Summer's the Time to Visit the Mayberry Drive-In and Diner in Moneta, Virginia

There are a lot of wonderful things to do in the summer time here at Smith Mountain Lake! Fishing, boating, and hanging out with friends on the water are just a few fun activities that can take you back to memories of summers in your childhood. If you really want to step back in time – to the place of poodle skirts and classic cars – then boy, have we got a place for you! Head on over to the Mayberry Drive-In and Diner in Moneta!


When Bob Craig and Kathy Gentry first opened the Drive-in and Diner in 2008, they weren’t sure if it would last. But they have ended up with something that is quickly becoming a Smith Mountain Lake classic. Located in Moneta, right in the middle of a quiet field, this family-friendly place is definitely unique! “We have a diner in the middle of a cow pasture. It was lack of common sense,” said Craig.

That sure hasn’t stopped locals and visitors from flooding the establishment. You can’t find a better climate for a drive-in! Few to no mosquitoes, perfect weather, and enjoying a good movie with your convertible's top down make this something that definitely should be added to your summer “to-do” list! And that's just the environment; then there is the food at the diner.

“We make everything homemade. Our homemade chicken salad and the macaroni salad are both customer favorites,” said Gentry. “I make a special butterscotch pie, and our house dressing is a homemade recipe. We have a lady that comes and makes fried green tomatoes from scratch.” They even offer a call-ahead service, so that customers avoid missing any of the movie by having their food ready when they get there.

Check out these coming attractions to the site: retro carnival rides, like the tilt-a-whirl, that fit the 50’s theme of the diner. Also coming soon: music events! The Mayberry Diner is open daily 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Movies at the drive-in start at dusk. For more information, and show listings, call 540.296.1480.

Bedford and Franklin Counties in VA are great places to live! When you are ready to buy a home in the area, call Vicki Millehan! From quiet homes in the country to lakefront property, she can help you find your own part of Smith Mountain Lake to call home!