Moneta, Virginia, with a population of about 450, is a place whose quiet reputation hides more intrigue than its size suggests.  Once a modest stop along the Norfolk & Western Railway in the early 1900s, it served as a rural trade point before tourism shifted its identity. National audiences caught a glimpse of the town in 1991 when several scenes from the comedy What About Bob? were filmed here, including the general store that drew movie fans for years afterward.

Two structures on the National Register of Historic Places give Moneta a tangible link to its past. The Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, built around 1896, stands as a Gothic Revival landmark that once anchored a thriving African American congregation in the countryside. The Holland–Duncan House, dating to the early 19th century, is an imposing residence that blends Federal and Greek Revival influences, reflecting the ambitions of its original owners in an era when Bedford County was a patchwork of farms and small estates.

Moneta’s proximity to Smith Mountain Lake transformed the town’s character in the latter half of the 20th century. The reservoir, created in 1963, now covers more than 20,000 acres and attracts anglers after striped bass, families seeking shoreline cabins, and boaters who dock at marinas like Bridgewater and Waterwheel. Just inland, Moneta Park offers a different pace on 119 acres. Its disc golf course, ball fields, and shaded walking trails cater to locals who prefer ground over water, and its open green spaces host community games and seasonal activities without the crowds of the lake.

While most visitors come for recreation, some are drawn to the quirks of Moneta’s small-business scene. My Needful Things Today is a retail space that seems determined to ignore predictable trends. It mixes locally made décor, unusual gifts, and occasional flea-market finds into a rotating stock that regulars check often. Another business, Fabulous Finds at Smith Mountain Lake, leans heavily into repurposed vintage furniture and handmade crafts, alongside a line of weather-resistant “Outdoorables” furniture that caters to lakefront living.

The food landscape in Moneta benefits from both local loyalty and the influx of seasonal visitors. Edo Grill & Sushi has built a steady following for dishes like the Crunchy Roll and its more traditional Japanese offerings, pairing fresh seafood with precise preparation. Joe’s Pizza Italian Restaurant covers the opposite end of the spectrum, serving hearty plates such as baked penne and lasagna while keeping a menu of specialty pizzas that includes “The Works,” a fully loaded favorite among Moneta regulars.

Events are part of Moneta’s modern identity, though not all of them originate within the town limits. Smith Mountain Lake Pirate Days is a nearby summer celebration that draws boaters in full costume, with activities spilling across several marinas and shoreline businesses. Local sports leagues use Moneta Park for tournaments, and holiday markets often feature regional artisans.

For those who enjoy a hint of the unexplained, a 2014 account from a longtime Moneta resident known only as Sally adds a strange layer to the local record. On a July evening along Diamond Hill Road, she described seeing a silent, glowing orange light that hovered for several minutes before disappearing without a sound.

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