Once again, historical walking tours of Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue are spotlighting the origins of the famous street’s notable architecture and offering a glimpse back at the fashionistas who packed its boutiques during the winter social season.
Led by Rick Rose, historian and author of a local travel blog and a Palm Beach tourism guide, Worth Avenue Historical Walking Tours take place every Wednesday, excluding Dec. 24, until April 30. The first tour of the season took place Nov. 19.
Starting in the courtyard of Via Amore at 256 Worth Avenue, the 75-minute tours bring guests to spots on and near the Avenue, as Rose delves into the origins and history of Palm Beach and its century-old shopping district.
The tour divides Palm Beach history into three major topics, starting with the Avenue’s place as the early home to the Mediterranean Revival style, the architectural movement popularized on the island by Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner, Rose told the Palm Beach Daily News.
“Mediterranean Revival really started on Worth Avenue and near Worth Avenue, but the Avenue and the Everglades Club really were what brought that style to Florida — and it turned into a fad that would spread all over the state, and all over the country in the 1920s,” Rose said.
Rick Rose discusses the pesky cypress paneling near Via Parisi as he leads the Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tour on Nov. 18.
Rose also will discuss the Avenue’s history as a fashion hub for many historic luxury brands. Where New York offered designers a range of potential customers from diverse economic backgrounds, Palm Beach was where European brands like Gucci and Cartier would unveil their luxury offerings to the American market, he said.
“So many fashion labels have launched their brands on Worth Avenue and Palm Beach in general, or they were made famous there,” Rose said. “It’s really one of the oldest luxury districts in the country, if not the world.”
Rounding out the tour, Rose will offer anecdotes about the Hollywood and stage stars — and other colorful personalities — who shopped, worked or resided on Worth Avenue.
For example, during a tour in 2024, Rose pointed out Via Veneto’s sculptures of children playing, which were created by exiled Romanian Prince Monyo Mihailescu-Nasturel Herescu.
This year will also feature a special “Holiday Edition” tour on Dec. 26, which will be hosted by Galerie Fledermaus and feature drinks and treats.
Proceeds from this season’s walking tour will help support the Kravis Center for Performing Arts’ S*T*A*R Series.
“Every walk down Worth Avenue now makes a difference for our community’s young people,” Kravis Center CEO Diane Quinn said in a statement. “We’re deeply grateful to the Worth Avenue Association and to Rick Rose for helping bring arts education to life in such a meaningful and creative way.”
The Kravis Center’s series brings local students from all grade levels to the performing arts complex to see professional productions and join pre- and post-performance discussions. The series is free for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, and $5 for all others.
Rick Rose talks about Via Amore, which used to be known by locals as Via Gucci, as he leads the Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tour on Nov. 18.
“Worth Avenue has always been more than just a destination — it’s a community,” Frank Steinhart, president of the Worth Avenue Association and production manager at Stubbs & Wootton, said in a statement. “By selecting the Kravis Center as our charity of choice, we’re inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the Avenue’s remarkable history while helping inspire the next generation through the arts.”
The walking tours begin at 10:30 a.m. Parking options include three-hour metered parking on Worth Avenue and four-hour metered parking on Peruvian Avenue using the ParkMobile App. Both locations charge $5 an hour. Guests also can also park at the Apollo parking lot at 405 Hibiscus Ave.
The event is wheelchair accessible, as there are no steps throughout the three-quarter mile tour. Those with mobility issues are encouraged to bring a wheelchair or electric scooters.
Tours are limited to 40 participants, but guests can add their name to a waiting list if a date has been sold out.
Tickets are $25 per person for the standard tour and $50 for the special “Holiday Edition” tour on Dec. 26. Participants should register in advance online through Eventbrite.com under the Happenings tab at Worth-Avenue.com.
Diego Diaz Lasa is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at dlasa@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Historic walking tours of Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue return for season