Live, Laugh, Unplug: How to Disconnect in Nevada

Go Stargazing

Did you hear about the channel that’s been producing quality content for nearly 14 billion years? That’s right, it’s the universe. But don’t feel bad if you haven’t tuned in for a while. Most of us live near a significant source of light pollution. Plus, we have plenty of cool things to do indoors once the sun goes down. But if you’re unplugging to feel present, few activities rival stargazing.

Thanks to Nevada’s concentrated urban areas and arid climate (water droplets obscure the view), it’s easy to score a galactic view. If you’re in Las Vegas, take a short drive to Lake Mead National Recreation Area or Mt. Charleston. From Reno, head to Walker River State Recreation Area or take an overnight cruise up to the Black Rock Desert.

Fill Out a Passport

Along with a view of the heavens, old-fashioned paperwork is nearly a thing of the past. If you want to apply for a job or renew your car’s registration, you pretty much need to do it on the internet. But part of unplugging is embracing simple experiences: That includes the pleasing tactility of completing a form. You know…clicking a pen, shuffling papers, applying a stamp. Who doesn’t love that stuff? This brings us to travel passports, the perfect unplugging activity that has become incredibly popular—despite (or, perhaps, because of) the era of e-signatures. Welcome to the post-futurism concept of bureaucratic tourism.

If you haven’t done a travel passport before, it’s easy! Simply pick up—or order—your booklet, visit its featured locations, and get your page stamped. We recommend the Nevada State Parks Passport, the Nevada Highway 50 Survival Guide, and the Nevada Craft Beverage Passport. After you earn enough stamps, submit the passport to win a variety of great prizes. Your ultimate reward will be the satisfaction of completing a form the old-fashioned way—that is, of course, unless you mail it with a self-adhesive stamp, because it turns out those weren’t invented until the 1970s.

Do a Small-Town Day Trip

A day trip to a neighboring town offers the best of both worlds: You get to play tourist, but you also get to sleep in your own bed. Best of all—addressing introverts here—you get to walk into any shop without worrying you’ll bump into someone you know! This activity is easy to make technology-free, and while you can do research ahead of time on places you’d like to check out, it’s also viable to simply park somewhere central and let yourself wander.

If you’re headquartered in one of Nevada’s metro areas, you’re in luck: Both cities exist within a colorful collage of communities and small towns that are well-worth day tripping for. These towns are pedestrian friendly, charming, and offer plenty of window-shopping, history, and dining options. If you’re in Reno, check out Genoa, Carson City, or Fallon. From Las Vegas, head to Boulder City or Goodsprings.

Go Hot Springing

If you’re looking for an all-day activity that will remove the utility of your devices, this is it: Many hot springs are in remote locations, which means geography is going to do the unplugging for you. If you do have a few bars of service, your conversations will pretty much be a volley of, “I can’t hear you! Can you hear me?”

Nevada has a lot of hot springs, and they’re scattered across the state. If you’re a springing greenhorn or aren’t looking to turn this into an all-day thing, there are plenty of well-known pools and resorts relatively close to civilization. In northern Nevada, check out Carson Hot Springs or David Walley’s Resort. If you want a road trip or seek to commune with nature, check out Spencer Hot Springs or Fish Lake Valley Hot Springs.

Stay at an Uncommon Overnighter

Now, if you like the idea of removing your technology temptation but don’t fancy spending a late-winter day outdoors, an off-grid overnighter could be the perfect compromise.

Rural Nevada has plenty of memorable lodgings where the 21st century hasn’t quite arrived. You’re likely not going to have Wi-Fi, and if there is cell reception, you’ll be hiking a half mile down the canyon (and probably standing beneath a specific tree) to get it. But in return, you’ll enjoy the bliss of absolute escapism while retaining vital luxuries like refrigerators and flush toilets. If this sounds good to you, check out Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn, Kingston Cabin, or Ruby High Yurt. All these locations are a bit out there, so we recommend you take a couple days to do a total technology detox.

Grab a Coffee or a Cocktail

While prepping this article, we asked what everyone did for fun before the smart-phone era—hereafter referred to as the before times. To find out, we reviewed hours of archival footage—primarily the first two seasons of “Friends” and “How I Met Your Mother”—and discovered people spent most of their free time gossiping in a bar or coffee shop (and getting themselves tangled in contrived situations).

Granted, people still do all of this. But this is just a reminder that if you’re looking for a way to fill the time while unplugged, a bar or coffee shop is an excellent option. It’s also a good opportunity to be adventurous. Reno and Las Vegas boast a huge variety of unique hangouts, so whether you’re a visitor or a resident, it’s easy to find a place you haven’t been before.

In Reno, try 1864 Tavern, Craft Wine and Beer, Hub Coffee Roasters, or Walden’s Coffeehouse. In Las Vegas, you’ll find countless options in the Arts District and the Downtown Container Park.

Get a Little Out There

There are many things you could do that are not on this list. You could spend the day at a ski resort, check out a ghost town, or play pinball (Pinball Hall of Fame in Las Vegas or Press Start in Reno). Whatever your interest, Nevada is your oyster for old-fashioned fun. But most importantly, make the most of your unplugged time and do something you enjoy.