Attention, New Yorkers! This time next week, thousands of romance novelists will descend upon the crossroads of the universe for the annual Romance Writers of America conference! You thought Giuliani took the sexy out of Times Square? Well, watch out, cuz these ladies are bringing it back.

(Not that gross, streetwalker, 42nd St. sexy. The good kind.)

But, let’s be honest. There’s absolutely nowhere worse than Times Square to get the true New York experience. Really. New Yorkers stay away from it, unless they work there or have theatre tickets. So, why should you stay there? If you’re making breakfast plans or dinner plans or plans to head off and do something exciting with friends, my best piece of advice is Leave Times Square.

There are about a million places/things to see/eat/do in NYC outside of Times Square, and I promise you’ll love every one of them.

So. I give you NYC experiences (beyond Times Square):

1. The  New York Times Walking Tours — There are many reasons to love the Grey Lady. But one of my favorites are these incredible walking tours on their site. They tell you where to go, and direct you through a maze of places and events that happened in that neighborhood. I like the Greenwich Village one because it has a ton of writing history in it, but if you want to stay close to the conference and the hotel, try this Midtown tour!

2. The Empire State Building (at night!) — The ESB is obviously one of those key landmarks. And if you’re a romance lover, there’s an added layer of *must do* attached to the massive building. I love it there. But here’s the thing–I only go after 10pm (the ESB observation deck is open until 2am) Skip the daytime trip for a number of reasons. First, the lines are insane and by the time you reach the observation deck, you’ll be through with humanity. Second, it’s the best way to see how big New York is. The lights against the darkness make that so much clearer than during the day. And third, there’s nothing more romantic than standing 100 stories above the rest of NYC, looking down on all those lights.

3. The Empire State Building (at night! with alcohol!) — Or, you could skip the ESB trip altogether and get a group together for one of NYC’s famous rooftop lounges with FABULOUS views of of the tallest building in the city. They can be a bit of a scene, but they’re worth it for the experience, and the views! Get there early to get table. I recommend 230 Fifth or the Gansevoort Park.

4. Food. Food food food. — You can’t come to New York and not eat somewhere fabulous. Louisa Edwards wrote this post a week or so back recommending restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, so that leaves me free to recommend a few restaurants farther afield. I’m going to try to run the gamut of cost and cuisine!

Craft – Tom Colicchio’s flagship restaurant, this one is expensive and worth it. If you consider yourself a foodie, Craft should be the first reservation on your list. Craft is in Union Square, and if  you feel like a crazy shopping experience beforehand, plan to spend an hour in ABC Carpet & Home a few blocks away. It’s a home goods/furniture store, with outrageous prices and outrageous stuff. But worth the window shopping! Cost: $$$$

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