Since Mystic, Connecticut, celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1954, it has evolved from a working-class village into a tourist-driven community while embracing its quaint New England charm and keeping its rich history alive. The shoreline village of two townships (Stonington to the east; Groton to the west) is divided by the Mystic River, which passes through the downtown center where the iconic bascule bridge unites the community. Many establishments occupy buildings preserved from Mystic's deeply anchored shipbuilding past. Towering wooden ships, beluga whales, creative arts, shops, restaurants, and events overflowing with Mystic's heart and soul attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Kent and Meredith Fuller own a local web-development business and run thisismystic.com, a website and blog catering to both locals and visitors. They married and have started a family in Mystic. Lisa Saunders is an award-winning writer, television talk-show host, and part-time historical interpreter at Mystic Seaport. She lives in Mystic with her husband, Jim, and hound, Doolittle. Images for this book were compiled from residents, businesses, photographers, and civic groups.