Getting to Know Rick Rose

The Palm Beach expert shares his top spots and favorite things

Image by Yanni De Melo Photo

Rick Rose is the founder of Palm Beach Vacation Rentals but is best-known around town for his deep knowledge of Palm Beach history. In fact, the West Palm native is so well versed in all things Palm Beach that he penned a book on the subject; Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town became the leading guide to the island upon its initial 2017 publication (the second edition will hit shelves in October). As the official historian for the Worth Avenue Association, Rose leads weekly walking tours of the area that raise money for a charity of choice each season. In addition to being a member of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Flagler Museum, and Palm Beach Preservation Foundation, Rose serves on the board of Discover the Palm Beaches and supports Ballet Palm Beach.

Palm Beach Sartorial Staple: A custom patchwork Lilly Pulitzer jacket ordered through the Worth Avenue shop to commemorate its grand opening

Hidden talent: I’m a pianist.

Dish worth every calorie: The baked Alaska at HMF

Coffee order: I like a double-shot cappuccino with whole milk and no sugar from News & Gourmet in the Palm Court at The Breakers so I can sit in the courtyard with a view into the garden.

Wardrobe essentials: White pants from Brooks Brothers, slippers from Stubbs & Wootton, a jacket/sports coat from Saks, and bow ties and pocket squares from Maus & Hoffman

Morning routine: I go for a quick swim when I wake up, drink tea, then eat two slices of multigrain bread, one with cheese and the other with Nutella.

Dream car: Bentley Bentayga

Go-to happy hour: The Colony Hotel bar on Thursdays

Book he wishes he’d written: Geschichte eines Deutschen (Defying Hitler: A Memoir). I read all my books in German.

Beloved Palm Beach bite: Pizza Messicana at Pizza Al Fresco

Collects: All kinds of hats from around the world, with panama hats being my favorite. I have 18 hats total.

Favorite vista: The view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in Switzerland from my favorite skiing village, Mürren.
Passionate about: Preservation of historic resources in the community, like historically significant buildings and neighborhoods.

Style icon: Lilly Pulitzer is an inspirational icon for Palm Beach, but I also appreciate the styles of Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford.

Signature accessory: A panama hat from Maus & Hoffman on Worth Avenue

Ideal last meal: Veal piccata with linguine and vegetables
Shops local at: Worth Avenue, the Church Mouse on South County Road, and the shops at The Royal Poinciana Plaza.

Karaokes in the car to: “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston

Song from his teen years: “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” or anything by ABBA

Binge watches: The Crown

Movie he’s seen more than 10 times: The Sound of Music

Last great read: Das Haupt der Welt about Heinrich I of the Holy Roman-German Empire

Next travel destination: New York in the spring or Germany at the end of June

Guilty pleasure junk food: The spicy chicken sandwich from Wendy’s

Best advice he’s received: Moderation is key.

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