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City in California, United States
Photo: Qfl247 (talk) (Transferred by Citypeek/Original uploaded by Qfl247), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ridgecrest is a city in Kern County in the Mojave Desert of California.
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formerly U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology
China Lake has been involved in development and testing of some of the most famous air weapons and related systems of the 20th and 21st centuries. Legendary air weapons like the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and Shrike anti-radiation missile are displayed alongside some of the most modern air weapons - JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) and JSOW (Joint Stand-off Weapon) - that became household names during the early months of the U.S.'s wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Also featured is the unique history of China Lake, known for a generation as "The Secret City" where scientists and engineers broke new ground far from the prying eyes of enemy spies.
This museum brings the natural history, culture, geology and archaeology of the region under one roof. It is a busy visitor's center for travelers headed to Death Valley and other Mojave Desert points of interest. Also available are a wide collection of gifts and memorabilia from the Upper Mojave Desert. The museum has great displays of local flora and fauna, work of local artists, and regular special programs. (See Do below for information about tours of the petroglyphs - the greatest collection of Native American rock art in North America.)
The jewel in China Lake's cultural-resources crown is the Coso Rock Art National Historic Landmark, a swath of 36,000 acres that include Big Petroglyph Canyon and Little Petroglyhp Canyon where roughly 250,000 pre-European rock-art carvings can be found. Tours can be arranged directly with the Navy, but doing so can be complicated. People not familiar with the base or the area are strongly advised to join a tour organized by the Maturango Museum. Tours are always on weekends, and because participants are escorted deep onto a military base that does secret development work, special rules apply. No foreign nationals are allowed, and participants must provide bona fide proof of citizenship to get a pass for the tour. Museum staff can explain the process in detail.
There are two major events at the fairground the first being the High Desert Spring Festival which runs mid-May. And second the Desert Empire Fair which mid to late October. The Ridgecrest Motorsports Complex at the fairgrounds has events every other weekend from 9AM-4PM.
A family-owned and -operated restaurant offering traditional Mexican favorites along with homestyle American favorites. The enclosed patio with misters is a great place to relax with a beer and some nachos on a hot desert evening.
Meaning "My Dream," Mon Reve is the dream come true for a husband-and-wife team of French expatriates. A truly French experience, the owner has been known to give a friendly slap to an uncouth patron and the waitresses are treated like princesses. But with the generally good-natured haughtiness comes a very friendly and sincere desire to serve great food with warm hospitality. French onion soup, quiches, and full French entrees are paired with a solid wine list and an even better beer list.
This brightly lit, lively restaurant has three distinct options for diners - sit at the sushi bar, get a table and order from the menu of Japanese favorites or take your group to one of several Teppanyaki grills - seated bars around open grills where highly trained chefs light the grill on fire, fling condiments, aim shrimp at customers' mouths and generally turn cuisine into a circus.
Provides breadsticks, pasta, salads, pizza, etc. Some of the locally famous dishes include a peanut butter pizza, turkey grinder, and specialty pizzas which are named after notable figures in the community.
Some of the better barbecue in the high desert. A good choice for the larger parties in town.
Indian Wells Brewing Company is a local brewery which is experiencing rapid growth. You can now find its products in Whole Foods in most states across the country. The brewery offers tours, and brews alcoholic beverages and soda pops. Their root beer and cream soda are local favorites. Next door, the Indian Wells Valley Lodge offers an elegant dinner looking out over the airport, city, and the base.
Partners Bar
A long-time Ridgecrest bar. Live band nights, karaoke, billiards, satellite jukebox, and a big screen TV. Offer you the local bar entertainment with good people and beverages.
DJ's Pub is a hole-in-the-wall joint with great drinks and a relaxed atmosphere. It's across the road from Tommy T's and offers the better value for drink prices.
A taproom with a rotating selection of craft brews and seltzers, both on tap and in fridge. Also keeps a wide selection of board games and soda, making for an excellent place to hangout for a few hours.
Offers interior corridors.
Popular with business travelers.
Complimentary continental breakfast, a few blocks from China Lake NAWC.
Long-term, furnished, specialty.
Balsam St. is a historic main street area in Ridgecrest with boutique shops, salons, and eateries. This street is also host to the city's parades throughout the year.
US Highway 395 - Northbound travelers will turn right off the highway onto CA Highway 178 Business (also called South China Lake Boulevard), which proceeds north and then northeast about 2½ miles to Ridgecrest.
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