Once you’ve got the perfect engagement ring, you’ve got to plan the perfect proposal. There are no shortage of fairytale-worthy spots to propose at in the Natural State, so read on to discover some of the best places in Arkansas to pop the question.
Arkansas’s Best Proposal Locations
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Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
From the light-flooded, airy, geometric glass and wood haven of St. Anthony’s Chapel to the Millsap Bridge, shaded by a canopy of leaves (or overlapping branches, in the winter), to the rocky waterfall, to the bright Japanese Maples in the Asian garden and the charming arched bridge over the koi pond in the Garden of the Pine Wind, Garvan Woodland Gardens provides a plethora of gorgeous and diverse settings for your engagement photos. (Pro tip: Hire a photographer with a good zoom to duck behind trees and capture the moment.)
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Hawksbill Crag Trail, South of Harrison in the Ozark National Forest
The moderate 1.5 mile hike to Whitaker Point is one of the most beloved trails in Arkansas for good reason. Whitaker Point overhangs the Buffalo River Valley, which is either shrouded in mist or bursting with color, depending the time of day and the season. The trail has wildflowers and a waterfall in spring and an impressive bluffline year-round. A travel journalist once labeled it the “the best place to be kissed.” The opening to the Disney film Tuck Everlasting was shot here. Plan about 2.5 hours for the whole hike. It’s a magical little journey.
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Mount Magazine, Paris
Rent a cabin overlooking the Petit Jean River Valley at 2,753 foot Mount Magazine. The cabins are affordable and comfy, with outdoor hot-tubs that offer a great view. If you make the 0.75 mile hike (1.5 for the loop) to Signal Hill, you can propose at the highest point in the state—which seems like a nice metaphor, right?
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Blanchard Springs Caverns, near Mountain View
You’ll have to do Blanchard Springs Caverns with a guide, so when you book the tour, you may want to mention the planned proposal. The guide may have suggestions for a spot along the tour and can schedule in time for you to do it. The Cathedral Room is stunning, and there are four tours to choose from. But if a group tour is not your idea of a perfect proposal, you can propose on one of the gorgeous, waterfall-laden hiking trails following your cave tour.
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Bordinos, Fayetteville
This final recommendation is for the “indoor” types. Bordinos is low-lit and romantic, with a nice wine list and an interesting menu. The food is an updated, more continental take on Italian cuisine, and if you’re from out of town, Fayetteville makes a fun weekend visit.
Insure The Engagement Ring
Of course, as soon as you pick out the ring, you will want to insure it. And if you don’t, she should insure the ring as soon as she accepts it. The easiest way to do this is through coverage on an Inland Marine policy to specifically cover the ring. Give one of our Farm Bureau Insurance agents a call, and we will be happy to help you.
Good luck with the proposal!