Itinerary Help - Stuttgart as Base

you say "We will be staying with family in Stuttgart." why not ask your family people?
clarify do they live in Germany or are you meeting them there?

Garmisch ) - Husband choose here due to ... closest thing to "Alps
feel" without traveling there.

I've been in Garmisch several times. The closest thing in the Germany Alps with a Swiss Alpine feel is not Garmisch, it's Kleinwalsertal. Although it's politically in Austria, Kleinwalstertal is on the German side of the ridge that forms the border between Bavaria and the Tirol. You can only get there from Oberstdorf, Germany, at the western end of the same mountain range that includes Garmisch. The valley is filled with hiking trails. You can get a map of the trails from the Kleinwalsertal tourist office.

Another place with a better Alpine feel than Garmisch is Berchtesgaden, but it's farther away.

Garmisch isn't "up in the Alps", but it is in a very scenic Alpine valley. Excursions up into the mountains are very easy from here.

However, unless you absolutely must, I wouldn't stay at the Edelweiss Lodge. It's located on the outskirts of town and behind a barbed wire-crowned wall. From the outside, it looks like a Bavarian prison, and from what I understand, the lodging cost is only competitive for lower enlisted. Also, I seem to recall that they started restricting access to active duty military currently stationed in Europe, although this may have changed.

If you base yourself in GaP, ascend Zugspitze on the first opportunity that the weather allows for good views. Alpine weather can be very fickle and you may not get another chance.

If you decide to visit Heidelberg as a daytrip, drive through the scenic Neckar river valley either coming or going (driving it for both legs of the trip will take too much time).

I stayed at the Army hotel in Garmish about ten years ago. It is modern and comfortable, with large rooms and lovely common areas. It is, however about a 15 minute walk from the center of town. But you did mention that you would have a car available so that should not pose a problem. They do have onsite parking facilities also. Their restaurant and bar facilities are excellent too.

The Edelweiss is overpriced and the food is so poor, I really hated paying for it. With fabulous German food all around, I don't know why they can't do a better job. We were there just a couple of years ago before they tightened the rules about retirees staying there. It isn't a place I would recommend.

Near Stuttgart, try visiting Esslingen or Tübingen. Both are beautiful old cities. While in Stuttgart, check out Stuttgart Steps for a great walking tour. They also do tours to Esslingen.

http://stuttgartsteps.com/