I've been offered the chance to visit Baltimore or Houston this weekend. I've never been to either.Which do you vote for and why?

Well, out of those two, I like Baltimore (I should, I live there part-time.) But maybe with some more information about you and what you like, people could give you an informed opinion.

The weather report is looking better for Houston! 30% chance of rain vs. 40% and temperatures are warmer.

If you come to Houston, check out the Cartier exhibit at the Museum of Fine Art. It has received lots of great press.

This is usually a great time of year to visit Houston - before the summer heat and humidity set in big time.

Baltimore is much more scenic, along with much more to see and do, and far superior dining.

Little Italy in Baltimore has the best cannolis! Yum!

Also, you can visit Edgar Allen Poe's gravesite.

Baltimore, hands down

Reasons:
The aquarium
Harborplace
Harbor cruises
Duck tours
Little Italy
Maryland Science Center
Orioles games at Camden Yards

Check www.baltimore.org for more info- and consider Annapolis if you are looking to wander...

Depends a lot on what you like and where you are staying. Personally, I have never found Baltimore to be that interesting. Although I live here in Houston, I don't think it is very oriented towards tourists.

There is plenty to do here, especially if you are with a local and have a car.

April is a wonderful time to visit Houston. The weather this week has been excellent so far.

If you like sports, it is a great weekend to visit. Both the Shell Houston Open and the U.S. Men's Clay Court Tennis Championships are this weekend. Also, the Houston International Festival is going on Downtown.

DJbooks is sadly mistaken regarding dining. Although we don't have Chesapeake Blue Crabs, Houston on balance is a much more interesting city than Baltimore for food. Seafood, Indian, Thai, Italian, Steak, Continental, Cajun, Vietnamese, Barbecue -- you name it, we offer it, and it is usually very good.

What do you mean by "a chance to visit"? Has someone who knows the cities invited you and will be your host and escort in either city? Where would you be staying and would you have a car? Baltimore has a more condensed tourist area at the Inner Harbor area; you can get around on foot there. Houston is more spread out, unless you stay downtown (a good idea if the international festival is going on, but everything might be booked up) and use the light rail to get to the museum district.
I lived in Houston and have gone back to visit and stayed downtown i=on recent trips. I now live around D.C. and go to Baltimore all the time on weekends. You could have a great time in either place this time of year, it's a toss up. Are the Orioles and Astros both playing at home? If only one was, that would probably make up my mind, but you might not care about baseball.