Greased back hair, juke boxes, rock and roll and bobby socks were the theme fifty years ago. With high brunette pony tail and pink cardigan, I stood beneath the pier sharing my very first kiss, digging my gym shoes into the snow white sand while the stars seemed to be shining especially for me.

A medley of souped-up cars lined the street, as teens piled into the local diner for fries smothered in ketchup and ice cold cola. It was Destin in the 1950's and to us teens, it was fabulous. It certainly was reasonably serene, except for the weekends which saw us all letting our hair down.

The views were and always have been delightful, the emerald green waters have always been mesmerizing. Yet Destin was not very well populated at all back then. After a while the teens became a little restless, as we could only take so much sand and surf.

Thankfully the 1970's saw Destin's popularity begin to grow. Having always been known as "The Luckiest Fishing Village In The world" due to its deep water access, vacationers were beginning to realize just how lovely this place was. Fishermen from out of Florida began to traverse the many popular local fishing areas here a little more frequently.

With the construction of condominiums in the 1970's Destin saw a rapid growth in the tourist trade. From that time forward, Destin grew in leaps and bounds. Today the beaches are still stunningly beautiful, the sand still as white as snow. The panoramic views are just as sensational, yet now there is so much more to do!

Water-parks have been constructed, sea tours are much more luxurious and in better boats. Para-sailing, glass bottom boat trips, jet skis, and so much more are now available for your pleasure. Restaurants are numerous and the fine dining is superb, the golf courses are champion designed, and the shopping is worth writing home about.

The Uptown Station at Walton Beach is something I never would have reamed of, back in those teen years, but  here it stands, in Destin! This is outdoor shopping at its best; it's a great spot for adults and children. Everything is at your fingertips, dining, clothing, music, and so much more. With international cuisine now available for even the fussiest of diners, you can make it a day and a night of fun!

I only wish the Emerald Coast Science Center had been in Walton Beach when I was a kid. (I would have been able to get rid of the pesky brother for a few hours!) This is an incredible fantasy museum and is amazing for kids of all ages. I was just as excited as my grandchildren when we visited last year. The giant bubble maker had us all giggling hysterically. See the Vandergraph generator and so much more. You will be just as intrigued as the children.

Yes, Destin has a host of delights which were not there back in the fifties. Yet it always had that awesome Southern hospitality, which is something that Destin will never lose. Destin has certainly changed over the years, but definitely for the better!

This guide to Destin then and now was brought to you by Shenni Bubb.

Whether you are visiting Destin for the first time of the fiftieth, there is always a welcoming vacation home waiting for you and your family!  Start your vacation right and reserve your home base today.