Disconnect to Reconnect: A Digital Detox in the Smoky Mountains

Recently, the family and I went on vacation to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It was a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the daily grind, especially as my paternity leave was drawing to a close and the new school year loomed for my older kids. The drive from Maryland to Eastern Tennessee was a bit long, but with the promise of mountain air and some quality family time, it was more than manageable.

As always, I packed my laptop, fully intending to carve out a bit of time for live streaming, blogging, and maybe even catching up on some writing. After all, who wouldn't want to share the breathtaking mountain views with their online community? But the internet connectivity at our rental had other plans.

The house we rented relied on a Verizon hotspot for its internet connection. The TV service came through a satellite provider, which, to be honest, I hadn’t even thought much about until we settled in. Almost immediately, I learned that cell phone signals and mountainous terrain don’t mix well. The hotspot was spotty at best, and there were times when even sending a text felt like a feat.

This got me thinking about our increasing reliance on broadband. We’ve come to depend on it for everything—from work and education to entertainment and social interaction. It’s easy to take for granted just how seamlessly the internet integrates into our daily lives, until you’re in a situation where it suddenly becomes a luxury rather than a given.

Being in the Smoky Mountains was a stark reminder of the digital divide that still exists, even within the U.S. Many rural areas lack access to high-speed broadband, leaving them disconnected from the digital world in ways that urban dwellers might not fully appreciate. While satellite TV and a hotspot can provide basic services, they’re no match for the high-speed fiber connections that many of us are used to. This discrepancy can impact everything from a child's ability to participate in online learning to an entrepreneur’s ability to manage a business remotely.

The trip was also a reminder of the importance of unplugging. Without reliable internet, I found myself more present—taking in the stunning views, engaging more deeply with my family, and enjoying the peace that comes with being disconnected. It was a valuable lesson in balance. While technology has undoubtedly enhanced our lives, there’s something to be said for stepping away from the screen and reconnecting with the world around us.

In the end, while the trip didn’t go as planned in terms of content creation, it offered something much more valuable: a chance to reflect on our relationship with technology and the importance of finding time to unplug, even if it’s not by choice. As we drove back to Maryland, I felt a renewed sense of clarity—a reminder that sometimes, the best way to recharge is by disconnecting.