Bob’s Dairyland, a Roan Mountain restaurant, was the choice for thru-hikers in a contest spurred on by a hiker website called The Trek as the Best of the Appalachian Trail.

The Trek is a website dedicated to “shining a spotlight on current hikers’ journeys.” The website offers a platform for hikers to share journeys with other hikers.

The website put on the “Spring(er) Fever” contest that challenged hikers to pick their favorite eatery from 32 located along the Appalachian Trail to name as the best.

After three days of voting at The Trek, Bob’s Dairyland toppled Mojo’s Café in Damascus with 388 votes of an overall total of 635 posted.

Bob’s Dairyland diner has long been a staple of the mountain community since the 1960s, and is located at 8361 Hwy. 19E in Roan Mountain.

“I was elated to hear that we had won, but I did not even know that they [The Trek] were even holding a contest,” said Joe Miller. Miller along with his wife, Sonya, both own Bob’s Dairyland after purchasing it over 11 years ago. “I view this as a big win for our community.”

Miller said that his restaurant being selected as the best in the Appalachian Trail was an even bigger honor because of the people from all over the world that visit the trail not only thought the food was great but the service and overall atmosphere were good as well.