The Stuttgarter or more specifically Canstatter Volksfest is one of the largest beer festivals, second only to the Oktoberfest in Munich. Even the Stuttgart natives don’t say they are going “to the festival” (auf´s Volksfest) but instead say they are going “auf den Wasen.” The Cannstatter Wasen is the area between Mercedesstraße, the Neckar River, the Gaisburger Neckar Bridge and the King Karl’s Bridge. Already two to three months before the festival, the large beer tents begin their set-up. There are more than 300 vendors total, and taking the vendors’ suppliers into consideration, more than 17,000 people are there to guarantee the approximately four million visitors a once-in-a-lifetime festival experience. More than 20,000 Volksfest club members (former German emigrants and their families from New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, but also former Soldiers that were stationed in Stuttgart or in the surrounding areas) regularly visit the Cannstatter Volksfest in order to renew and strengthen the ties with their friends in the area.
The Schwabengarten in Leinfelden-Echterdingen is the biggest beer garden in the Stuttgart area. With its open-air atmosphere, fast and friendly service, food that is made-to-order, always fresh, fast and friendly—and with plenty of drinks, deserts and German goodies made available to you…what more could you want?
Maybe, a dog friendly beer garden? That has various doggy water stations throughout the beer garden? Check.
Lots of secure space to park your car or your bike? Check.
Maybe an indoor seating area as well if the weather isn't as nice? Check: The “Alm” has over 200 indoor seating spaces and an adorably eclectic Bavarian charm.
Maybe, you'd like to save 19% off your next meal? Check.
The Schwabengarten was one of the first locations to accept the Together card, a pre-paid meal card that works with the VAT form saving you 19 percent off of every snack, drink, or meal that you have at the Schwabengarten.
Also, no need to clear the table after you're done—they'll gladly do that for you.
Okay, I get what you’re saying, maybe you don't feel like sitting down and having a meal, maybe you're really just in the mood for some great take-out? No problem, the Schwabengarten now offers you food to go in eco-friendly, take-away boxes so you can enjoy your meal at home.
Throughout the year the Schwabengarten will also host various live bands and public events—their number one goal: to make sure that you have a great time, and a great meal, no matter the day or occasion. So go and enjoy a delicious beer, have some schnitzel or a “Ries'n Hax'n”, a pretzel, some ice cream, French fries, cake—whatever you want, there is no shortage of goodies for you to choose from.
To top things off: everything is freshly prepared with produce received from regional farmers and factories that you can trust. Schwabengarten is the family and pet friendly beer garden in the Stuttgart region, and it's definitely worth the short drive.
We stopped by last summer, gave the pups some fresh water (and a little, tiny bit of my orange popsicle), and had a lovely meal in the sun before heading back home. It was such a fun, relaxing atmosphere; if we'd had the time, we would have stayed longer—and I'm already looking forward to our next trip.
You can also host your event at the Schwabengarten! There's plenty of space to have a great party.
This past July the USO Stuttgart held its 25th annual Golf Tournament at Golf Club Hammetweil (4 Stars) in Neckartenzlingen. This tournament is not only meant to provide a little bit of recreation and entertainment for service members and their families—it helps to strengthen the bond between the German and American communities. Germans are encouraged to come out and play alongside their American friends. A lot of people came together to make the tournament work; American and German Volunteers, the USO, German companies, and even United Airlines.
This Mexican-American restaurant is located on the second floor of the Schwabengalerie—offering you delicious food, fine quality beverages, a variety of desserts, and a relaxing atmosphere, both inside and out. To top it off, it comes with professional, fast, and friendly service.
Aside from their signature Mexican-American cuisine (that comes with a refreshing and delightful European twist) the restaurant also offers a wide variety of other international and regional menu options. Lets not forget the dessert and and beverage menu, as they are sure to impress: to drink you‘ll find carefully selected wines and spirits, tasty cocktails, international, national and regional beer selections, a variety of soft drinks, juices, and even delicious strawberry, vanilla or chocolate milk shakes. For dessert there‘s an interesting mix of ice cream creations and ice cream floats, molten chocolate cakes and more. This Chilli‘s is not to be confused with the American Chili‘s franchise that can sometimes be found on American military facilities overseas. Although their names are similar, you‘ll see that there is a quite a difference in quality—with Chilli‘s (the one with two L‘s) coming out on top.
Or simply put, the USO, is a non-profit organization that provides services, programs, and events for the United States military‘s service members and their families. Established by President Roosevelt in 1941 in preparation for the Second World War, the USO celebrated its 75th anniversary this year!
The USO‘s main mission is to help strengthen America‘s military service members by “keeping them connected to their families, home and country throughout their service to the nation.” Based out of Arlington, Virginia, the USO has offices and holds events all over the world. On various military bases, in airports, and even at overseas duty stations, they go where we go. Providing service members and their families with whatever it is they might need. They offer a little taste of home even when you´re hundreds of miles away. Did you know? The USO is not a part of the federal government. It is run by dedicated staff and a powerful family of volunteers relying on the support of their local communities, organizations and corporations in order to complete their goals.
