They say that love is blind. So you probably don't care where you fall in love. Hardly matters if you express your love in front of a garbage dump or in line at a Starbucks. Or, if you're the kind who needs a little support and encouragement (and maybe a couple of tequila shots) before you can open your mouth, well then... A romantic location would come in rather handy.

If you choose New York City, there's no shortage of romantic getaways where the view and the atmosphere greases the wheels, so to speak. Listed below are some of the big Apple's romantic hideaways, from the breathtaking heights of the Empire State Building to the swing of the Roosevelt Island tramway, the coziness of the Ice Skating rink at Rockefeller Center, the privacy of Central Park, and the discrete luxury of some iconic hotels like the Plaza and Bryant Park hotels, where you could say that romance is 'in the air'.

Photo by Lalla Ali via flickr (creative commons). Its a well worn cliche, a tourist trap, overcrowded, and you have to buy expensive tickets, but still there's nothing remotely as fascinating, famous or visited by tourists in New York as the Empire State Building's 86th floor Observatory.

The view, no doubt, is magnificent. But what makes it so special is the romantic appeal that is now so integral a part of the Empire State Building. A visit to the Empire State Building by a couple is more like a pilgrimage, an homage to the power of love, like the Taj Mahal. If you've ever been to the Observatory with your beloved, and you say you didn't felt an outpouring of love and affection, then either you need to get a new heart, or you're lying. Send a thank you card to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan for Sleepless in Seattle.

Speaking of Meg Ryan and romance in New York, you might also want to visit Katz's Deli, where the orgasm scene from 'When Harry Met Sally' was filmed.

And the Statue of Liberty, one of biggest attractions in New York, and one of the seven wonders of the world, could just be added to this list of romantic spots in New York, if President Obama makes good on his promise.

Access to the crown of Lady Liberty has been closed to the public since 9/11, but President Obama has expressed support for legislation which opens up the spiral staircase inside the Statue to the public. If they open it up, then Lady Liberty instantly eclipses all other attractions as the most romantic spot in New York, except for the Empire State Building.

You might also want to consider the Ice Skating rink at the Rockefeller Center, and a ride to Roosevelt Island on the red tramway. There's plenty to do on the island, and the view from the tram, especially when you're coming back from Roosevelt, is fantastic.

Check out the AP video to the right, and then read this. Its unbelieveable, but true. An entire suite and all the furnishings in a hotel made out of chocolate. And a Valentine's Day stay in this chocolate suite at the Bryant Park Hotel was a prize in a 2008 contest held by Godiva Chocolatiers and the Bryant Park Hotel.

That particular suite, sad to say, is not available for a stay any longer, but the hotel is still one of the most romantic New York hotels you'll find. They make it a point to take extra special care of couples who want some alone time. Its costly, but luxurious, and in an excellent location and they'll pull out all the stops for you - Champagne, strawberries, flowers and such like.

In the same mold is the iconic Plaza Hotel. What with the stained glass and the tradition of brunches and afternoon tea in the hotel's palm Court restaurant, not to mention the imported furnishings, quiet luxury and royal treatment that you get in the guest rooms, topped off with its location spanning Fifth Ave and Central Park, there's very few hotels that can compete with the Plaza.

To tote up all the romantic spots in Central Park needs another hub all by itself, so here's a couple of links (here and here) which should tell you everything you need to know about lov(e)-in Central Park.

Don't miss a hansom ride and a visit to Wagner Cove and the Loeb boathouse. Photo by thenestor via flickr (creative commons).