Spokane - located in the northeastern part of Washington state - isn't as well known as metropolitan Seattle, but the city lives up to its slogan: "Near nature. Near perfect."

Spokane is a stone's throw away from breathtaking natural beauty - the Cascade and Rocky Mountains, 76 lakes and rivers, gorgeous trails for hiking and biking. It is also a city known for its excellent food and wine, so it has great appeal for outdoor enthusiasts and gourmets alike. If you are planning a romantic proposal in the Spokane area, you have plenty of locations to choose from. Here are a few of our favorite places to propose in Spokane.

Head to Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, and buy tickets to take a spin on the exquisite Looff Carrousel, built in 1909. Pick one of the brightly painted, hand-carved horses (or a tiger or giraffe!) to ride with your sweetheart, and have fun trying to catch the brass ring as you go around. Present her with another ring - a sparkling diamond engagement ring - and ask her to be your wife.

Also located in Riverfront Park is the SkyRide Over the Falls attraction - a cable car that offers stunning views of Spokane Falls (the second longest urban waterfall in the United States). Arrange in advance to get a cable car just for the two of you (perhaps buying tickets for all six seats in the car to guarantee privacy). Take in the view of the falls, City Hall, Huntington Park Natural Area, the Spokane River, and the Monroe Street Bridge. Find the right moment when it feels like you're at the top of the world, and pop the question.

The Centennial Trail is 37.5 miles long and begins at the Washington-Idaho state border. It crosses through downtown Spokane in Riverfront Park, then extends into the countryside in east and west directions. Spend the day doing an outdoor activity you both love on the trail - whether it's hiking, biking or horseback riding. Take a break for a leisurely picnic lunch, and hide the diamond engagement ring in a box at the bottom of the picnic basket for her to discover.

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is one of Washington's oldest wineries and has earned awards and accolades for its wines from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. The winery's estate sits 450 feet above the Spokane River and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Spokane Valley and downtown. Book a private tour at Arbor Crest, and let them know about your plan, asking about the best places to propose on the estate. After your personalized grounds tour and wine tasting, find a private moment and ask her to marry you with a backdrop of gorgeous vineyards.