Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/781893
stopped for coff ee and beignets in City Park. We saw the place Homer Plessy heroically boarded the white section of a segregated train in 1892, only to have his activism backfi re when the judge upheld "separate but equal." We visited an 803-year-old live oak, the house where Edgar Degas stayed while visiting New Orleans, and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave. It was an interesting and varied introduction for a newcomer to New Orleans, or some- one like me, who hadn't visited in a while. As our guide Andrew pointed out about 10 minutes into our journey, "Congratula- tions. You did something many visitors never do. You've le the French Quarter." Take a Fitness Class For a uniquely New Orleanian fi tness experience, join the local "Move Ya Brass" running group for a free Monday night run, or take the beginner-friendly cardio class "Bounce Ya Brass" in Crescent Park. Lo- cal musician Robin Barnes founded the running group and Brass classes. Initially, she wanted to regain her health a er a serious kidney problem. "It manifested into something bigger," she told me. Soon she was im- proving the health of hundreds of people who've participated in runs and classes, all set to New Orleans bounce and brass music. I showed up for "Bounce Ya Brass" on a Tuesday night. Danc- er and personal trainer Shanda Domango led the small group who'd braved a thunderstorm to dance together in the park. Luckily, a covered pavilion shielded Photo: Bottom Right by Move Ya Brass All other photos courtesy of New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau february/march 2017 31