A Taste of Summer
Ice cream, pizza and donuts have become part of the Broadkill experience. For many families, stopping at the store for a favorite treat is simply part of a day at the beach.
A living piece of Delaware beach history, welcoming generations of families to the quiet shores of Broadkill Beach.
There are very few places left where stepping through the front door feels like stepping back in time. The Broadkill Store at Broadkill Beach is one of those rare treasures.
For more than a century, this beloved gathering place has welcomed generations of families, fishermen, beachgoers, birdwatchers, nature lovers and visitors looking to experience the quiet charm that makes Broadkill Beach so special.
While Delaware's beach communities have grown tremendously over the years, the Broadkill Store has remained a reminder of a simpler time—a place where memories are made and traditions continue.
Long before it became the neighborhood market everyone knows today, the building played a role in the area's wartime history.
During World War II, the building was part of the Army barracks associated with the military presence along Delaware's coast.
By the 1950s, the building was known as a dance hall, bringing local residents and vacationers together for evenings of music, dancing and community.
Over time, the building evolved into the beach store that generations of Broadkill families know and love today.
“Walking into the Broadkill Store still feels like stepping back into a simpler time.”Broadkill Beach • Delaware Bay
Walk through the door today and visitors immediately notice something special.
The old-fashioned floors, shelves and timeless character of the building look much as they did decades ago.
Rather than modernizing away its personality, the store has preserved many of the details that make it unique.
And that is exactly why people return.
They come because the Broadkill Store feels authentic. It connects today's families with generations who vacationed, fished and spent their summers along these same quiet shores.
The Broadkill Store has always been much more than a place to pick up supplies. It is part beach market, part café, part fishing stop and part community gathering place.
Ice cream, pizza and donuts have become part of the Broadkill experience. For many families, stopping at the store for a favorite treat is simply part of a day at the beach.
Beach gear, clothing, fishing bait and special souvenirs allow visitors to pick up what they need—or take home something that reminds them of their time at this special beach.
Current owners Mike and Tina Hilligoss know the Broadkill community as only people who grew up here can.
Through the years, they have watched children become parents and parents become grandparents, all returning to Broadkill Beach and making another visit to the store.
They have heard countless stories from people who remember coming here as children, spending summers in nearby cottages, fishing on Delaware Bay and stopping at the store with their families.
After years of caring for this beloved landmark, Mike, Tina and a few other Broadkill Beach owners have made the difficult decision to sell the store.
Their greatest hope is not simply to find a buyer—but to find someone who appreciates what makes the Broadkill Store so special and wants to carry its tradition forward.
The Broadkill Store sits in one of the most unique locations along Delaware's coast.
Just steps from the store is the quiet public beach along Delaware Bay, where families enjoy swimming, shell collecting, fishing, kayaking and beautiful sunrises over the water.
Across the way lies the breathtaking Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, known for peaceful marshes, migrating birds, abundant wildlife and unforgettable sunsets.
Here, visitors experience something increasingly rare along the coast—quiet surroundings, natural beauty and a true connection with the landscape.
Broadkill Beach feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the boardwalk and larger resort towns.
This peaceful atmosphere is exactly what makes this hidden corner of Sussex County so special.
The sale of the Broadkill Store creates a unique opportunity for a new owner to become the steward of something much bigger than simply a building or business.
Ideally, the next owners will continue the beloved beach market while finding thoughtful ways to build upon its traditions.
The store offers many exciting possibilities for its next chapter while remaining a hub for the Broadkill Beach community.
Whatever vision the future brings, the hope is that the next owners will honor the history, preserve the character and continue welcoming visitors with the same warmth that has defined the Broadkill Store for generations.
Life at the Delaware Beaches is about much more than sand and surf. Throughout Sussex County, historic streets, local galleries, performing arts venues, museums, festivals and waterfront concerts create a rich coastal lifestyle filled with beauty, creativity and community.
Wander through tree-lined streets, visit local museums and experience the stories that shaped southern Delaware.
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Founded in 1631, Lewes is known as the “First Town in the First State.” Its maritime heritage comes alive through historic homes, waterfront streets, museums and beautifully preserved landmarks.
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Located along the scenic Broadkill River, Milton combines Victorian architecture, shipbuilding history and small-town charm with galleries, shops, festivals and a thriving community of artists.
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Sussex County’s historic county seat is centered around The Circle. Visitors can explore local architecture, museums, government landmarks and the celebrated Return Day tradition.
Explore the people, buildings and maritime traditions of Delaware’s oldest town. Historic properties, exhibitions, walking tours and special events bring centuries of Lewes history to life.
Discover Milton’s fascinating past as a nineteenth-century shipbuilding center. The town’s museums, historic district and preserved Victorian architecture reflect its connection to the Broadkill River.
Meet local artists, browse original coastal artwork and discover classes and exhibitions throughout Sussex County.
Founded in 1938, the Rehoboth Art League is one of Delaware’s premier arts organizations. Its beautiful wooded campus features multiple galleries, artist studios, rotating exhibitions and nationally recognized outdoor art festivals.
A welcoming downtown art center featuring exhibitions, workshops, classes and work by local and regional artists.
Gallery exhibitions, artist demonstrations, educational programs and opportunities for artists throughout the region.
Original paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, glass art and handcrafted gifts by regional artists.
A Lewes gallery representing respected Mid-Atlantic artists through monthly exhibits, sculpture and contemporary works.
Original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, pottery and coastal-inspired gifts in a charming Lewes setting.
Discover independent artists, seasonal markets, open studios and handcrafted treasures throughout Sussex County.
Coastal Delaware’s art festivals bring painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers and fine-craft artists together in beautiful outdoor settings.
A springtime celebration featuring original art, photography, jewelry, ceramics and fine crafts.
The Rehoboth Art League’s nationally recognized summer show features more than 100 artists and artisans.
Rotating exhibitions and special events highlight artists working in many different mediums.
Juried exhibitions, member shows, demonstrations and educational art programs throughout the year.
Seasonal markets feature pottery, woodworking, fiber art, paintings, jewelry and coastal-inspired crafts.
Explore pop-up galleries, studio tours, art walks and creative programs across Sussex County.
From Broadway-style productions to concerts under the stars, Sussex County offers entertainment for every generation.
Originally opened in 1910, the restored Milton Theatre presents concerts, tribute bands, comedy, family entertainment and nationally touring performers.
Located in Rehoboth Beach, Clear Space presents musicals, plays, concerts, children’s productions and educational programs for aspiring performers.
This popular open-air venue near Fenwick Island welcomes nationally recognized musicians, dancers, orchestras and family performers.
Sussex County’s long-running community theatre presents comedies, dramas and musicals while supporting local performers and volunteers.
Bring a beach chair, gather with friends and enjoy live music in some of Sussex County’s most beautiful community settings.
Free summer concerts featuring tribute bands, jazz, rock, country and family entertainment.
Concerts, family programs, movies and seasonal entertainment in the heart of Bethany Beach.
Live performances beside the Broadkill River at beautiful Milton Memorial Park.
Seasonal community music in waterfront and park settings throughout historic Lewes.
Beach-town music, live outdoor performances and entertainment near the bay and ocean.
Select free community concerts and family performances complement its ticketed season.
Whether you are admiring local artwork, walking through a historic town, attending a live performance or listening to music beneath the summer sky, Sussex County offers memorable ways to connect with the people and places that make the Delaware Beaches special.