Director of Marketing and Communications
Carla Murray - carla@vrlta.org
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Carla joined VRLTA in June 2021 and is responsible for the overall strategy, management and execution of marketing and communications efforts for the Association. She previously worked at Maymont, a top-rated Richmond tourist attraction, for 23 years where she most recently served as their Director of Marketing & Communications. During her career, Carla has led campaigns for events, fundraising and other initiatives, developed communications content, and created and cultivated social media accounts. A native of Virginia, Carla received her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. She and her husband, John, live in New Kent and have two daughters, Aly and Norah, plus a dog, a cat, a turtle and dozens
of hummingbird visitors every summer.  

More about Carla...

What is your ultimate Virginia weekend getaway?
I enjoy destinations that have hiking trails, some water (ocean, river, lake or pool), shopping, restaurants and culture like museums, music venues and art galleries. I want to fit in as much as possible into my weekend! The thing is, you can find so many getaways like that in Virginia. Some of my favorite weekends have been spent in Chincoteague, Virginia Beach, Alexandria, Shenandoah, Bath, the Alleghany Highlands, Charlottesville, and of course, the Richmond region where I live and work.

What is your favorite cuisine, and a favorite Virginia restaurant that serves it? 
I’m an adventurous eater, and I love Asian and Mexican cuisine. I’m a big fan of Eat Restaurant Partners in RVA including Fat Dragon (try the chicken rolls!!), Lucky AF, Wong Gonzalez, and Osaka. Their pizza place, Pizza and Beer of Richmond, is amazing, too. The Southern Belle and the brussel sprouts there are so good.

Which places are on your travel bucket list – Virginia and beyond? 
So many! I definitely want to spend a weekend in one of the tree houses at Primland and see Mountain Lake Lodge where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Beyond Virginia, I most want to travel to the rainforests and beaches in Costa Rica (again), see the pyramids in Egypt, and go on a full European tour that includes Ireland, Scotland, Spain and Italy. 
 
Mountains or beach? 
Both! One of the great things about Virginia is its wealth of natural beauty. My husband and I spend time in the mountains in Galax and Floyd whenever possible – soaking in the scenery, shopping for antiques, trying local beers and wines, and hiking the trails. The beach is a must-visit destination for me every year, too. I enjoy the ocean, boardwalk and restaurants in Virginia Beach, and Yorktown is a cute riverside town with awesome 4th of July fireworks.
 
Eat out or carry out? 
I prefer eating out for the whole dining experience. Virginia is full of unique and creative places, and the atmosphere is often just as good as the food.

Amusement park or camping? 
I’m a roller coaster junkie, so amusement parks are a must. I have great memories from visits to Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Kings Dominion with my parents, friends, school groups, husband and daughters. I haven’t camped since childhood, but I do daydream about sleeping under the stars.
 
Name a place in Virginia you’d like to visit. 
I’ve always wanted to stay and dine at The Inn at Little Washington, and I’d love to explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps. 
 
What’s your area’s best-kept secret? 
I think the Richmond region’s best kept secret is its abundance of things to do. You can eat at a different restaurant every night for months, explore the outdoors at Belle Isle and local parks, see live music all around town, learn about history, science and art in world-class museums, and so much more. 
 
Favorite place for a beer or a cocktail?
I live in New Kent, so I’m fond of the local “watering holes” including New Kent Winery and Jolene Winery. 

Perfect day in your (Virginia) hometown? 
A perfect day for me might start with a visit to the Kent Farmer’s Market, then a bike ride along the Capital Trail. Later, I’d meet up with friends at one of the wineries, then enjoy a date night with my husband including dinner and games at Rosie’s Gaming Emporium.