Though it’s touted as Sarasota’s up-and-coming neighborhood, the Rosemary District has actually arrived. Reborn as a chic shopping mecca, the historically designated area is reminiscent of warehouse districts around the country that have been infused with new life by artists, adventurous chefs and the most innovative retailers around.

With Central Avenue its hub, the Rosemary District spreads from U.S. 41 to Orange Avenue and from Fruitville Road to 10th Street. We wandered the length and breadth, delighted by the treasures within its bounds.

Young Turk Jaime Anast reigns over the younger, more contemporary counterpart of the classically elegant store his parents, Pam and Marcus, oversee. The new two-story add-on offers hip glamour and funky antiques, lots of white, gloss enamels and colors as hot as this chair ($1,800). The Sarasota Collection Home Store, 622 Central Ave., (941) 955-8313.

Talent Show A gallery of local artists’ wares (from pottery to jewelry, clothing to glass), this shop shares its name with owner Laura Daniel Gale’s favorite English pop band. We love the kitsch handbags, actually called Trash Bagz by Mimi Mae ($48), for their retro art and vintage one-liners. Everything But the Girl, 430 Central Ave., (941) 954-8800.

Taste Test anything you like in Sarasota Olive Company, from first-crush extra virgin oils to signature olives and cheese. The owner of this old world specialty food market, Kelly Kary, says the lunchtime paninis ($7), were added to show off the store’s gourmet products. Now they’re so popular "they’ve taken on a life of their own," she says. Sarasota Olive Oil Company, 1419 Fifth St., (941) 366-2008.

Memory Boosters Skin memory, that is. Jose Eisenberg products fly off the shelves in Europe because they coax skin cells into working as they did in their youth. Crème Cosmetic’s owner Marina Eckert has exclusive dibs on the lauded Parisian’s new "trio-molecular" potions: Youth Elixir ($81), Anti-Age Complex ($146), and Toning Lotion ($45). Crème Cosmetic Emporium, 422 Central Ave., (941) 330-9660.

Sphere of Influence Home Resource owners Michael and Kathy Bush have changed the decorating tastes of Sarasota with chic, contemporary furniture like the new Sphere table ($1,875) of aircraft-grade aluminum, glass and polished steel balls circling its base. Top it with an optional glass Lazy Susan ($125). Home Resource Contemporary Furniture, 741 Central Ave., (941) 366-6690.

Divinia’s Decadence "If it’s not chocolate, why bother?" is the slogan at Cosa Bella, a new emporium of all things chocolate, including 90 percent pure "Chocaviar" ($14.99 for 1.14 ounces) and seductive signature cakes like the three-layer, three-inch Cosa Bella ($6.50), shown here. Divinia Jeanne’s Chocolate Heaven, 1490 Boulevard of the Arts, (941) 366-5888.

Kicking It Up Bam! Everyone knows chef Derek Barnes got his start in Emeril’s New Orleans kitchen. But did you know local business folk have become addicted to his fish tacos ($11) since the hot spot opened for lunch? "They’re the hands-down lunch favorite," the chef confirms. The secret ingredients: caramelized anchovies, smoked garlic and the freshest Gulf fish. Derek’s Culinary Casual, 514 Central Ave., (941) 366-6565.

Isn’t That Precious? Malachite, turquoise, tiger iron, abalone and mother-of-pearl tiles are the newest extravagance in home embellishment. Two-inch gem tiles are $7 to $10; prices climb to $1,000 for a 12-inch square of solid malachite. No wonder owner Manny Turcotte’s clients swear him to secrecy. Ravenna Distinctive Home Finishes, 418 Central Ave., (941) 342-0108.

Salvage Star From Egyptian gates to British garden statuary, Sarasota Architectural Salvage is a treasure trove of cast-offs and the antidote to landfill clutter. Rummage away and you’ll help owner Jesse White on his mission to clean up the world. Antique Pennsylvania Dutch tin roof stars run from $25 to $150. Sarasota Architectural Salvage, 1093 Central Ave., (941) 363-0803.

Power-breakfast at the new Hotel Indigo; the interiors are designed in geometric repetitions inspired by the life-balancing Greek number, Phi.

Sign up for Pilates at Cinde Carroll’s fitness studio; the former fitness director at the Colony offers inspiration and an atmosphere that’s Hollywood-Zen.

Stop by Robinson Spry Interiors (941-365-2030) for some of the best-looking framed art and home accessories in town.

Protect your hair care color with organic shampoos and more (from $16.49) by Keune of the Netherlands; Europe’s hot new line is only available at DaSaka Salon.

Raise the Bar with this hand-cut and hand-polished crystal bar pitcher ($425), a classic from Moser, the Rolls-Royce of Czech glass (every item guaranteed lead-free). Check out the brilliantly hand-faceted bottom with every pour. Ashley Avery’s Collectables, 1425 First St., Sarasota (941) 955-9593.