The Roads Traveled - website of Mary Gilbert

Pittsburgh’s Duquesne Incline

The Duquesne Incline is one of Pittsburgh’s most recognized and visited landmarks—and the quintessential way to get to Mt. Washington.

Living with the Eames Legacy

The sheer creativity and adaptation of ideas that continue to emanate from the Eames family’s legacy as it moves forward is astounding.

Paris Unscripted

Our dialed-down game plan for Paris worked like a charm. It is unanticipated adventures like these that help fuel our desire to be on the road.

Charlotte's Hidden Gardens

Wing Haven is the story of two women named Elizabeth, but their gardens couldn’t be more different in history, purpose, and appearance.

Portfolio

As a freelance writer and traveler, I love telling stories about places I go and people I meet…stories ranging from the arts to architecture, cuisine to culture, history to happenings.

Travel Resources

Enhance your own travel with these recommended classes, products, tours, and websites gathered from traveling in 16 countries (and counting), and from coast to coast in the U.S.

Blog

Being on the road holds the promise of transformation and it always delivers. The Roads Traveled blog captures those moments of adventure, discovery, engagement, and inspiration.

The Roads Traveled blog captures moments of adventure, discovery, engagement, and inspiration from around the world.

Travel Tips and Takeaways from Extended Stays in Europe

Mary Gilbert Europe, Hotels and Rentals, Tours and Sightseeing, Travel tips October 23, 2025airbnb.com, Apartment rentals, Beaune, Dijon Mustard, Europe, Europe travel, Extended stays, Farmers Market, France, French Market, French visa, Just living, Travel, Travel apps, Travel blogger, Travel planning, Travel tips, Travel writer 13 Comments

I’m going out on a creative limb here. Readers of The Roads Traveled know I tell stories about people, places, and passions I encounter as I travel. This post is different…more personal, more self-revealing, and maybe even more informative forRead more

Hilly Ragusa, Sicily, and Ancient Stone Stairs to Treasured Sites

Mary Gilbert Europe, Food and Wine, History, Shops, Tours and Sightseeing, Uncategorized July 17, 2025airbnb, Antico Dolceria Bonajuto, Caffé Italia, Cannoli, Caponata, Chocolate, Ibla, Italy, Marina di Ragusa, Metate, Modica, Modica Chocolate Museum, Ragusa, Ragusa Ibla, Ragusa Superiore, Sicilian food, Sicily, UNESCO World Heritage site, Val de Noto, Val de Noto earthquake, Variis Cucina in Piazza 0 Comment

It’s a quiet, low-traffic morning in the ancient hill town of Ragusa in southeastern Sicily, Italy, a noted UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’m trudging, ever upward, on Corso Italia to the neighborhood butcher. The salmon-hued Palazzo Bertini and the sober-lookingRead more