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

November 26, 2024

Business

A cookie craze hit Center City this year, with many new bakeries opening

by Kristin Hunt

Center City has had a boom in cookie shops with the opening of national chains Levain Bakery, Taylor Chip and Chip City Cookies in the last year, a new report from the Center City District finds. The report also found the Open Streets initiative was a boon for businesses in the area.

November 26, 2024

Development

76ers say rides to games on SEPTA will be included with season ticket packages, for one year, if arena is approved

by Kristin Hunt

The 76ers plan to provide season ticket holders with free SEPTA passes for one year if their arena on Market Street is approved. Funding for the public transit authority has been a hot topic at City Council hearings over the project.

November 25, 2024

Holiday

Elfreth's Alley homes to offer holiday tours with carolers and cider

by Kristin Hunt

Elfreth's Alley is hosting open-house tours on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-6 p.m. The national historic landmark in Old City dates back to 1703. The annual fundraiser includes ciders, snacks and carolers. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children.

November 25, 2024

Business

Italian restaurant from Couch Cafe chef coming to Queen Village

by Kristin Hunt

An Italian restaurant from chef Liz Grothe is coming to Queen Village on Dec. 4. She gained buzz for her supper club Couch Cafe, run out of her Northern Liberties apartment. Reservations for Scampi are now open.

November 22, 2024

'Rocky' star Talia Shire will play Melissa's mom on 'Abbott Elementary'

by Kristin Hunt

Talia Shire will play the mom of Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter) on 'Abbott Elementary.' The 'Rocky' and 'Godfather' actress will appear in a special holiday episode airing Wednesday, Dec. 4.

November 21, 2024

Weekend

VinylCon, holiday trains and the return of the Giant Heart: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

The Giant Heart returns to the Franklin Institute this weekend, as part of a new core exhibit on the human body. Longwood Gardens will also unveil its new conservancy and upgrades. VinylCon will offer records for sale.

November 20, 2024

Government

Business leaders tout economic boon of 76ers' arena at hearing but don't commit to helping fund SEPTA

by Kristin Hunt

Public hearings on the 76ers arena continued before Philadelphia City Council as medical workers expressed concerns about traffic slowing emergency vehicles to Jefferson Hospital. Center City business leaders praised the project but would not commit to funding SEPTA.

November 20, 2024

Entertainment

Wells Fargo Center works with local artists to make custom gifts for each performer. Here's what visiting stars got.

by Kristin Hunt

The Wells Fargo Center provides custom gifts for the acts that pass through their doors, partnering with local artists to lend a bit of Philly flavor. A robe for Sabrina Carpenter, skateboard decks for Pearl Jam and a Flyers guitar for Olivia Rodrigo are some recent presents the arena has given to its visiting stars.

November 20, 2024

Museums

Franklin Institute debuts $8.5 million exhibit on human body, featuring the return of the Giant Heart

by Kristin Hunt

The Franklin Institute is opening new exhibits on human anatomy and technology Saturday. The 'Body Odyssey' includes the Giant Heart. The Hamilton Collections Gallery features the Baldwin 60000 locomotive train.

November 19, 2024

Entertainment

A TKTS booth, which sells rush theater tickets, is coming to Philadelphia

by Kristin Hunt

TKTS, which offers discounted, rush theater tickets, is opening a booth in Philadelphia. The service launched in Times Square in 1973 and has expanded to London and Tokyo. It has no U.S. locations outside New York.