24. Wanna play at being one of the paparazzi? Stake your claim at the Sarasota Film Festival's Night of a Thousand Stars party, where the stars and the starstruck take over the Michael's On East ballroom and courtyard and get down. The wall-to-wall bodies make it a challenge to actually carve your path to the food stations, but so what? It's all about the glamour, darling, and it goes on into the wee hours. Sarasota Film Festival, (941) 364-9514.

25. Catch a rising star with one of Booker High School Visual and Performing Arts Center's top-notch productions. Rave reviews (last year's Seussical the Musical won big at the Florida Theatre Conference) greet these anything-but-amateur shows; grads have gone on to Broadway and Hollywood. This year's season ranges from the comic (Once Upon a Mattress, Dec. 7-10) to the classic (Hamlet, Feb. 8-11) to the Cole Porter perennial Anything Goes (April 19-22). 3201 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. (941) 355-2967.

26. Do some star searching at Bradenton's Bishop Planetarium, now totally renovated and updated following a fire a few years ago. The state-of-the-science, all-digital domed theater presents both celestial shows that explore the universe and sound-and-light extravaganzas that rock the house with hits from Aerosmith, The Doors, Metallica and U2. Shows aimed at younger kids, too. 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. (941) 746-4131.

27. The Westcoast Gospel Choir of Florida performs traditional foot-stomping, hand-clapping, roof-raising gospel that could make all the trees of the field get up and dance with joy. Under the leadership of Bishop Henry L. Porter, the choir remains a treasure of Sarasota's African-American heritage, bringing its message of love to audiences nationwide through concerts, CDs and Webcasts. They perform at various concerts and church services; for the latest, call (941) 365-7543.

fish shacks

Great grub at our favorite Old-Florida hangouts.

28. Part English pub, part dog show, the Old Salty Dog gets plenty of canines at its pooch-friendly patio tables, but none of them sit and stay like the dish that gave the place its name: a foot-long, quarter-pound hot dog from Geier's Sausage Kitchen, batter-dipped and deep-fried (cheese and bacon optional). Try it twice at two locations on Siesta Key and City Island. 5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota. (941) 349-0158. 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. (941) 388-4311.

29. Kayakers along the Intracoastal Waterway can paddle to the sandy shore at Casey Key Fish House when they need energy food-like a grilled grouper sandwich (a candidate for the best around) with a frozen drink from the tiki bar to wash it down. Of course, landlubbers are also welcome to enjoy the right-on-the-water dining. 801 Blackburn Point Road, Osprey. (941) 966-1901.

30. Shuck 'em and chuck 'em. There's no room for daintiness at Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant and Oyster Bar off South Tamiami Trail. Local families bring the young 'uns for a relaxed dinner, and it's the first place on everyone's lips when talk turns to shellfish. Sit down with some friends, some beers and a few dozen oysters and have at it. 5353 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 925-4444.

31. The Rod and Reel Pier on Anna Maria Island stretches 350 feet off the beach and into the waters of Tampa Bay, where you can drop a line and try your hand at catching lunch or dinner-the restaurant will even cook your fresh-caught filets to order. But don't worry if the fish aren't biting; there's plenty of fresh seafood in-house. 877 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria. (941) 778-2780.

32. Sometimes all you need is a good burger. At the Hob Nob Drive In on U.S. 301, they don't mess around: Since 1957, the straight-up classic American drive-in fare and ice-cold draft beer have drawn locals and tourists in droves. There's a roof overhead, but it's open-air dining, and the swivel barstools and picnic tables are perfect for swapping tales with the gregarious regulars. After tasting the juicy Hob Nob double cheeseburger, you'll be a regular, too. 1701 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota. (941) 955-5001.

33. Get your yuks at two local laugh factories. Nationally known stand-ups have been splitting sides at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre on North Tamiami Trail for 16 years. The Sarasota institution is also a great place to spot the funniest local characters-on and off the stage. Downtown, Florida Studio Theatre's Improv takes audience requests during weekly performances. Bring your favorite gripe, and the cast will use it to launch a laugh riot. McCurdy's, 3333 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 925-FUNY; FST, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. (941) 366-9000.