(Hot) dog days of summer

ALBANY — Few things signify summer like the smell of hot dogs sizzling on a flaming grill, and by the time July rolls around America is in the peak of its hot dog season, thus making the seventh month of the year National Hot Dog month, where the meaty treat is celebrated by Americans from coast to coast, as well as in Southwest Georgia, where hot dogs remain immensely popular year-round.

With a metro population that hovers around 150,000, the Albany area is serious about its hot dogs. The city of Albany is home to no less than four restaurants whose main dish is the hot dog, be it plain or covered in any number of popular condiments such as chili, cheese, mustard, relish, onions, coleslaw, hot peppers and, for some, ketchup.

National Hot Dog and Sausage Council