Ready to party tonight?

Some people will gather to welcome the end of 2009, while others prefer to look ahead to 2010 with hope and anticipation, and still others just look for a reason to celebrate.

New Year's Eve is tonight, and for those who couldn't afford a trip to New York to watch the world famous ball drop in the bright lights and excitement of Times Square, or for those who procrastinated there still are some local options worth looking into.

Sunset Grille

The Sunset Grille will serve its full dinner menu with a complimentary Champagne toast and party favors, said George Edison, the restaurant's owner and manager.

"We still have a few reservations left," Edison said Wednesday. "We'll have live entertainment featuring the band Ransom."

The band will play from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., both Friday and Saturday night. There is no cover charge.

Enjoy casual gourmet dining such as a whole roast duck, or stuffed grouper, or rack of lamb.

"We have a whole list of items from seafood medley to vegetarian," said Edison. "We're famous for our french onion soup. But reservations are highly recommended. We had to turn away people at the door on Thanksgiving and Christmas."

The Sunset Grille is located on Lake Jackson, in Sebring, at 2650 U.S. 27. S. To make reservations, call (863) 471-3900.

Quality Inn

The Quality Inn is offering revelers three options for its 2010 New Year's Gala, which includes entertainment and all you can drink open bar, butler passed hors d'oeuvres, seafood station, grand buffet, carving station and decadent dessert tower.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Teresa Sweatman, front desk manager.

And with a ballroom that holds about 350 people they have lots of room left, so make those reservations.

Option one is $99 per person for the gala only.

Option two is a "Stay Safe and Stay the Night" special.

This includes the gala and a one night stay at the hotel for $114.99 per person, which includes a free breakfast buffet the following morning.

"It's a lot cheaper than a DUI," said Sweatman.

Option three gets revelers a second night for just $5 per person more, at $119.99, per person for the New Year's Gala on Friday and Saturday night, which is salsa night.

The hotel has 149 rooms and these overnight options are now extended to everyone, not just Highlands County residents, as was stated in its ad, she said.

Chicanes

Located at the Inn on the Lakes hotel, Chicanes restaurant still had room available Wednesday for reservations on New Year's Eve at the bar or in the side dining rooms, according to Rick Cruickshank, the restaurant's general manager.

For those making late reservations a regular menu will be served with selections starting at $16 to $25 for a full dinner. Desserts are served ala cart.

For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms were available at $69 double occupancy, including breakfast.

About 102 people enjoying activities in the sold-out main dining room will be entertained by the Kathleen Kane Trio.

Singer Indya Martin will provide entertainment in the lounge.

For reservations, call (863) 471-9400.

Château Elan

Located at 150 Midway Drive, inside the Four Points Sheraton hotel, next to the Sebring International Raceway, Château Elan restaurant will serve a special New Year's Eve buffet dinner with a five-hour open bar cocktail reception starting at 7:30 p.m.

The restaurant was still taking reservations on Wednesday afternoon, said Molly Stewart, sales manager.

For $179 per couple the buffet will start at 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., to include a carved-to-order prime rib and a crab leg seafood display, plus an elaborate Viennese dessert table.

Entertainment will be supplied by disc jockey Jane Harrington, followed by a countdown to midnight and a champagne toast.

Overnight packages are available for $179 per person or $259 per couple including the buffet dinner and a VIP silver pass, granting access to the hotel during race week; but not including a race week room.

For reservations, call 863-655-7200.