Destination weddings and destination bachelorette parties often make the news, but you seldom hear about destination baby showers. That’s a shame. A destination baby shower is a great way to get all your friends and family together and celebrate the impending birth of your child.

Destination baby showers are becoming more popular these days for new parents-to-be. If you have a large number of out-of-town friends and family or simply want to get away one last time before you become a parent, a destination baby shower is the way to go.

If you are considering a destination baby shower, take a look at what the Windy City has to offer. A destination baby shower in Chicago is a fantastic experience that will be as memorable as it is fun. Here are a few reasons to consider Chicago for a destination baby shower.

Central location

One reason destination baby showers are becoming so popular is that people tend to have more friends all around the country. As technology helps keep us more connected, it is easier to keep in touch with your college roommate in Dallas or your cousin in Des Moines. When you have your baby shower, you want to invite all these people but asking them to travel to you can be asking too much of a favor.

Chicago, also known as the Jewel of the Midwest, is the premier big city in the middle of the country. If you want a destination for your baby shower that is convenient for the most invitees, Chicago is it. The city is no more than a three-and-a-half hour flight from basically anywhere in the country and is drivable from a good chunk of it. It is the perfect “meet in the middle” location.

Two airports

In addition to being relatively close to everyone coming to your baby shower, Chicago is also easy to get to from virtually anywhere. Chicago has two major airports – O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. New York, LA, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington DC are the only cities with comparable travel options.

This offers travelers a better chance to get direct flights, reasonable prices on flights, and flights at convenient times. Flying into either of these airports is fine since both are close to downtown Chicago and offer a number of easy transportation options to get into the city. Having two airports is an underrated draw when it comes to destination events.

Large variety of venues

In addition to Chicago’s central location and ease of access, there are also an incredible amount of wonderful venues to choose from to host your baby shower. No matter what your taste, style, and budget, you can find a perfect Windy City venue where you can throw your party.

Whether you like classy and traditional, funky and modern, or anything in between, there is a Chicago venue for you. The city is also home to world-class caterers, entertainment companies, photographers, videographers, and more. You can find everything you need in Chicago for the baby shower of your dreams. Party Slate has compiled a list with some of the best Chicago baby shower venues if you’re looking for a place to start.

Many Activities

The important thing to remember about a destination baby shower is that the baby shower piece is generally just one part of a larger weekend, or even week. It is the reason you are all there but it is not the only thing you will do while in town.

If you have your destination baby shower in Chicago, finding things to do while you are not baby showering will be very easy. You can see some of the famous Chicago sites such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the famous Bean (aka Cloud Gate) sculpture in Millennium Park.

If you and your party want to do a little retail celebration while you are in the White City, great shopping is available, too. The Magnificent Mile, in the heart of downtown Chicago, offers high-end retail that rivals Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive. You can find trendy boutiques around the city, too, especially in neighborhoods such as Logan Square, Bridgeport, and Andersonville (A-Ville to the kids).

Great food and drink

If you are coming to Chicago for the first time, you may want to try one of the city’s famous indulgences such as Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, or a Chicago dog run through the garden. For a destination baby shower, though, you probably want some more upscale fare. Luckily, Chicago has that covered these days, too.

Several celebrity chefs call Chicago home including Stephanie Izard, Rick Bayless, and Grant Achatz. Achatz’s Alinea restaurant is Chicago’s only 3-starred Michelin restaurant but Arcadia, Oriole, and Smyth all have 2 stars, and 21 others in the city make the prestigious list with 1 star.

As for drinks, if the baby shower is in your honor, you probably won’t spend a late-night bar-hopping in Wicker Park or River North, but many great neighborhoods in Chicago offer fine bar-hopping locales. Don’t worry, you won’t get left out of the drinking festivities just because you’re pregnant.

The historic Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago hosts a well-known Afternoon Tea in its lovely Palm Court room. The room oozes elegance with a fountain in the middle and a huge chandelier. You can get tiny sandwiches, delicate desserts, and a three-tiered tray of scones here. A tea sommelier can walk you and your group through what you’re drinking. It is the perfect pairing for a destination baby shower.

Conclusion

A destination baby shower is a great idea for expectant parents who want to do something a little out of the ordinary for their baby shower. If you think this may be a good idea for you, Chicago is a great place to do it. The city is centrally located with two major airports and chock full of venues, things to do, and places to eat and drink. It will make your baby shower one that people will remember long after your baby is delivered.