There is a cure for summertime blues in the digital age: find a peaceful country inn, cabin or retreat that feels far removed from the crowds and daily distractions. Unplug, relax and leave the noise behind.
Urban Cowboy Lodge © David Krugman
Two short drives from major cities demonstrate how to do a proper unplugged getaway. In the Catskills, about 2.5 hours from New York City, Urban Cowboy Lodge positions itself as a mountain retreat where the lack of cell service is part of the appeal. The boutique property intentionally limits technology, inviting guests to disconnect and enjoy a quieter, more analog stay.
When you make a reservation or check in, you can opt into the lodge’s digital detox. Guests who choose this experience lock their smartphones in a secure box and are handed a Polaroid camera to capture moments without screens. Each guest receives a printed Digital Detox Kit: a guide and checklist of on-site activities such as axe throwing, fly fishing, yoga and tarot readings, plus recommendations for nearby hikes. Guests who complete the digital detox earn a 15 percent discount on a future stay and Urban Cowboy merchandise, encouraging return visits and continued unplugged exploration.
Urban Cowboy Lodge © David Krugman
A few hours north of Chicago, between Milwaukee and Green Bay, Tomczyk Cabin—the newest addition to a collection of rustic lodgings—offers a different approach to disconnecting. Restored from a structure that dates back more than a century, the cabin preserves the simple way of life its original occupants knew, giving modern guests a chance to step away from contemporary conveniences.
Tomczyk Cabin © Kohler Co.
At Tomczyk Cabin, guests are encouraged to forego modern amenities such as electricity and indoor plumbing to fully unplug and recharge. The cabin is equipped for a rustic stay with an outdoor pump for water, an outhouse, two queen beds, a sauna, lanterns, firewood and a charcoal grill. These basic comforts are paired with direct access to nature through Kohler’s River Wildlife Club, a secluded sanctuary that spans more than 500 acres of Wisconsin wilderness, includes five miles of the Sheboygan River and offers over 18 miles of scenic trails.
Visitors to the property can choose self-guided hikes through varied woodland terrain, paddle the river by canoe or kayak, or explore in winter on cross-country skis. The setting emphasizes solitude and slow living: without the usual digital interruptions, guests can focus on the sensory pleasures of being outdoors, the rhythms of the day and the company of travel companions.
Both destinations illustrate a growing trend in travel: curated disconnection. Rather than treating technology as an ever-present convenience, these retreats make unplugging an intentional part of the guest experience. The result is more mindful travel—time spent reading, walking, sharing meals and taking photos on an old-fashioned Polaroid rather than tracking likes or messages.
Whether you prefer a boutique mountain lodge that swaps phones for analog cameras or a century-old cabin that returns you to basics, these escapes show how stepping away from screens can restore perspective. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by constant connectivity, a short drive to a tech-light retreat may be the simplest and most effective remedy for summertime restlessness.