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

February 22, 2024

Fitness

The Philadelphia Zoo's 5K and fun run returns April 28

by Kristin Hunt

The Philadelphia Zoo's annual 5K and one-mile fun run returns on Sunday, April 28. Both race courses run through the zoo, and proceeds benefit the 1,900 animals at the zoo. Entry for the 5K begins at $40. Registration is open through April 22.

February 22, 2024

Travel

Nearly 26 million people visited Philly in 2023, but tourism still hasn't recovered post-pandemic

by Kristin Hunt

Nearly 26 million people visited Philadelphia in 2023, a 7% increase from 2022. But tourism numbers still lag behind their pre-pandemic levels. Tourism leaders expect upcoming events like WrestleMania 40, the World Cup and America's 250th birthday to boost tourism revenue and visitation levels.

February 21, 2024

Weekend

A polar plunge and Girl Scout Cookie beer pairings: Your weekend guide to things to do

by Kristin Hunt

Philly Phreeze, the polar plunge fundraiser for lifeguard recruitment, returns for its second year this Saturday. Other weekend activities include an ice festival, a weed-themed magic show and a 'Shrek' rave.

February 20, 2024

Investigations

Mother Bethel AME Church's stained glass windows smashed by vandal

by Kristin Hunt

A vandal smashed several stained glass windows at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, police said. The church is located on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by Black people in the U.S. It was built in 1890. The police investigation is ongoing.

February 20, 2024

Family-Friendly

Mermaids will swim with sharks and stingrays at Adventure Aquarium

by Kristin Hunt

Mermaids will swim with Adventure Aquarium's sandbar, sand tiger and nurse sharks on Thursdays through Sundays from Feb. 29 to March 17. They will also take photos with kids and wade with stingrays.

February 19, 2024

Celebrities

Rob McElhenney eats his cheesesteak wit whiz and a bit of ketchup

by Kristin Hunt

'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' stars Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day shared their favorite bar snacks, including cheesesteaks with cheese whiz, in a new interview with FirstWeFeast.

February 19, 2024

Environment

Philadelphia's community compost network looks to grow roots in 2024

by Kristin Hunt

Philadelphia's community composting network is one of the only free compost options in the city. After years of setbacks caused by the pandemic, infestations and volunteer burnout, it's adding 12 more sites at community gardens, schools and urban farms.

February 19, 2024

Music

Lil Wayne, Nas and Jill Scott to headline 2024 Roots Picnic

by Kristin Hunt

At the 2024 Roots Picnic, act will include Lil Wayne, Nas, Jill Scott, Method Man, Redman and other. The annual music festival, host by The Roots, takes place in Philadelphia at The Mann on June 1-2. Presale tickets will be available Tuesday at 10 a.m.

February 16, 2024

Development

Please Touch Museum begins yearslong renovations of Memorial Hall

by Kristin Hunt

The Please Touch Museum will renovate its historic Memorial Hall building ahead of the historical site's 150th anniversary and America's 250th birthday in 2026. The marble floors will be replaced and facade repaired, at a cost of $4.2 million. A special 1876 reflection space will explain the building's use during the World's Fair.

February 15, 2024

Books

Free Library picks 'True Biz' as this year's One Book, One Philadelphia selection

by Kristin Hunt

'True Biz' by Sara Novic is the 2024 One Book, One Philadelphia pick, the Free Library announced Thursday. The best-selling novel is set in a high school for deaf students. All programming will include ASL interpreters.