Kristin Hunt

Kristin Hunt is a senior staff writer for PhillyVoice. A history and pop culture junkie, she spends her spare time stalking the Free Library shelves and binge watching TCM. She has previously contributed to Vulture, GQ, Mental Floss, JSTOR Daily, and The Washington Post.

kristin@phillyvoice.com

December 5, 2023

Holiday

Fishtown Freeze ice sculpture showcase returns this weekend for its 5th year

by Kristin Hunt

Fishtown Freeze returns for its fifth year on Dec. 9-10, and over 20 custom ice sculptures will line the streets of the Philly neighborhood. Three live carvings will take place on Saturday. Holiday markets, a cocktail crawl and photos with Santa also will be featured.

December 4, 2023

Mental Health

The holidays can be demanding; here's how to reduce stress

by Kristin Hunt

A recent poll by the American Psychological Association found that 41% of adults are more stressed during the holiday months than at any other time. Exercise, adequate sleep and deep breathing can help people manage their stress levels.

December 4, 2023

Donations

Here's where to donate toys for Philadelphia kids this holiday season

by Kristin Hunt

Holiday toy drives are up and running in Philadelphia for the 2023 season. Donors can give toys to Eastern State Penitentiary, Toys for Tots, SEAMAAC and Gentle Gratitude. The Flyers also are collecting donations at home games.

December 1, 2023

Recreation

Schuylkill River Trail section under MLK Drive Bridge to close until January

by Kristin Hunt

The section of the Schuylkill River Trail that runs under the MLK Drive Bridge will be closed from Dec. 4-31, city officials said. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be detoured behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art while contractors complete work on the bridge. The repairs are part of a $20.1 million project to rehab the bridge.

December 1, 2023

Music

Is Jason Kelce's 'Dominick the Donkey' the dark horse favorite of the Eagles' holiday album?

by Kristin Hunt

Jason Kelce covers 'Dominick the Donkey' on 'A Philly Special Christmas Special,' the second Christmas album from Kelce and fellow Eagles linemen Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson. The novelty song was originally sung by Lou Monte in 1960.

November 30, 2023

Weekend

Rocky Day, holiday parades and Magic Gardens after dark: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia will host its annual holiday parade and declare the first official Rocky Day with Sylvester Stallone during the first weekend of December. Need other things to do? Tour the Magic Gardens after dark or check out the new Festival of Trees fundraiser for CHOP.

November 30, 2023

Music

South Fellini, the East Passyunk T-shirt shop, creates an ode to the Feast of the Seven Fishes

by Kristin Hunt

The owners of South Fellini, the Passyunk Avenue clothing store, recorded a new holiday song, 'If You Give Me Seven Fishes,' that celebrates the Feast of the Seven Fishes, the traditional Christmas Eve meal served by many Italian American families.

November 30, 2023

Investigations

Inmate escapes from Northeast Philly jail

by Kristin Hunt

A man incarcerated at Riverside Correctional Facility escaped custody on Thursday afternoon, city officials announced. Gino Hagenkotter, 34, was completing an outside work assignment at the orchard of the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Facility at 8201 State Rd. when he fled.

November 29, 2023

Pets

Mysterious canine respiratory illness hits Pennsylvania

by Kristin Hunt

A mysterious respiratory illness in dogs has spread to Pennsylvania after being observed in 14 states, including Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts and Maryland. The number of dogs in the state that have come down with the sickness is not yet known. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing and discharge. Veterinarians recommend avoiding dog parks, overnight kennels and shared toys and bowls.

November 28, 2023

Celebrities

Sylvester Stallone to visit Philly on Sunday for first-ever 'Rocky Day'

by Kristin Hunt

Sylvester Stallone will visit Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 3 for the first-ever 'Rocky Day.' The city will issue an official declaration on the 47th anniversary of the release of the first 'Rocky' movie. A new shop with licensed merchandise, located at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, also will mark its grand opening.