The historic rosemary district is defining itself as Sarasota’s subversively hip haven for all things creative. From gourmet food, fine art and artisan-crafted gifts to cutting-edge home décor, every store is dripping with style. Don’t be fooled by the funk: The spas, salons and specialty shops flocking here are underground elegance at its best. 

Memory Lane

Check out the vintage Whiting & Davis collectible bags (from $60); Everything but the Girl owner Laura Gale is modeling one here. You’ll find new and old gifts, clothing and jewelry, all by artists with an edge at Everything but the Girl, 430 Central Ave., (941) 954-8800.

Pure Heaven

Fans have religiously followed Kim Marlow to her new spa, Pure Luxe, in a former Rosemary District church, where custom facials ($75) and at-home alpaca fuzzy boots ($300) are divine. Pure Luxe, 513 Central Ave., (941) 364-5800.

Greek Revival

Check out Sarasota Olive Company’s newest treats: Ta Mylelia vinegars ($18), preserves (from $17) and honey desserts ($21), all reviving ancient Greek recipes. Sarasota Olive Oil Company, 500 Central Ave., (941) 366-2008.

Cut a Rug with the eminently talented Pam and Marcus Anast, fun-loving ex-fashion designers now providing all things beautiful for the home (5-by-7-foot area rugs, $545). Sarasota Collection Home Store, 622 Central Ave., (941) 955-8313.

Designer’s Secret Resource Partners’ just-opened showroom is trade-only; but it’s worth asking your designer for a peek at these fab wool Wilton carpets ($14 a yard) by Silver Creek. Resource Partners, 422 Central Ave., (941) 981-1323.

Going Dutch? If Holland is the epi-center of European design, then Moooi is the country’s hottest design consortium. No wonder Moooi furniture and lighting (Dandelion from $2,750) are now at Home Resource, 741 Central Ave., (941) 366-6690.

Chelsea Chic

Allyn Gallup’s edgy new loft space recalls New York’s Chelsea district art scene with works like Richard Kessler’s sculpture, Homage to Calder #38 ($2,000). Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, 1419 Fifth St., (941) 366-2093.

Made by Whom?  The artistry of students and alums of Ringling College of Art and Design will soon be for sale at Madeby, a 1,000-foot gallery with everything from paintings and toys to Natalie Hahn’s amazing fused-glass necklace ($40). Madeby Ringling College, 734 Central Ave., (941) 875-0421.

 

don’t forget to...

Poke around charming Rosemary Court, where you’ll find a Zen-like yoga school with one class (exotic pole exercise) that’s causing quite a buzz. Rosemary Court Yoga, 810 Central Ave.,

(941) 952-5280.

Try Golden Spoon winner Derek Barnes' progressive take on surf and turf: crispy pork and shrimp ($28). He says it’s bursting with fun, bold flavor. Derek’s Culinary Casual, 514 Central Ave., (941) 366-6565.

Sign up for your weekly fix of organic fruit and veggies from Green Door Organics, a certified organics cooperative that will deliver your order (from $16) to Rosemary Court every Friday for pickup.

www.organicveggies.net