CEDARVILLE
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Surprise Valley – Where the Forest Meets Desert Playas
If you're coming from the north to Black Rock City, Nevada, chances are you will be coming through the town of Cedarville, California. In fact, it's your very last stop to get many of the major supplies you may need — especially groceries, gas, and other auto supplies — with BRC another 95 miles away to the south. The very hospitable people and businesses of Cedarville have been very supportive of us on our journey to and from the playa and are working hard to meet our needs and wishes.
This cozy small-town community of approximately 2000 people sits on the eastern edge of the Warner Mountains and Modoc National Forest. But then Cedarville also sits cozily on the western edge of the high desert. In the center of Cedarville you can look due west and see the high mountains and thick woods of tall trees. Turn 180° around and looking west you see sagebrush hills dotted with pinion pines mingling with flat alkali playas. Both north and south continue the divide here in Surprise Valley. A seemingly odd juxtaposition to the mind perhaps. But it all makes sense as you're actually driving through this part of California into Nevada, an ideal and beautiful lesson in how dualities, such as "rich nature" and "empty desert," lose their meaningfulness in the blending of geology, biology, and culture across a mash of real and artificial boundaries. A nice prelude to your journey to Burning Man.
Likely you will be entering Cedarville from the west on State Route 299. The town center sits at the crossroads of 299 and State Route 447. You will want to turn right onto 447 and head south on your way to Black Rock City. But most of the resources provided by the businesses here are to be found in Cedarville right here at or near this junction. Parking can be found along the streets in abundance, but the town asks that you please park diagonally so as to make entry/departure from spaces easier for everyone.
Also of note to be found here at the town center among the several businesses, there will be trash disposal as well as porta-pottie services provided by the community for your convenience during Burning Man. Please be careful and responsible with these generous services.
A Final Note: The town also requests of us to please be respectful of the town's residents and properties. Although you may not see sidewalks or parking lines or fences along some parts of the roads, this does not mean you are welcome to park or set up camp on people's or businesses' properties. And just because everyone is really friendly does not mean you can dump your trash in a business dumpster or home's trash can, walk around in nakedness, blast your stereo, or party at-will. You're also requested to obey the speed limits and other traffic laws, and be respectful of residents crossing the road or entering businesses. In short: Please be civil, respectful, and considerate and Leave No Trace.
For further information about Cedarville click here:
Also, the local radio station KDUP can be found at 88.1 on the FM dial.
Grocery Stores
Page's Market
488 Main Street – 530-279-2626 – map
Open daily 8am-8:30pm. Open until 10pm on August 28. Call ahead for possible after hours appointment. Full line of produce, groceries, liquor, canned beer, bulk water, ice, some vegetarian foods, camping supplies, headlamps, goggles, hats, and even some costumery, provided with very hospitable service. Carries Cool Neon ready-to-go el-wire kits, even! Also has free Wifi. For those of us that want to pre-order anything from Page's Market, you can contact 530-640-2626 or email inquiries to ssparriott(at)yahoo(dot)com
Corner Store
596 Main Street – 530-279-2466 – map
Open daily 6am-4pm. Before and after Burning Man, open 24 hours. Call ahead for certain hours or possible after-hours appointment. Located at the heart of town where 299 and 447 meet. Water, ice, liquor, canned beer, sandwiches, soda, energy drinks, snacks, groceries, beer, maps, directions, and local information provided with very hospitable service. Carries Cool Neon ready-to-go el-wire kits, even! Also has free Wifi. You can email inquiries to ssparriott(at)yahoo(dot)com. Following Burning Man and during most of Exodus, The Corner Store will also be providing a BBQ in front of the store with a variety of food options, including for vegetarians.
Random Curiosities
Good Things
650 Main Street – 530-279-9385 – map
Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-3pm. Possible extended days/hours for during Burning Man. A cozy thrift store and community market-place that will notably have bikes and produce for during Burning Man.
Floating Island Books
540 Main Street, Suite D – 530-279-2790 – map
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. A delightful, cozy, and fabulous bookstore owned by a fellow burner, carrying a wide range of literature, maps, and local information.
Restaurants and Saloon
Cafe .22 / Woody's Saloon
415 Main Street – 530-279-2112 – map
Open Tue-Sat 6am-8pm, Sun 7am-8pm. Extended hours during Exodus. Providing hearty portions of great food and hospitality – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Next door is the Woody's Saloon, the place in town to get firewater service.
Surprise Cafe!
540 Main Street, Suite B – 530-279-2065 – map
Open Tue-Wed 8am-6pm, Thur-Fri, 8am-9pm, Sat 8am-1pm. During Exodus, open Sun-Tue 8am-9pm. Call ahead for hours certainty. A wonderful oasis on the way to and from the playa with a really delightful menu for all tastes. Espresso and various other hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, burritos, salads, and baked goods. Breakfast-hours items additionally, such as waffles! Vegetarian and vegan options too. Farmers Market every Saturday morning 9am-noon. Free Wifi.
Country Hearth
531 Main Street – 530-279-2280 – map
Open Mon-Sat 6am-9pm, Sun 7am-1pm and 5pm-8pm. Offering hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and fresh bakery items.
Hotels, RV Park, Camping
JnR Hotel
581 Main Street – 530-279-2423 – map
If you're looking for a room in Cedarville, this is going to be the spot. Providing a variety of fine rooms and very hospitable service, Jim and Ramona really know how to take care of people. Free Wifi also available. Call or visit the website to make reservations, sooner the better while rooms last.
Surprise Valley Hot Springs
Located 5 miles east of Cedarville on Highway 299 – 877-927-6426 – map
Open Daily 7am-5pm. Ring bell for after-hours, but best to call ahead for reservations. Lodging with hot tubs and catered dining. RV Park next door with full-hookups. Hot tubs and massages if available and/or by appointment. Very scenic area in the middle of the playa with exceptional service.
Modoc District Fairgrounds
1 Center Street – 530-279-2315 – map
RV Park $20/day and camping $15/day.
Hospital
Surprise Valley Hospital
741 North Main Street – 530-279-6111 – map
Open 24/7. Located just a few blocks south of the town center.
Gas Station, Auto Repair, Auto Parts
Chevron Valley Service Station
601 Main Street – 530-279-6241 – map
Gas available 24/7. The service station is regularly open Tue-Fri noon-6pm. Extended hours during Burning Man. The only and last place to get gas and mechanical service until Gerlach.
Surprise Valley Napa Auto Parts
600 Main Street – 530-279-6165 – map
Open Mon-Fri 8am-noon and 1pm-5pm, Sat 8am-noon.
Need more info? Try: Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, Reno News and Review, Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno Magazine, Reno Tahoe Tonight, National Traffic and Road Closure Information, PlayReno, NevadaNet, goTahoe.com, Tahoe.com, Fernleynews.com. 
