At the Destin History and Fishing Museum

Fun find: the Destin History and Fishing Museum

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Curious about what I will find inside, I’m stopped by a young couple that ask if I could snap their photo in front of the museum. Sure, anything for kindred history buffs. Turns out they're on their honeymoon from Oklahoma and in Destin for the first time. They too want to learn about “the world’s luckiest fishing village.” Greeted by Jean Melvin, the friendly director of the Destin History and Fishing Museum, she proceeds to fills us in about the 4,000 square-foot space. The newlyweds decide to check out the fishing reels collection (circa 1900) and I glimpse the famous fish wall with examples of what’s found (and caught) in local waters. The triggerfish gets my attention. I’m surprised by its not so pretty appearance. Who knew? I’d already dined on triggerfish twice since arriving in the area (at Harbor Docks and the Crab Trap). It was truly delicious.

Melvin takes me to the rear of the museum where the walls are filled with memorabilia and a history timeline of Destin’s first families. Having driven down Calhoun Avenue to the original Dewey Destin Seafood restaurant and market, where the menu is a chalkboard on the wall and the shrimp basket is mighty tasty — I’m now able to put the puzzle pieces together thanks to the museum’s detailed exhibit, which includes the Destin and Calhoun families and their roles in the fishing village’s development.

I highly recommend a stroll through this museum, especially so if you are an angler. There's fishing paraphernalia, the oldest seine fishing boat (The Primrose) and fabulous photos of the famed Fishing Rodeo.

Tags: Calhoun Avenue | Crab Island | Crab Trap | Destin | Destin History and Fishing Museum | Dewey Destin Seafood | Fishing Rodeo | Harbor Docks