Whether you are on the West Coast, the East Coast, or somewhere in the middle, the best places to propose are not necessarily the places that are the most expensive or picturesque. The My Trio Rings Best Places to Propose series continues this week with a peek into Brooklyn and the Bronx, with a little bit of a walk on the wild side.

If you live in or around New York City, you have a wealth of fine dining and amazing culture right at your fingertips. But not everyone needs to get engaged during high tea at the Plaza Hotel. If you’re hoping to propose on a budget in boroughs such as Brooklyn or the Bronx, you may wish to consider a few less traditionally romantic places for a unique and memorable proposal.

1. The Bronx Zoo

Step into another world when you enter the steamy, tropical paradise that is the Bronx Zoo butterfly garden. Without spending the money on an exotic vacation, you will find yourself transported to a virtual Eden. For only $3 above the standard zoo admission, this striking exhibit offers an excellent location to propose on a budget. Just find a hidden corner as you meander through the lush foliage, and get down on one knee to pop the question.

2. The New York Botanical Garden

For the last 120 years, the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx has been one of New York's most beautiful places. Plan a walking tour through different gardens and exhibitions using the NYBG app, then propose in the fragrant Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden or one of the four colorful "rooms" of the Perennial Garden. 

3. Coney Island

Coney Island is a long-standing Brooklyn landmark, and it offers a wide variety of options as you consider the best places to propose. You can choose to propose on a blanket on the beach under the fireworks on summertime Friday nights. You might find it romantic to propose at the top of the Wonder Wheel at sunset, or perhaps your spouse-to-be would prefer a more high-speed proposal on the Cyclone roller coaster (if you choose that option, it might be best to pull out the diamond cluster engagement ring after the ride has come to a complete stop!). Or perhaps the best moment of all will be when you are walking hand-in-hand along the boardwalk.

Which ring will you choose?

Photo Credit: BlueGoa