National Day of Unplugging: Read this, then get offline — go out and play in Charlotte!
On Global Day of Unplugging, we realize the irony of an online publication telling you to go offline — but everyone should get the chance to turn it off, then get back on again.
So, we invite you to read this story, tell your boss you can’t come to work today (you are technology averse), then get offline and go explore the Charlotte area.
About Global Day of Unplugging: National Day of Unplugging was created in 2003, and then in 2023 it expanded and was renamed Global Day of Unplugging. It was created by Jewish community Reboot and is celebrated annually on March 1. All you need to participate is a 24 hour period of being offline.
If you’re reading this online on March 1, it’s OK. We invite you to start your 24 hours a little later this time and then just mark your calendar for next year!
What to do on Global Day of Unplugging
First, check the weather. Charlotte meteorologist Brad Panovich will let you know if March 1 is a day for enjoying all the natural wonder that Charlotte has to offer. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but at last check, things didn’t look great. Chilly and 80 percent chance of rain isn’t ideal for a day with no devices, we’ll admit. Hopefully the weather clears up, and we’ll offer both outdoor and indoor solutions, just in case it doesn’t:
Start with a filling, affordable breakfast. Check out our guide to the best breakfasts around Charlotte for $10 or less. Without your phone, you’ll have the time to talk to strangers at the diner or cafe. Pro tip: Bring a newspaper (yes, a print version!), just in case everyone else is buried in their phones.
Head to Charlotte’s favorite adventure spot, Whitewater Center. There are plenty of things to do, and many of them don’t cost a dime (aside from your parking fee).
Speaking of free and cheap things to do, check out our weekly guide. Friday’s events include live music and a gallery crawl. Both of those things are better when you’re device-free, we say!
Go through your closet and pull out your favorite early 2000s club outfits to wear at next week’s throwback to The Forum nightclub. Make sure to donate anything that doesn’t fit.
Speaking of throwback, head to your favorite coffee shop. If you’re unplugged, it will certainly feel like the 1990s again. Not a coffee fan? Check out our local tea guide.
Read a book. Not a Kindle book, a book book. If you don’t have a book, spend some time tomorrow perusing local bookstores, hitting up a Little Free Library or visiting a local library.
However you decide to spend your unplugged day, we hope you enjoy it! Now, go away and come back tomorrow.
