100
MAY 2013
•
HEMISPHERESMAGAZINE.COM
THREE PERFECT DAYS
||
STUTTGART
AnselmVogt-Moykopf
TAXI DRIVER/TOUR GUIDE
“
You must see the house by Le Corbusier.
It’s up in the hills, in the Weissenhof
Estate, which dates back
to an architectural exhibition in
1927.
It’s one of the most important
buildings of its kind.”
which offers a nice contrast to the old-school glam of
Day One. The vibe is jovial, and the hotel’s Bar Lillet (a
nod toJamesBond’smartini of choice in
CasinoRoyale
)
is buzzing. You, however, are not, whichmeans it’s time
to flop onto your ludicrously large bed for a catnap.
Later, a walk across town takes you to Theodor-
Heuss-Strasse, the main nightlife strip, where you
pop into a dimly lit 1960s-esque bar called
Mos Eisley
.
Inside, a huge stuffed antelope jumps out from the
wall, as if from a Jägermeister label. Taking a seat in
one of the red pleather booths, you examine a long
list of quirky cocktails, then decide to try a local wine
withyour porkand sauerkraut. “Areyousure?” says the
dapper bartender. “Beer we can do, but
wine
?”
As the
night draws on, you get to cha ing with the other bar
staffers, who treat you to steins of ale andfill you inon
the lively late-night scene. Even on a school night, the
Germans like to party.
Prost!
DAY THREE
| Today begins with a spot of self-
indulgence. First, there are themultiple helpings of Le
Méridien’s impressive breakfast spread. You especially
enjoy prying globs of honey from your personal slab
of honeycomb, then swiping themonto salty pretzels.
Those bears, you think, would like it here.
Next, you’re off to the
Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin
,
where you’re booked for a sessionat the swankyhotel’s
day spa. Doffing your clothes, you enter the spa’s cedar
sauna but—feeling a touch reserved—keep legs and
arms crossed protectively. Less intimidating is the
Thai-inspired treatment room, where you’re treated to
awonderfulmassage anda slatheringof exotic lotions.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
THE INSIDE SCOOP FROMTHOSE IN THE KNOW
ILLUSTRATIONS BY PETER JAMES FIELD
Melanie Werner
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
“
Although Stuttgart is a city,
there’s lots of green space and parks
for everyone to enjoy, which is what
I love about it. Bärensee, for instance,
has three lakes, plus deer and
other wild animals.”
Armin G. Groeger
HEAD OF VISITOR SERVICES,
MERCEDES-BENZMUSEUM
“
I really like Esslingen—it’s a beautiful
old part of the city, and the
architecture is typically German.
It’s very peaceful, and you’ll find good
food there, too.”
HEAVENLY REST
Inside
one of the luxe suites at the
Hotel am Schlossgarten
