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Reno - Plumb Lane/Reno-Tahoe Int'l Airport

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US-395 Exit #65, Plumb Lane, Reno-Tahoe International Airport

You get to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and to most of the shopping areas along Plumb Lane via US-395, exit #65. . Once at the exit, the airport will be on the eastern side of US-395. Nearly everything else is on the other side of the freeway.

Or if you are coming from the Airport, US-395 and the shopping is just a hop and skip away.

Reno-Tahoe International Airport
2001 E. Plumb Ln. - 775-328-6468 - map

Upon landing and leaving the airplane, a few things to check out before heading off for the playa. First, it is highly recommended that you keep your eyes open for the Burning Man Art Exhibit upon leaving the terminal. Lots of great pictures, memorabilia, and more on what the event has come to mean to the area year-round. Second, as you leave the airport, please be sure to check out the Air Playa Info table c/o Burning Man for questions, resources, and some local burner hospitality.

Flying into Reno and need a ride to the playa, but would rather not rent a car? Here is some information on bus, rideshare, and airplane options for you.

The BioBus and BioTour Shuttles — buses running on biodiesel and operated by burners -- will be making trips from the airport to the playa durning Burning Man. NOTE that there are limited seats and limited trips to the playa by both shuttles, so it is highly advised to reserve a seat NOW, by visiting their respective websites (highlighted above). The BioBus will make a stop at Whole Foods Market, and BioTour will be stopping at Trader Joe's, before trekking onto the playa. Also note that BioBus will be making return trips from the playa after Burning Man.

Another option for those on a long shoestring is Rideshare — catching a ride from fellow burners to the playa. Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and the Save Mart on Keystone Avenue are hosting Rideshare in their parking lots again this year. Each is greatly populated by burners on their way to Black Rock City, and each is near the freeway and other businesses. Finding a ride to the playa should therefore really not be a problem, as many many many burners before and during the event come to shop at these stores, and are likely more than willing to accomodate you with a free and fun seat to the playa. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market are a few miles south of the airport on South Virginia Street right next to US-395.  While the Keystone Save Mart location straddles Interstate-80, is open 24 hours, and is the single-most populated store in Reno during Burning Man.  Should be relatively easy to land a ride – offering to help with gas money helps!  Please do try to remember though that the parking lot is not just for burners, to Leave No Trace, that everyone in the vehicle must be wearing a seatbelt, and to be comfortable with those in the vehicle before getting in!

AND (drum roll, please)….for the first time this year, there will be a free shuttle operating from the airport during peak-travel hours to these Rideshare Base locations!  Please stop by the Air Playa Info table to catch the next trip.  The shuttle will be operating Monday-Wednesday (Aug. 31-Sep 2) from 10am-3:30pm and 7:30pm-9:30pm (it’s a pilot program).

Otherwise, perhaps you can carpool a taxi with other burners, or use public transportation to get to these locations.

Finally, ever want to Fly into Black Rock City?!  Well, you can! Advantage Flight will fly ya to the playa!  After four consecutive years of offering flights to and from Black Rock City, Advantage Flight offers two services from Aug. 26 – Sept. 7, 2009.

Reno - BRC Air Shuttle
The Air Shuttle offers up to six flights daily before, during, and after the event between Reno-Tahoe International Airport and Black Rock City.

King Air Connection Service
Offers fast, non-stop Super King Air 200 service connecting to the BRC Air Shuttle for up to eight passengers and gear from most airports in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Denver, and throughout the West.

Advantage Flight
1880 Gentry Way – 775-852-3512 - map

Plumb Lane to Virginia

For most of your shopping needs, you will need to travel west of the airport on Plumb Lane.

One of the four Water stations in Reno, Simply Water is nearby here. If you are travelling from the airport, turn left on Terminal Way — it is the first street upon exiting the airport. Travelling past the rental car agencies, and then an airstrip (with the freeway on your right), you will run right into it as the road then turns into Gentry Way. If you are travelling southbound from US-395, turn left onto Plumb Lane, and then right onto Terminal Way, following the above directions. If you are northbound from US-395, you will turn right onto Plumb...

