PREEN & CHIC: Party town!

We all have a love/hate relationship with Sarasota's tourists during "season:" They keep our economy strong, but our streets become accident-prone and the socks-with-sandals look just makes my skin crawl. After season ends, however, it doesn't mean that the local scene shuts down. If anything, we take our town back and continue to support local business, attend great parties and sip holiday cocktails by the beach. We pretty much live in paradise and our stay-cations last all year! Here is a little recap on the past season's hits according to PREEN & CHIC, and what to expect this week.Sarasota's social scene is full of events and, more importantly, the familiar faces that frequent them throughout the year. Sure, other cities may boast a bigger calendar, but the acquaintance among guests and a thriving charitable character are what make Sarasota so unique.

Favorites from last season (and definite RSVPs for next year): ALSO Youth's 20th Anniversary Gala; Rock of Ages benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation; Key to the Cure hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue; the Goodwill Mardi Gras; Planned Parenthood's Halloween Safe Sex Bash; the Sarasota Ballet Gala; the Cattle Barons' Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society; the Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota Magazine's "Best Of" Party and the Ringling International Arts Festival.Events I wish I had attended: Pique-Nique Sur la Baie benefiting the New College of Florida; Wine, Women & Shoes; The Asolo Rep's American Big Band Gala; Forks & Corks; and The Orchid Ball at Selby Gardens.Favorite weekend entertainment and hangouts: Sunday polo matches at the Sarasota Polo Club; the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club and sunsets at the Lido Beach Tiki Bar; the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Bar; cooking, HBO and SHOWTIME.

New businesses that opened and continue to thrive: The Short Giraffe Mini Confections and Catering; Fresh Salon & Spa's new Main Street location; the Ritz-Carlton of Sarasota's restaurant, Jack Dusty; Louies Modern restaurant and bar; PECKY furniture boutique; Shore Diner, INfluence/MEN clothing store; Clásico Cafe & Bar; and Perq Coffee Bar.

All-time favorite food and cocktail spots: Selva Grill; Jolly espresso bar; Michael's on East; Indigenous; Pomona Bistro and Wine Bar; Station 400; Polo Grill; MoZaic; The Garden Room café at Shoogie Boogies; Pacific Rim; State Street Eating House + Cocktails.Will miss: Derek's Culinary Casual (moving from the Rosemary District to Bradenton), the Sarasota Cupcake Company and the men's department at Saks Fifth Avenue Sarasota.

Enough nostalgia ... it's safe to say that this season left great memories, outstanding events and exciting new ventures to look forward to. On that note, this week holds three must attend-events, starting this Tuesday with a premiere by The SOURCE Productions. Thea's Secret tells the story of two girls waging a war against their bathroom mirror. It's a powerful play that examines the devastating effects of bullying, peer pressure and negative body image. This free public performance will be held in the Polo Grill & Bar's ballroom on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m.On Friday, May 17, the most fun and fashionable event for the beautiful and giving of Sarasota is back! Chic in the City: A Fashionable Gala, hosted by Designing Daughters, promises luxurious indulgences, lively entertainment, superlative awards for the divinely dressed and a Chinese raffle. The gala will be held at Sarasota's new event venue, The Francis ballroom, starting at 8 p.m.

The 4th Annual Harvey Milk Festival celebrates Sarasota's LGBTQ community, featuring a variety of attractions including music, film, performing and visual artists, speakers and vendors designed to engage a large and diverse audience. The festivities begin on Thursday, May 16 and culminate in a live music festival this Saturday, May 18 at Five Points Park, starting at 4 p.m. and going 'til midnight!

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