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Movie Set Travel: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

May 23, 2008 at 10:20 AM | 1 Comment

Finally! Our favorite archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones returns! This week's pick is definitely one of the best ways to ring in Memorial Day weekend. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" opens nationwide today and we are hearing it's got the same cool stunts and cinematography as the previous versions of the series we've come to know and love. (Even if some critics were less than impressed.)

This time a crystal skull (obviously) was stolen from a lost city in the Amazon guarded by the living dead. Whoever returns the skull gains control of the lost city. Cate Blanchett nails her role as Russian operative Agent Irina Spalko and teen heartthrob Shia LeBeouf holds his own with Harrison Ford.

As this one was shot all over the US, we've picked some of the highlight spots for you to have your own Indy-style adventure:

Where To Get Briefed: Peabody Museum, Yale University Yes, in the movies, Indy's at "Marshall College," but really it's Yale U in New Haven. Make like Dr. Jones and take in the institution's Peabody Museum which "advances understanding of the earth's history, life and cultures." Families can enjoy Science Saturdays for their mini-Indy's. Make sure you bring your safari outfit.

Where To Hide Out: Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico Indy has some desert adventures, not in South America, but in New Mexico. This primarily shrub desert is the easternmost and southernmost of the four North American deserts.

It's actually seasonally-influenced, getting cold in the winters and warm in the summers. We don't recommend you venture Indy-style into the desert yourself, but instead check out the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens (CDG), a botanic garden dedicated to the flora of the Chihuahuan Desert and adjacent regions in the United Sates and Mexico.

Where To Stay: Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Hilo The scenes shot on the Big Island capture stunning shots from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and here you can too. Rooms are simply furnished but the rates (especially if you book online) are reasonable, starting at $100. The best part is the hotel's location: It's close to the harbor, a 442-foot waterfall, beaches and the volcanoes.

Related Stories:
· Indiana Jones coverage [Jaunted]
· Movie Set Travel coverage [Jaunted]

1 Comment

  1. kjb

    Jaunted Contributing Editor
    May 23, 2008 at 11:34 AM




    Peabody Museum

    The Peabody is really a great little museum, and admission is free on Thursday afternoons from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

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