Westward further down Plumb, there is a large shopping area on your left beginning at Harvard Way. This is where to find Costco and the Sushi Pier, where many locals go. The easiest way to get in there is to take a left turn on Harvard Way. Costco is a block down on your left. The Costco gas station will be over on your right, past Sak 'n Save, and a little further down Harvard Way is REI.

Other businesses of interest will be found by staying west down Plumb Lane.

Going past Kietzke, Reno Vulcanizing Works (on your left), is a good place for tires and auto repairs, and then on your right, RESCO Restaurant Equipment is the place to outfit your camp kitchen hardware needs, from stoves and cookware to grills and other goodies.

Continuing along Plumb Lane, you will come to meet South Virginia Street, which is unmistakable, as it is a very busy intersection, surrounded on all sides by shopping. If you need a Bank of America, there is one right on the northeast corner of South Virginia and Plumb, as well as a Ben Franklin's, for most crafts materials, and a Radio Shack. However, the parking lot may be somewhat of a hassle, so plan a little extra time if you have to get there.

Staying on Plumb beyond Virginia Street, the Save Mart shopping center is next on your right. Here you will find one of the few places in town particularly designed to meet a variety of burner needs. Black Rock Bikes and Recycling (in the back of the store) can also be found here c/o Save Mart. This shopping center also houses a Dollar Store and some other shops.

South of Plumb Lane

Down South Virginia Street, just south of its intersection with Plumb Lane, are the Sushi Boat, little further, at Grove Street, is a Citibank. Further south down Virginia Street, the Peppermill Hotel-Casino lights things up at night; it's been voted one of the top 10 casinos in the country, as many burners attest! A little on the posh side, but worth the money if you've got it to spend.  Across the street from the Peppermill is a favorite mediterranean cuisine restaurant, Naan and Kabab.

Continuing on Virginia, you will come to Gentry Way, where you will need to take a left in order to get to El Monte/Budget RV and Truck Rentals, one of the few very friendly places that still rents to burners!

If you want to continue south on Virginia, check out the Moana hub.

North of Plumb Lane, Wells Avenue

From the intersection of Plumb and Virginia, turning right on Virginia and going up one block to the turnoff for Wells Avenue will soon lead you to Miss Fits for your exotic dance-wear, PJ & Company's Restaurant-Saloon for large platters of sturdy grub (on the right), and King's Ranch Market for all Latino flavors of grocery.

A block up Wells is the US Bank at Vassar Street, and up just a little more is the Great Basin Food Co-Op (the only co-op in Northern Nevada), as well as the wonderful restaurant for vegetarians and carnivores alike, the Dandelion Deli! If you continue up Wells from here, in about a mile you will come to Interstate 80.

North of Plumb Lane, Virginia Street

Turning right and staying on Virginia, and passing the Wells turnoff, you'll find both Kragen and Auto Zone Auto Parts stores, then on your left, in a shopping center at Mt. Rose Street, Wig World for hundreds of wigs (but not a whole lot of exotic ones). You will also find High Desert Bicycles in this shopping center for new and used bikes as well as for repairs, the delectable Indian Garden Restaurant, and the Everlasting Health Center, which carries many natural products, vitamins, supplements, and other healing solutions. Also at Mt. Rose Street is many a burners' favorite place for Thai food in Reno, Bangkok Cuisine, which is vegan-friendly (must try the Vegan Boats appetizers).

Continuing north on South Virginia, you will be further into what is now known as the Midtown District, and beginning to enter Downtown Reno.  Please check out the Downtown Reno hub for more.

Gas Stations

Winner's Corner
1090 East Plumb - 775-689-1282 - map
Relatively low-priced gas, although not as cheap as Costco Gas down the street. Sometimes this Winner's Corner is a little higher than expected due to its proximity to the airport and rental car returns.

Costco Gas
2200 Harvard Way - 775-689-2200 - map
Membership required. Across the street from the actual Costco store.

