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

April 1, 2026

Food & Drink

Here's when Philly rooftop bars and beer gardens are reopening for the season

by Kristin Hunt

Pop-up beer gardens and rooftop bars are opening for the season in Philadelphia. Here are the return dates for Bok Bar, Morgan's Pier, Walnut Garden, Liberty Point, Parks on Tap and Sunset Social.

March 31, 2026

Adult Health

Lounging with a puzzle or book instead of binge-watching TV may decrease the risk of dementia

by Kristin Hunt

'Mentally active' sedentary hobbies like reading, knitting and puzzles can decrease the risk of developing dementia, especially compared to 'mentally passive' activities like watching TV or listening to music, new research suggests.

March 31, 2026

Transportation

Gas prices surpass $4 per gallon average in Philly metro area

by Kristin Hunt

As the war in Iran continues, gas prices are now averaging over $4 per gallon nationally and in the Philadelphia metro area. The last time fuel rates were this high in the U.S. was in the summer of 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine.

March 30, 2026

Food & Drink

Ice cream inspired by a charcuterie board? Franklin Fountain introduces 'experimental' flavors

by Kristin Hunt

Franklin Fountain is debuting 26 new experimental, limited-batch ice cream flavors over the spring and summer. Charcuterie flavors like brie, fig and olive oil will be available Friday. Later months will focus on teas and herbs.

March 27, 2026

Food & Drink

This Forsythia bourbon cocktail comes with a novel garnish — an ongoing, crowd-sourced story

by Kristin Hunt

Forsythia added the Story to its happy hour menu in October. The s'mores-inspired bourbon cocktail comes with a small notebook with an ongoing, crowd-sourced story. Whoever orders the drink at the Old City bar can add to it.

March 27, 2026

Transportation

SEPTA to begin shuttle bus service on the Norristown High Speed Line amid repairs

by Kristin Hunt

SEPTA is replacing train service on a section of the Norristown High Speed Line with shuttle buses Sunday as a $55 million rehabilitation project begins on the Bridgeport Viaduct. The outages will continue through Saturday, May 9.

March 27, 2026

Investigations

Lower Merion police cleared of wrongdoing in shooting of ex-officer wanted on sex charges

by Kristin Hunt

Montgomery County investigators determined that two Lower Merion Township police officers had acted lawfully in shooting Francis Collier, a former Delaware County police officer accused of raping a child, on Feb. 25.

March 27, 2026

Protests

'No Kings' organizers in Philly suburbs seek to build community and visibility

by Kristin Hunt

'No Kings' protests are planned in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties Saturday for the third iteration of the anti-Trump rallies. In Ardmore, organizers are hoping to build stronger connections with their neighbors.

March 26, 2026

Nature

Khumbie, the Philadelphia Zoo's red panda and social media star, dies at 11

by Kristin Hunt

Khumbie, the last remaining red panda at the Philadelphia Zoo, has died at age 11. He frequently appeared with Phillies and Eagles gear on Instagram and Facebook. His species is endangered.

March 25, 2026

Shopping

Shuttered DoubleTree in Plymouth Meeting is selling everything, from ice machines to hotel art

by Kristin Hunt

The shuttered DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia West in Plymouth Meeting is hosting a liquidation sale starting Thursday. Beds, sheets, TVs and mini fridges from 250 guest rooms will be available for purchase.