Have you ever noticed the ads that pepper every social media scroll? The ones that promise a miracle weight-loss product hiding in your pantry? Or the perfect recipe for high protein ice cream made from cottage cheese and cannellini beans? I'm not a fan of clickbait. I avoid the stuff like I avoid hornet's nests (with screaming, arm-flailing, and something that can only be described as long-distance prancing).
But you know what I do regularly get sucked into? Wikipedia.
From the history of the Tudor Dynasty, to the most quotable lines in cinema, to the first unified form of currency of China (the banliang, a circular coin with a square hole in the center similar to the NYC subway tokens of my youth) I am easily and happily distracted for hours at a time.
Suffice it to say that if you need someone in your bar trivia team, I'm your huckleberry. So when Matthew, General Manager at High Peaks Resort, recently mentioned that the "dog days of summer" originated with the ancient Romans; well, that was an investigation invitation too good to pass up.
What are the dog days of summer?
It all started with the Canis Major constellation (that is probably not where it started, but that is where I'm going to start). The "Great Dog" constellation is made up of eight major stars and 32 smaller stars, the brightest of which being Sirius, Orion's dog. For the ancient Romans, the hottest days of the year generally fell during the conjunction of the sun and Sirius, when the two stars would rise and fall together, and it was believed that Sirius was providing additional heat during an already warm season.
While we still consider the dog days of summer to be the hottest days, this doesn't actually have anything to do with the combination of stars in the daytime sky or any effect the temperature may be having on our furriest friends. The northern hemisphere tilts towards the sun more directly during the summer, allowing for more direct sunlight and for longer which means longer, hotter days. In the southern hemisphere, the dog days of summer are observed January through March, during their summer season.
In ancient Rome, the dog days of summer were observed from July 24 to August 24 but over the millennia these dates have changed as the stars have moved. These days, the Farmer's Almanac traditionally lists this as July 3 to August 11. Here at High Peaks Resort, we might not control the stars, but we can tell you how to spend the hottest days of the Adirondack summer.
Here's what we recommend around Lake Placid this year:
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Take a Hike in the Adirondack High Peaks
In case it wasn't obvious by my knowledge of ancient currency, I am not an outdoor adventurer. I am go for a wander in the woods and count the mushrooms kind of girl. In the Adirondacks it doesn't matter if this is your first hike or your 400th, there is a hike for you. Dont know where to begin? High Peaks Resort has you covered with our blog on our favorite hikes for every level. -
Cool Down by Getting in the Water
With over 3000 bodies of water, and 30,000 miles of streams, rivers, and brooks you would think it couldn't get easier to get wet. And you'd be wrong - High Peaks Resort offers two indoor pools, two outdoor pools, and a fleet of watercraft to get you living the lake life. -
Walk with Trolls at the Wild Center
You may have heard of the Wild Center's High Line inspired trail through the trees - a breathtaking walk through the Adirondack canopy. In addition to its year round artistic and educational installations, this summer the Wild Center invites you to meet its newest temporary residents - six larger-than-life Trolls (troll-sized?) created by Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo. -
Get a Hole in One at Whiteface Club & Resort
Designed by noted architect John Van Kleek, with views of Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains, Whiteface Club & Resort offers 9 or 18-holes of summer sunshine on one of the Northeast's premier golf courses and our Adirondack Golf Package gets you on the course. -
Enjoy a Sweet Treat at Emma's Lake Placid Creamery
Nothing ends the day like a scoop of Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle ice cream from Emma's and a pup cup for your canine companion!
So treat your dog to a Sirius-ly good time at High Peaks Resort this summer and book your stay at High Peaks Resort.
