Picture-perfect Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota is teeming with exciting shopping experiences, new upscale brands and great new venues for coffee and lunch breaks. From art galleries to antiques and high fashion, there’s so much to discover you’ll want to savor this shopping street from end to end.

Cake Boss Fans of Susie Holt’s shabby chic furnishings and vintage jewelry are now luxuriating in breakfast, lunch and cakes she bakes using her grandma’s recipes (coconut, $5.95 per slice) at Posh on Palm, 33 S. Palm Ave., (941) 954-7674.  

That’s Golden! This one-of-a-kind statement ring by Marian Strickland of MK Designs boasts a 32.17-ct. natural topaz in an intricate 14K white gold hand-carved setting with white diamonds  and peach zircons ($4,600). Golden Image Jewelry, 30 S. Palm Ave., (941) 364-8439.

Great Escapes Immerse yourself in Landscapes, Dreamscapes and Mindscapes, a must-see group exhibition through July 20 with paintings from $2,500, including the new Ruskin US41 by Bruce Marsh ($15,000, shown). Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, 1288 N. Palm Ave., (941) 366-2454.

Bon Appétit Almost everything tastes better with Fondo di Trebbiano white balsamic vinegar ($56.95 a 9.02 oz. bottle). “It’s the single best-selling item in our store,  great on strawberries, French vanilla ice cream, and so good on salads you don’t need oil,” says Douglas Gourley, proprietor. As Good as it Gets, 49 S. Palm Ave., (941) 373-1839.

Summer Skies evoked in powder blue chinos, rope belt, gingham check spread collar shirt and argyle socks will make any guy feel as cool as he looks. Martin Freeman, 75 S. Palm Ave., (941) 953-2948.

Royal Wedding The most coveted designer gowns at Sarasota’s haute couture bridal boutique are by designer Romona Keveza, whose fall 2013 collection is inspired by the Ottoman, Ming and Windsor dynasties (from $4,000). La Mariee, 80 S. Palm Ave., (941) 955-1600.

Belle Mélange You’ll find a stunning array of bed, bath and table linens at this new boutique, among them the summer-fresh Solstice sheets (queen flat, $283; fitted, $247) and Euro shams ($99) by Yves Delorme. Mélange Home, 64 S. Palm Ave., (941) 444-7969.  

Who’s Sari Now? Beautifully colored Aqua Silk area rugs crafted in Jaipur, India, from recycled sari silk are the latest international decorating trend, and best-sellers at this haven of artisan and antique carpets. From $2,750 (4 x 6) to $15,000 (10 x 14). Art to Walk On, 16 S. Palm Ave., (941) 951-5454.

For more Sarasota shopping news and fashion finds, read Heather Dunhill's Fashion I.Q. blog.