The Little Store was built in 1937 at the South side of US 98, by the Destin Bridge.  The Little Store was built by the Kelly's and was the local place for fellowship.   The store had gas pumps, groceries, staples, knickknacks' and served a variety of seafood, chicken and other delicacies.   

 

The west side of the store served as a social gathering place where the local villagers (The Marlers, The Destins, The Melvins, The Shirahs, McDonalds, etc., and their kin), would meet to chat, dance, eat, share stories and drink beer until the late hours.  That same year, the Kelly's began building the cottages.   

 

A total of fifteen "pioneer" families originally settled Destin Florida.  For nearly a hundred years, these families lived a primitive and hard life.

 

Many of the local seafood restaurants display early Destin Florida photos.   It's interesting to see the popularity of the region at present and observe it with an understanding of its history which dates back about 175 years.