 

Groceries & Merchandise

G Save Mart
195 W Plumb Ln - 775-786-0138 / 775-786-2970 - map - map above
This Save Mart is a favorite among many local burners, has seen a steadily increasing stream of burner business for some time during the event, and accordingly plans for our numbers by ordering certain novelty items and large quantities of water for the event. Moreover, like all Save Mart supermarkets in the area, they too are going green for this year's burn and beyond...

An area of the Save Mart parking lot will be set aside to display LOTS AND LOTS of bulk-water that may be picked up after being purchased inside. They will also be carrying lots of 35 and 55-gallon barrels, spigots and pumps. Other specialty products will be located inside and outside of the store, including Black Rock Bicycles and accessories, dry ice, tiki torches, medium sized propane tanks, small disposable propane tanks and stoves, bicycle tubes and lighting, large brim hats, vegetarian and vegan sandwich fillers (such as tofurky, tofudogs, and boca burgers), various energy bars and powders, sushi, reusable cups and other kitchenware and storage containers, canned beer and other booze, and coolers. Save Mart is also carrying Cool Neon el-wire ready-kits, Crank flashlights, solar lanterns, rechargeable batteries, bio toilets, bio bags, biodegradable kitchenware, hemp rope, and 7th Generation bathroom-wares.

And, like most Save Marts in town, they will also be operating a Drive-Thru Recycling Center (in back of the store) for this year's event! A free, multi-community project to promote recycling, this multi-year initiative is designed for your convenience, with no strings attached - just please have your recyclables clean as possible. Bicycles, plastics (HDPE 1,2,3,4 & 5), plastic bags, glass, all metals (aluminum, tin, lead, steel, etc), paper, cardboard, and household batteries are all welcome. Moreover, garbage dumping will be available to recyclers at the rate of $3 per 35-gallon standard trash bag. All proceeds raised from this recycling initiative will be donated to support local environmental initiatives. Both the store and recycling center will be open 24/7 throughout the event until September 9. No worries, they are set up for maximum capacity!

Costco
2200 Harvard Way - 775-689-2200 - Open 11-8:30 Mon-Fri, 9:30-6 Sat, 10-6 Sun - map
The typical big box warehouse store, if you shop there you already know what types of food and merchandise are available.

Sak 'n Save
1000 E Plumb Ln. - 775-826-6404 - map
Open 24/7, this discount grocery has good prices but not the biggest selection of brands or variations on a theme.

Everlasting Health Center
1515 South Virginia - 775-324-7382 - Open 10-6, 12-4 Sun - map
Natural foods, vitamins, supplements, and healing solutions, but no fresh foods.

Booze Bros
2331 Kietzke Lane – 775-324-0296‎ - map
Wide variety of wine, spirits and beer.

Simply Water
1070 Gentry Way – 775-337-8111 - map
Open normally 9am-9pm, later during Burning Man – call ahead for exact hours or special arrangements.  Purified water for 40 cents a gallon. Owner Mike Cadena's been to Burning Man. Bring your own container, buy one, or fill your vehicle directly. 

 

Restaurants

Dandelion Deli
1170 South Wells, #2 - 775-322-6100 - Open 7-4, 10-4 Sat, closed Sundays - map
Deli serving vegetarians and carnivores with wide variety of excellent food at reasonable prices.

Bangkok Cuisine
55 Mount Rose St. - 775-322-0299 - Open 11-10 - map
Vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.

India Garden Restaurant
1565 S Virginia St. - 775-337-8002 / 775-377-8022 - Open 11:30-11, slightly upscale - map

China Star Super Buffet
160 W Plumb Ln - 775-825-8777 - Open 11-9:30 - map

Sushi Pier
1290 E Plumb Ln # J - 775-825-6776 - Open 11-9:30, 11-9 Sun - map

Sushi Boat
1999 S Virginia St - 775-829-2115 - map

PJ & Co.
1590 S Wells Ave - 775-323-6366 - Open Mon-Sat, 6:30 - 9:30pm - map
Large plates.

Speedy Burritos
1420 S. Wells Ave - 775-324-1339 - map
Large, inexpensive, speedy burritos for vegetarians / non-vegetarians alike.

