sly to document the big moment — though that option requires a bit more sleight of hand (and surreptitious paparazzi hiding in trees) to avoid blowing the surprise!
10 • february 07, 2022 • Northern Express Weekly
Afterward, stop by one of Leelanau County’s many wineries for celebratory cheers. Spots like Dune Bird Winery, Aurora Cellars, Green Bird Organic Cellars, 45 North Vineyard, Blustone Vineyards, Tandem Ciders, Two K Cidery, Silver Leaf Vineyard, and MAWBY Vineyards are all within a 25-minute drive of Clay Cliffs. Book a Cruise If we had to hazard a guess, we’d say that the vast majority of marriage proposals in northern Michigan take place within view of water. After all, so much of the area’s natural beauty is tied to the deep gorgeous blues of Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, Torch Lake, and all the other lovely water bodies that are within driving distance. We love a good beach proposal, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, why not try the anchors-aweigh approach and propose on a romantic boat ride? Discovery Cruises, which offers scenic voyages on West Grand Traverse
Bay, is the perfect way to execute a nautical proposal even if you don’t have a boat at your disposal. On a budget? Book a few spots for you and your partner on an evening happy hour cruise, a 1.5-hour experience complete with light snacks, a full-service bar, and plenty of indoor or outdoor spots to sit, talk, and get down on one knee. Alternatively, if you want to go bigger but more intimate, you can book a private cruise for just you and your significant other, plus or minus a celebration-ready (or support-ready, if the answer is no) contingent of friends and family. Go Back in Time One of the reasons that Mackinac Island is such a popular tourist destination is that it affords a unique opportunity to step back to a time when the pace of life was a bit more leisurely and everything felt simpler — hence the lack of automobiles. Those same qualities can make the island a beguiling place for a proposal —
