Stuttgart: Local travel for end of summer

Story & photos by Bardia Khajenoori U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart

As summer turns to fall and days gradually turn shorter and colder, community members can continue to find opportunities to explore locally and engage in their interests.

Stuttgart offers a diverse museum landscape covering everything from cars, art, and local history to dinosaurs, wine, and streetcars (and more). Open rain or shine, though typically not on Mondays, they offer unique experiences and welcome respite from chilly or wet weather.

The city’s cauldron-like topography offers a wealth of scenic lookout spots excellent for relaxing and taking in the changing foliage. Particularly striking is the area around the Württemberg Mausoleum (Grabkapelle auf dem Württemberg), a hilltop monument nestled among vineyards in the Untertürkheim district; the panorama platform at Weissenburg Park in the Bopser neighborhood; and Karlshöhe, a hill between Stuttgart- West and South.

And having been delayed and then extended for 2020, the world’s largest pumpkin festival takes place on the grounds of the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace through December 6. This year’s theme is music, evident through pumpkin sculptures of Elvis, a vio- lin, and a boombox, among others. Enjoy pumpkin food and drink, children’s activities, and a look at some of the largest gourds in Europe.

Be aware that COVID mitigation measures are in place off-post, much like they are on post. You may be asked for personal information at or before entry to restaurants, museums, or similar spaces to enable contact tracing. Some places may require masks to be worn throughout a visit, and masks are required when using public transportation. Always remember to wear mouth/nose coverings where necessary and maintain the appropriate distance between your party and others as much as possible.

Check out the “Culture and Leisure” section of StuttgartCitizen. com for a more in-depth rundown of museums and cultural activities in the area.