Naan and Kabab Mediterranean Cuisine
2740 S Virginia Street – 775-825-3113 - map
A local favorite for yummy eastern Mediterranean faire for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

 

Water

Simply Water
1070 Gentry Way – 775-337-8111 - map
Open normally 9am-9pm, later during Burning Man – call ahead for exact hours or special arrangements.  Purified water for 40 cents a gallon. Owner Mike Cadena's been to Burning Man. Bring your own container, buy one, or fill your vehicle directly.  

 

Banks

US Bank
301 Vassar St. - 775-688-3400 - map

Citibank
2375 S. Virginia St. - 800-274-6660 - map

Bank of America
1830 S Virginia St. - 775-688-8532 - map

 

Bicycles

High Desert Bicycles
1527 S Virginia Street – 775-322-5588 - map
Open Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5, though call ahead for after-hour appointments.
Selling a variety of new and used bikes, helmets, lighting, tubes, baskets, and a multitude of other accessories.  Also a bike repair shop, and the purchase of any bike receives a free one-year service.

 

Hardware/Camping

Carter Bros. Ace Hardware
1215 S Virginia Street – 775-337-1200 - map
One of the few hardware stores in town that is independently seeking to meet the shade and camping needs of the burning man participant.  Stocking up on a wide variety of playa-specific hardware, camping, and lighting needs.

REI (Recreational Equipment Incorporated)
2225 Harvard - 775-828-9090 - Open Mon-Fri 10-8:30, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-6 - map

RESCO Restaurant Equipment
401 E Plumb Ln - 775-786-6565 - Open 8-5, closed Sundays - map
For your camp kitchen needs.

 

Hotels/Casinos

Best Western Airport Plaza
1981 Terminal Way – 1-800-648-3525 - 775- 348-6370‎ - map
Best Western is offering a special rate for burners ($77/night), but you’ll need to book a room by Sept. 2 in order to lock in the discount.  Mention “BM Special.”

Peppermill Hotel Casino
2707 S Virginia St - 775-826-2121 / 800-648-6992 - map
Surface parking, a little pricey, favorite among many burners, they have a lot of food options.

 

Random Curiosities

Wig World
1503 S Virginia St - 775-329-2711 - Open Mon-Sat 10-6 - map

Miss Fits
1715 South Wells Ave — 775-324-4554 - map
Exotic dance-wear.

Ben Franklin
245 E Plumb Ln. - 775-348-0050 - Open 9-6, 10-5 Sun - map

 

RV/Truck Rentals

 E   El Monte/Budget RV and Truck Rentals
85 Gentry Way - 775-825-8833 - map - map above
One of the few places in the region to rent an RV or truck for the playa. Burners are asked specifically to call the owner Bryan at 775-771-99995.  He loves us, is increasing his RV and trucks stock for us, and is not ratcheting up the price structure for Burners like some other places. Reserve ASAP!

Classic Adventures RV
2802 Kietzke Lane – 775-825-1200 - map

Wrondel Self-Storage
2790 Wrondel Way - 775-826-6621 - map

 

Car Parts and Repair

AutoZone
1550 S Virginia St - 775-323-4007 - Open 8-10, 8-9 Sun - map
Free computerized diagnostic tests of engine computer error codes, aka ECU codes. The staff will help you out by telling you what you need if you think you're up to making repairs yourself.

Reno Vulcanizing Works Inc.
450 E Plumb Ln - 775-826-0464 - Open 8-6, Sat 8-5, Closed Sun. - map
More than tires despite the name. These folks will tune up your car or charge your A/C if you need it.

 

Dumps & Recycling

G Save Mart
195 W Plumb Ln - 775-786-0138 / 775-786-2970 - map
This Save Mart goes out of their way for burners, see description above.

 

Need more info? Try: Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, Reno News and Review, Reno Gazette-Journal, Reno Magazine, Reno Passport, National Traffic and Road Closure Information, PlayReno, NevadaNet, goTahoe.com, Tahoe.com, Fernleynews.com.

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