Pictured: Tranquil Tuesdays offer an extra hour of quiet exploration of the grounds without the crowds or noise. Photo by Cynthia Fabian.

It’s the evening rush hour, as traffic and a throng of people line the busy streets outside the gardens. Just as the selfies stop, kids climb down from the Banyan trees, the crowds diminish, as another event begins.Once a month at 5:15 p.m. when the gardens and the cafe, gift shop, and greenhouse area remain closed, the rest of the park reopens for a true happy hour. One that is free of drinks or food, but just offers tranquility.

Enter Tranquil Tuesdays at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, a private, after hours experience, where the gardens stay open an extra hour to experience it without the interruption of crowds. Simply, persons with sensory-sensitive or neurodiverse members of the community can have an hour free of stress. Free of the normal bustling and loud noises. This allows community members to just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Peacefulness awaits you, as you are handed a map by a staff member, and enter the south gate. There you can find your own version of serenity and explore the gardens on your own. And you are welcome to bring a caregiver or family member as well. “Aptly named. One of the most peaceful places I have ever been,” said Pam Snyder, a passerby at Tranquil Tuesdays.

The event takes place at the Downtown Sarasota Campus, and is not available at the Historic Spanish Point Campus in Osprey, Guests will enter through the South Gate, just beyond the Welcome Center. The best address for mapping is 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, FL 34236. Parking is located across the street from the above address. From there, a staff member will direct you toward the South Gate for check-in. The event is from 5:15 until 6:15. During regular hours, when there is a need, there are resources available at the Welcome Center as well: sound cancellation headphones, and wheelchairs, just request them. Contact: Partners providing registration to members in their community in this outreach effort, called "Tranquil Tuesdays," include: Easterseals of Southwest Florida, The Haven, Josh Provides, and Loveland Center and Ross Johnston, Manager of Visitor Engagement at the Selby: rjohnston@selby.org.

Pictured: Tranquil Tuesdays offer an extra hour of quiet exploration of the grounds without the crowds or noise. Photo by Cynthia Fabian.