Jason Davis, an award winning broadcast journalist, has been informing and captivating viewers since he first started in television news in 1964. As host of KSTP’s “On the Road,” Jason shares positive stories about interesting people and fun destinations. Jason was born in London, England and lives with his wife of 40 years in the Wisconsin countryside, he is the father of four grown children, and has six (soon to be seven) grandchildren.We had the chance to chat with Jason about his travels, experiences, and recommendations. Enjoy!
Having the freedom to do what I love to do! It’s a real privilege when people allow us into their homes and their lives.
I was a Merchant Marine Seaman for nine years. People also seem to be surprised about my age. I just did a half mile zip line in Canada! Not bad for a 71 year old!
I have lived in England, Australia, Phoenix, and New York and nowhere compares to the quality of life in Minnesota. And everybody is “so nice”.
I am inspired by the pure enjoyment of life and the individuals that I meet; people full of spirit, character and passion.
My wife, Amanda, and I are always working on our property. Landscaping, cutting trees, and taking care of our vegetable garden keep us very busy. I like to build wooden model ships in the winter that I plan on leaving to my children. It takes years to make one and it is a creative process that I use as an outlet.
Minnesota’s North Shore is one of my favorites and my wife really enjoys Lanesboro. Lac qui Parle, along the Minnesota/South Dakota border is spectacular especially when the birds are migrating.
Minnesota’s North Shore is a must. Rainy Lake (along MN & Canada border) and Voyageurs National Park, Lake of the Woods, and Rainy Lake are definitely worth seeing and are among our most beautiful, underutilized, and untapped treasures. Next time you drive to Duluth try Highway 23 instead of the freeway... it’s a spectacular drive.
Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada is absolutely beautiful, and surprisingly it’s only thirty miles from Minnesota! It has wonderful scenery and a really neat Amethyst mine where you can gather all the gemstones you want for $3 a pound.
Canal Park in Duluth has beautiful hotels, great restaurants, shops, and is right by the aerial lift bridge. Or stay at Bluefin Bay at Tofte for a quieter lakeside experience.
A house boat vacation is as good as it gets! 13 of our family members just rented a four bedroom house boat on Rainy Lake. It was an extraordinary and unique experience and we enjoyed lots of quality time together. I highly recommend Northernaire Houseboats (see pg 33). Owners Dick and Robin Garbe are very special people.
Kayaking the streams along the North Shore in Minnesota is challenging for the more adventurous and fit travelers. Taking a train from St. Paul to Glacier National Park in Montana is something different, and the scenery is beautiful. But watch out for weather, I once ran into a blizzard in July! Getting on a cruise ship to explore the Great Lakes and many destinations is something fun and different. Itineraries include Lake Michigan and a cruise from Toronto to Minnesota.
Driving the back roads around Finland, Minnesota in the fall is awe inspiring. Check out the quaint Trestle Inn Restaurant while you are there. It’s a wonderful destination nestled deep in the Superior National Forest with 40 lakes within 10 miles of the restaurant.
