It is springtime, the flowers have bloomed, and the warm weather has started to show its face! COVID is starting to slow, and that means it’s time to get out and explore one of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods on the west side. The neighborhood on the west side called Westwood may seem small but it makes for a relaxed fun day! It is filled with people walking around, fresh air blowing, burgers, an Urban Winery, a brewery, and nice restaurants. My husband and I spent an afternoon in Westwood and had a ball! The kids went out of town (thank goodness for grandparents and breaks, LOL), and we spent an afternoon out laughing, eating, and sharing a few brews. If you know me, you know I love to get out and explore. Often times, exploring means leaving the city aka traveling. However, you would be amazed at what you can find when you look in your own back yard. Westwood was a fun experience! I would highly encourage stopping through to spend some time, so get your Cincy on, on the west side!

Westwood is located about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Cincinnati. If you want a chill day this is the place for you. Life is short and the time to have fun is NOW! Plus, the entertainment/restaurant industry took a major hit due to COVID, what better way than to get out and support local businesses! Let me guide you through Cincinnati’s back yard!

Wine & Cheese Me, Please!

My husband and I are a couple who loves our wine, and you know I am one half of the foodies that make up Tiff Squared! LOL! You know we love to eat. Our first stop in Westwood after taking pictures in front of the cool Westwood mural, was Henke Winery. Wineries are amazing and provide a way to try different types of wines and the makers styles on classic versions of wine. Henke is an Urban Winery with many accolades around the world. If you are not familiar with an Urban Winery, it is a winery that does not grow their own grapes. However, they do every other part of the wine making process at their facility. They have their grapes shipped in from different parts of the world, depending on their preference of grape growers and the wine they want to make. We were greeted at the door by the owner, Joe. He started wine making back in 1996 after being inspired during a visit to his sister’s Pennsylvania home. That small spark ignited into the flame that has turned into Henke Winery. Henke is serving some delicious wines and yummy food pairings.

My husband’s go-to is Pinot Noir and I always order a sweet wine. I had the Cellar Blush. This is considered a Sweet Blush Wine. It was delicious! We paired our wines with a small plates to share. We had the Stuffed Mushrooms with Sausage, Cheese & Charcuterie Plate, and their famous Air-Fried Cheese. This was the perfect afternoon lunch/snack. We laughed, toasted, and enjoyed our delicious bites. Their Air-Fried Cheese tasted like the perfect homemade cheese stick. It is a sharp Vermont White Cheddar in a crunchy herb jacket. These dishes were delicious! The crust was seasoned and fried perfectly! It also came with some berry compote to sweeten things up a bite. Grab a friend or two and don’t be cheesy and miss out on this Urban Winery!

Soft Serve & Sprinkles!

Yes, as two grown adults without our kids for a weekend, we still enjoy ice cream cones or shakes! Just a short 3-minute drive away is Putz’s Creamy Whip. Who doesn’t love an ice cream shack with a line and soft serve ice cream? Putz’s was started in 1938 and has been passed down the family for generations. Putz’s truly believes in family, the time that family spends together and the memories that are made with family. Their entire operation was started with family and their passion is not so much about ice cream but families enjoying their favorite treats at the picnic tables on those hot summer days! I can say I honestly believe this as when we arrived there was a line. It felt like the old neighborhood store that had been around for years. The one that your grandparents go to and now you go there with your kids. I love a good ole neighborhood staple. We knew we were in for a treat! This was my first time visiting so I had to try the neighborhood staple, classic soft serve. Plus, I am no basic betty and I like a pop of color. I added some sprinkles. HAHA! I can honestly say, I was not disappointed. My husband is a classic milkshake guy, so he ordered a Strawberry Milkshake. I must admit it was pretty dang good! It was thick and full of strawberries, just the way we like it! Both are perfect on a spring or hot summer day!

Let’s Take A Long Walk, Around The Park!

I am not sure about you but a nice spring or summer walk, in the open crisp cool air is the best! The weather is nice, the sun is just right, and after being locked up by COVID, it is so nice to see people out again. The restaurants, brewery, winery, and mini park are all within walking distance of one another. It was also neat to see parks filled with kids playing again. I remember walking past a park, and it looked like a desert. Haha! It is just so nice to see everyone getting out exploring again. Have reservations or waiting to be seated, get out and take a walk around the park!

Westside Brewery!

I mean c’mon, how fitting is that name? ;p Westside Brewery is located in the heart of Westwood. My husband and I decided to stop here just to sit and talk over beer and cider. This brewery has some good beer. While I am not a beer girl, I enjoy a good cider. Beer and cider not your thing, that’s ok because they also have wine and cocktail selections. They offer something for everyone. The taproom is huge and offers enough space for everyone. They do not offer food, but they always have different food trucks parked outside. My husband grabbed some delicious wings from Buffalo’s Best. Westside Brewery is a good hang out place. Want some beer and a good time? Stop by Westside Brewery.

Time To Eat!

Now after a beer or two, you probably have worked up an appetite. While west side is smaller than other parts of Cincinnati, you can still find some good eats. While there are different places to eat we enjoy two eateries in Westwood, Ivory House and Nation. One is a little more upscale and the other is down right roll your sleeves up and get messy!

Ivory House – Looking for flavorful, small plate, American food? This is the place for you! When I walked in, I was immediately wowed by the décor. The gold and navy-blue décor was amazing! They even had gold utensils. I loved that! I would recommend coming on an empty stomach! Ok, lets jump right in to their Kale Caesar Salad and their House Salad. Both are amazing and fresh! The flavors are bomb and you won’t be disappointed! Also, try their Salmon on Cheese Grits. I really enjoy seafood, especially with grits. I grew up on fried fish and grits. My mom would make it once a week. Now as an adult I love any seafood and grit combination. You also can’t leave without dessert! We had their Seasonal Crème Brulee. They have something for everyone!

Nation – Simply a good ole’ burger joint! If you like a good burger and fries, Nation is calling your name! This is my mine and my husband’s favorite place to come and get burger and tots. I am an ABSOLUTE tater tot lover! What I love about Nation is they offer tater tots as they are or dressed up. I love this! I always get my tater tots LOADED style. Imagine a baked potato but remove the baked potato and add tots and all the baked potato fixings! Wahla! SOOOOO GOOD! While they offer different burgers, my favorite is the Temperance burger. It’s a traditional burger. What can I say, somethings I like plain jane! HAHA! This is the perfect place for a more relaxed meal. Certainly, a cheat meal or a Friday Night burger and fry night with friends! No matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed. Come hungry, leave happy!

While the world is slowly opening back up, fun can still be had in a safe manner! It can also be had right here in Cincinnati. Now that you have an entertainment guide of Westwood, get out and go have fun!