Finding a Babysitter
Sitter Services and Apps
Jovie (formerly College Nannies + Sitters) — A professional sitting service with vetted, background-checked sitters. You book through their app or website, and they send a qualified sitter. Rates start around $18-$22/hour. More expensive than a teenager, but extremely reliable.
Care.com — The largest sitter marketplace. Create a profile, post your needs, and review candidates. Always check references and run a background check (Care.com offers this for a fee). Rates vary: $12-$20/hour for experienced sitters.
Sittercity — Similar to Care.com with a slightly different candidate pool. Good for finding recurring sitters.
College Students
The Triangle has three major universities full of responsible students who love kids:
Education, child development, and nursing students are gold. Post on campus job boards or ask your pediatrician's office — they often know students looking for babysitting work.
Rates: College students typically charge $12-$18/hour in the Triangle.
The Mom Network
Ask your mom group, your neighbors, or your kids' teachers if they babysit on the side or can recommend someone. Many of the best sitters are found through word-of-mouth. When you find a great one, guard that phone number with your life.
Parents' Night Out Programs
Some organizations offer drop-off childcare on Friday or Saturday evenings:
These programs mean no sitter hunting and your kid actually looks forward to it.
Date Night Restaurants
Romantic Without Being Stuffy
Poole's Diner (Raleigh) — Chef Ashley Christensen's flagship. The macaroni au gratin is iconic. Intimate, beautiful space in a converted diner. Reservations essential. Budget: $80-$120 for two.
Mateo (Durham) — Spanish tapas in a gorgeous downtown Durham space. Share plates, great wine list, and a vibe that says "we're adults tonight." Budget: $70-$100.
Jujube (Chapel Hill) — Asian-fusion fine dining. Beautiful plating, thoughtful flavors, and a quiet, elegant atmosphere. Budget: $80-$120.
Mandolin (Raleigh) — Southern-meets-global cuisine in a lovely setting. The patio is dreamy in warm weather. Budget: $70-$110.
Fun and Lively
The Durham Hotel Rooftop — Drinks with a view of downtown Durham. Start here for cocktails, then walk to dinner. Stylish without being pretentious.
Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh) — A brewery, bookstore, flower shop, and dim sum restaurant in one stunning space. Truly unique. Budget: $50-$80 with drinks.
Barcelona Wine Bar (Raleigh) — Spanish tapas, wine flights, and a scene. Multiple dining areas, great cocktails. Budget: $60-$90.
Budget Date Nights
Bida Manda (Raleigh) — Laotian cuisine that's extraordinary at reasonable prices. One of Raleigh's best restaurants, period. Budget: $40-$60 for two.
Toast (Durham) — Italian-inspired, casual-upscale, excellent food, fair prices. Budget: $50-$70.
Pizzeria Toro (Durham) — Neapolitan pizza, craft cocktails, and a fun atmosphere. Budget: $40-$60.
Beyond Dinner: Date Night Activities
Live Music
Cat's Cradle (Carrboro) — Legendary indie music venue. Check their calendar — they book incredible acts. Tickets typically $15-$40.
Lincoln Theatre (Raleigh) — Great sound system, eclectic booking. Standing room, so wear comfortable shoes.
The Pour House Music Hall (Raleigh) — Local and touring bands in an intimate setting. Cheap cover charges ($5-$15 usually).
Comedy
Goodnights Comedy Club (Raleigh) — National touring comedians every weekend. Dinner packages available. Tickets $15-$30.
Movies
Alamo Drafthouse (Raleigh) — The best movie experience in the Triangle. Full food and drink menu served at your seat. Strict no-talking policy. Date night perfection. Tickets $12-$16.
The Rialto (Raleigh) — Indie and art films in a small, charming theater. For the couple that doesn't need another Marvel movie.
Seasonal Activities
The Guilt-Free Permission Slip
Here's what I tell every parent who feels guilty about leaving their kids for a few hours:
1. Your kids are fine. They might cry for 2 minutes after you leave. Then they'll eat goldfish crackers and watch a movie and forget you exist. 2. Your relationship matters. It existed before the kids and (hopefully) will exist after they leave. Water it. 3. You're modeling something important. Kids who see their parents prioritizing their relationship learn that partnerships require care and attention. 4. Once a month minimum. Even if it's just takeout in the car in the driveway while the sitter handles bedtime. (We've done this. It was glorious.)
Date night isn't selfish. It's essential maintenance for the partnership that holds your family together. Now go make a reservation.
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