Stay: AC Hotel New Orleans
The first AC Hotel in North America recently opened in the old New Orleans Cotton Exchange building, a structure that was originally built almost a century ago. The $12 million renovation included the preservation of specific architectural details, such as a marble archway, elaborately tiled floors and some original glass windows. This European hotel offers 220 rooms, reception areas, a fitness center and a lounge that features cocktails, local brews, draft wine and tapas-style small plates. Marketing itself to Millennial travelers, the AC Hotel New Orleans offers a modern, urban design with complimentary wireless service throughout the hotel. 221 Carondelet St., (504) 962-0700, achotels.marriott.com
Dine: Balise
James Beard Award-nominated chef Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery recently expanded his culinary prowess into the Downtown area with the opening of Balise. Located on the corner of Carondelet and Girod streets, this nautical-themed restaurant is in a renovated, 19th century building that once housed Ditcharo’s Restaurant & Pub. Pulling away from the slightly more formal, white linen-feel at La Petite Grocery, Balise embodies a more casual atmosphere, though the menu is anything but. Stop in for lunch, and enjoy dishes like long stem broccoli with Piave Vecchio cheese and sauce gribiche, venison tartare with dill mayonnaise and horseradish, grilled sunchokes with cardamom yogurt, and roasted lamb loin with brown butter and fresh herbs. 640 Carondelet St., (504) 459-4449, balisenola.com
Music: Wednesday at the Square
The Young Leadership Council’s ever popular Wednesday at the Square continues this month with live, local music every Wednesday in Lafayette Square. Leave the confines of your cubicle; loosen your tie; and kick off your shoes for a relaxing afternoon in the springtime sun filled with music, delicious food from local restaurants and shops, and plenty of arts and crafts sold in a small Artist Village at the Camp Street entrance. The April lineup includes phenomenal local musicians like The Revivalists, Robin Barnes, Kermit Ruffins, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Flow Tribe, Sweet Crude, Marcia Ball and more. wednesdayatthesquare.com
Business: Downtown Development District Launches New Website
New Orleans businesses located in the downtown area are encouraged to add their events and organizations to the Downtown Development District’s brand new Website! As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, the DDD wanted to provide a primary resource center online, featuring an intuitive and artistic web platform that’s easy to use and a perfect opportunity to showcase your business or organization. Plus, there’s a DDD smart phone app in the works that offers even more ways for shareholders and customers to find your organization. downtownnola.com