Tourist Destinations That Stole Jason Kelce’s Heart

 

As one of the most beloved Philadelphia Eagles of all time, Jason Kelce is undoubtedly passionate about the City of Brotherly Love. However, the all-pro center’s interests extend far beyond the football field and his hometown. Through his public statements and social media presence, it’s clear that Kelce has a strong appreciation for travel and experiencing new cultures. While he hasn’t explicitly created a bucket list or ranked favorite places, some destinations seem to hold a special significance based on Kelce’s comments over the years. Here are five locations that have truly stolen Kelce’s wanderlusting heart, along with some honorable mentions worth exploring.

Iceland’s Untamed Natural Beauty

It’s no secret that Iceland captivated Kelce during his 2018 visit with wife Kylie. In a podcast interview, he gushed about the country’s “otherworldly” landscapes and incredible natural features formed by volcanic and glacial activity. Kelce was particularly taken by the massive glaciers and towering waterfalls that seem to flow endlessly into fjords. He also appreciated Iceland’s geothermal pools, where one can literally soak in hot springs while surrounded by icy mountains.

Beyond just the spectacular scenery, Kelce found Iceland’s remote natural beauty humbling and a reminder of humanity’s small place on Earth. It was clearly a transformative trip that left him longing to return someday. On Instagram, he called Iceland “a magical place” and encouraged others to experience it. Kelce even jokingly suggested retiring there, showing how deeply the country burrowed into his soul during just a short visit. With its rugged coastlines, steaming lava fields, and Aurora Borealis light shows, it’s no surprise Iceland stole a special place in Kelce’s heart.

Philadelphia’s Passionate Fans and Rich History

As a Philadelphia native who’s played for the Eagles his entire career, the City of Brotherly Love understandably holds tremendous personal significance for Kelce. He has frequently expressed how much he appreciates the city and its people, calling them “the best fans in the world.” Kelce loves Philadelphia’s blue-collar attitude and the passion its residents show not just for sports, but also art, music, and culture. He finds the city’s diversity and history fascinating.

Kelce enjoys exploring Philadelphia’s many neighborhoods, parks, and museums. He has a soft spot for Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were signed. The center sees Philadelphia as the birthplace of American democracy. Kelce also admires how the city has changed and grown while maintaining aspects of its rich colonial heritage. For him, Philadelphia represents resilience, community, and hometown pride – qualities he tries to embody both on and off the field. It’s clear this metropolis will always have a special place in Kelce’s heart as the city he represents.

Memories at the Jersey Shore

While Philadelphia may be his professional home, Kelce’s roots lie in New Jersey where he was born and raised. Not surprisingly, the state’s iconic Jersey Shore holds nostalgic significance. In interviews, Kelce has fondly recalled family vacations spent soaking up the sun and surf in shore towns like Wildwood. He reminisces about lazy summer days playing in the ocean, strolling boardwalks, and enjoying classic Jersey fare like pizza, ice cream, and saltwater taffy.

Even as an adult, Kelce returns to the Shore to reconnect with childhood memories. He posts photos of himself boogie boarding at the beach, showing his playful side has never faded. The laidback Shore vibe also appeals to Kelce’s personality. In his free time, he seems to enjoy simple pleasures like walking the sand, soaking in the views, and people watching without pretense. For the Eagle, the Jersey Shore evokes sentimental recollections of carefree summers that helped shape who he is today. It’s a place that will always hold a special nostalgic charm.

Disney Magic Around Every Corner

By his own admission, Kelce is a lifelong Disney fan and self-proclaimed “little kid at heart.” He gushes about visiting the “Happiest Place on Earth” with his family, whether it’s Disney World in Florida or Disneyland in California. For Kelce, Disney parks offer an escape into a magical world with endless rides, characters, and experiences around every corner. He seems particularly enthralled by the detailed theming and cast members who bring beloved stories to life.

Kelce clearly appreciates Disney’s ability to transport visitors of all ages into a fantasy realm. On Instagram, he’s shared photos of himself smiling ear-to-ear while posing with Mickey and Minnie or riding iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean. Kelce’s pure joy and childlike sense of wonder while at Disney suggests the parks hold a special place in his heart. They allow him to reconnect with his inner child and experience wonder through fresh eyes, even if just for a day. Disney’s magic seems to be an emotional balm for Kelce that he treasures sharing with loved ones.

New Orleans’ Eclectic Soul

While Philadelphia may be home, Kelce has developed an affinity for other cities through his NFL career as well. New Orleans in particular seems to have worked its charms on the center during both work and leisure visits. He’s spoken highly of the Crescent City’s unique culture, music scene, architecture, and of course, renowned cuisine. Kelce appreciates how New Orleans celebrates life through vibrant parades, festivities, and around-the-clock partying.

The laidback Southern atmosphere and eclectic soul of New Orleans clearly appeal to Kelce’s personality. He’s joked about retiring in The Big Easy someday, a testament to how much he enjoys the city. On social media, Kelce has shared photos of himself taking in local jazz bands, indulging in po’boys and beignets, and soaking in the lively street performances that give New Orleans its distinctive joie de vivre. It’s evident this colorful city has worked its charms and stolen a special place in Kelce’s well-traveled heart.

Other Places Calling His Name

While the above five destinations seem particularly close to Kelce’s heart based on his comments, a few other locations have also piqued his wanderlust over the years:

– Mexico: Kelce and his wife Kylie have vacationed south of the border to unwind on Mexican beaches like Tulum. He enjoys the country’s rich culture, history, and of course, delicious cuisine and margaritas.

– Italy: An avid history buff, Kelce has expressed interest in eventually visiting iconic Italian destinations like Rome and the scenic Amalfi Coast. He’d love to immerse himself in the country’s art, architecture, and cuisine.

– Hawaii: With its tropical scenery, Kelce has mentioned Hawaii as another dream vacation spot. He’d surely enjoy snorkeling colorful reefs, hiking volcanoes, and relaxing with mai tais.

– National Parks: An outdoor enthusiast, Kelce hopes to explore America’s natural treasures like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon someday when his football schedule allows.

– London: As an Anglophile, Kelce looks forward to touring iconic London sites like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and taking in a Premier League match.

While his playing career keeps him busy for now, Kelce no doubt hopes to eventually cross more destinations off his travel bucket list with Kylie. Wherever his wanderlust takes him next, it’s sure to steal another piece of his adventurous and culture-loving heart.

In Conclusion

Through his public comments and social media presence, Jason Kelce has provided glimpses into the destinations holding a special place in his worldly and curious heart. Natural wonders, vibrant cities, nostalgic hometowns, and magical fantasy realms all seem to resonate with his big personality and zest for life experiences. While his football commitments keep him tied to Philadelphia for now, Kelce’s passion for travel will no doubt lead to many more heart-stealing adventures down the road. Where to next for this football star turned global explorer? Fans can only wait and see which new corners of the world steal his wanderlusting soul.