Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
We discovered the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens the day after my mother in law died. And as we walked through the grounds on March 17th, I swear I could feel her presence. I could feel her behind me as the breeze kissed my face, I could hear her next to us as the waterfall wooshed down, and she was most certainly there when my children played on the wind chimes, creating a cascade of mystical noises that echoed throughout. I’m not suggesting that her ghost walks the grounds, but rather that the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens holds a special kind of magic. It’s something you have to experience for yourself.
When my husband returned from Connecticut, I knew we had to bring him to this wondrous place. While he didn’t have some metaphysical experience, he was transported, and found it to be just as special as we did.
These images are from that day.
The most spectacular part of the grounds (and there are many), in my opinion, is the Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest. This wondrous playground is elevated and you literally feel like you are flying through treetops. As you can see in the photos, my children can’t contain themselves as they rush past the waterfall, run across the swinging bridges, and explore the adventure trail. There is something new to discover at every turn and it is a joy to watch them. And the image at the beginning of this post of Camilla atop a giant blue frog is one of my favorites I’ve ever captured of her.
Here she is dancing in front of the waterfall.
And below is my husband trying desperately to manage Kroy as he runs along the winding paths surrounded by lush foliage and rock formations.
And did I mention there’s a sweet little cafe? We always stop for ice cream for the kids and coffee for the adults. You can sit inside; it’s air conditioned. Or there are also chairs outside if it’s not too sweltering of a day. Or you can even run along with your treats in tow as Camilla often does.
We so thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on that glorious day in March that we decided to become members. And now we go all the time. We are especially excited for the holidays there this year. Rumor has it they have incredible trick or treating for Halloween, and a spectacular light show for Christmas. But throughout the year there are rotating installations. The most recent was Roy Lichtenstein inspired. And while the grounds contain a small museum and extensive walking paths, along with an incredible view of the Sarasota Bayfront, we often find ourselves stopping by to simply frolick in the Rainforest Garden.
Insider Tip: make sure to pack natural bug spray. The mosquitoes don’t mess around here.
And leave time to stop by the gift shop. You only live once… treat yourself.
In memory of Ana Purcell
3.16.2021