Unplugged and Off the Grid: Our Tech-Free Getaway

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Can You Survive Without Wi-Fi? We Tried—Here’s What Happened

It was 2011 we were ideal fresh faced newly weds. The iPhone 4 was the hottest thing around, Facebook was taking over the world, and we… well, we decided to throw it all away for a weekend. No Wi-Fi. No social media. No screens. Just us, nature, and (hopefully) no regrets.

Autumnal forest with vivid orange, green, and brown foliage lines a calm river under a clear blue sky. Peaceful and scenic landscape.

Our mission? A full digital detox getaway in Missouri, starting with a remote stay at Rock Eddy Bluff, followed by a one-of-a-kind dinner in a cave restaurant in Richland, MO.

What followed was a mix of peace, panic, and one of the most unique travel experiences we’ve ever had.

Tree silhouette against sunset sky, overlooking fields and a distant barn. Warm hues and scattered autumn leaves create a serene scene.

Rock Eddy Bluff: Off-the-Grid Bliss (or Torture?)

We rolled up to Rock Eddy Bluff Cabins, greeted by towering trees, chirping birds, and—wait, no signal?! The reality hit fast. No doom-scrolling before bed, no instant Google searches. Just pure, off-the-grid cabin life in Missouri. They had several cabins but we stayed in a room in the main house so we can have the Bed & Breakfast Experience. It was wonderful!

Cozy bedroom with a brass bed frame, floral quilt, and decorative pillows. Mauve walls, vintage lamps, and framed art add a nostalgic feel.

One of the nights the owners even invited us for some chili and corn bread! Up to this day, we still talk about the wonderful experience we had staying here.

Cozy room with red walls, patterned rug, and a checkered armchair by a fireplace. Large window doors and a painting on the wall.

At first, it felt… unsettling. What do you do without mindless phone scrolling? Turns out:

Hiking & exploring – Rock Eddy’s trails led to stunning views and quiet moments of reflection.

Reading actual books – Not a screen in sight, just real paper and the sound of nature.

Sitting in silence – A lost art. But hey, after a while, the quiet became kind of magical.

Charmaine in green sweater sits on a benchin a serene autumn forest. Fallen leaves cover the ground, trees display orange hues.

I am not sure if we would still feel the same way now that phones are truly prevalent in our lives but back then we were able to disconnect and enjoyed the time we were had walking around the area. I mean… this was even before I was outdoorsy! As you can obviously see in the previous photo… Hiking in jeans?! Now I know better… I make fun of them fools! LOL!

Charmaine and Kevin taking a selfie in a sunlit forest by a river. Both wear casual clothes; one in a green sweater, the other in a gray hoodie. Mood is relaxed.

A Cave Restaurant? Yes, Please!

After a full day of reconnecting with nature (and ourselves), it was time for a bucket-list-worthy dining experience: eating inside a cave restaurant in Richland, MO.

Steep rocky cliff beside a narrow path leading to a rustic house. Autumn trees in the background, and "Charmaine Wanders" text visible.

Picture this: walking into a dimly lit cave, the walls cool to the touch, the atmosphere dripping with history. No neon signs, no buzzing TVs—just candlelight, rustic tables, and the sound of laughter echoing off stone walls.

Dimly lit restaurant inside a cave with diners at tables. Red upholstery, gold pillar, string lights, and rugged rock walls create a cozy ambiance.

The food? It was BBQ of course! Is it even Missouri if there is no BBQ?! I don’t exactly remember if it was good. I would say it is decent since I seem to only remember extremes when it comes to food. I do know I came for the experience. Unfortunately this restaurant is now closed. I do hope that someone gets to buy it and reopen it because it is a neat experience plus the food is decent.

Lessons from an Unplugged Weekend

Coming back to reality (aka: the land of notifications) was jarring. But this trip taught us a few things:

We don’t need to be constantly connected. The world keeps spinning even when we take a break.✨ Silence isn’t scary—it’s refreshing. Sometimes, the best conversations happen when you’re not looking at a screen.✨ Nature > Netflix. A Missouri sunset over the river beats any binge-worthy show.

Trees with colorful autumn leaves reflecting in a calm river, creating a serene, natural landscape.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. And if you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just want a romantic tech-free getaway in Missouri, Rock Eddy Bluff and the cave restaurant in Richland should be at the top of your list.

Autumn trees reflecting in a calm river, surrounded by foliage and under a clear sky. The golden light creates a serene atmosphere.

Not Feeling Rock Eddy? Try VRBO for Other Off-the-Grid Stays

If Rock Eddy Bluff is booked or not quite your vibe, no worries—VRBO has tons of off-the-grid cabins in Missouri perfect for a digital detox. Look for places with no Wi-Fi, secluded forest settings, or cozy tiny homes near rivers and trails. Just search “remote cabin Missouri” or “tech-free getaways” and you’ll find hidden gems that still let you unplug and recharge—without sacrificing comfort (or your sanity).

Ready to Unplug? Here’s Your Challenge!

📍 Book a stay at Rock Eddy Bluff Cabins – The ultimate no-Wi-Fi, off-the-grid experience.

📍 Try a unique dining experience – Because how often do you get to eat in a cave?!📍 Ditch the phone (even for a day) – You might just love it.

A smiling Kevin & Charmaine in hoodies poses in a scenic autumn landscape with a river and trees. Text in corner reads: "Charmaine Wanders".

Have you ever done a digital detox or stayed somewhere off the grid? Would you survive without your phone? Drop a comment and let’s chat! (You know, after you’re done scrolling.) 😆



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