Bar hopping by bus

If the last time you rode in a bus was to go on a class trip, then get ready to experience a bit of nostalgia. Hop on the Couch Trip Party Bus, a real school bus painted silver that combines the function of a limo with the atmosphere of a nightclub or lounge.

You can experience The Party Bus in a couple of ways: Hop on for one of their bar crawls or rent it out exclusively for a special event. The bar crawl is a great way to meet people, as well as a smart way to party at three different bars without having to drive. Another perk is that bars and clubs are more than willing to work with the folks at Couch Trip since they will be bringing in a significant amount of business. For you, this means no cover charges and no lines when you arrive at each destination. Tickets generally range between $10 and $15.

The bus doesn't just get you from place to place; it is a party on wheels, making it ideal for a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party. Not only do you get use of an MP3 player with music library, a DVD player, cooler and fridge, but for an extra cost they will even arrange for guest party bags and male or female exotic dancers. To book a spot on the next bar crawl or to arrange a special event, visit www.couchtrip.net.

Having trouble on the dating scene, but don't know what to do about it? Check out DateSwitch, the area's only speed dating service. Held at restaurants, bars and clubs all over the Triangle, this is a fun, low-pressure way to meet people one-on-one. After each five-minute mini-date you simply check "yes" or "no" beside the person's name. When two people respond "yes" for one another, they receive an e-mail message with each other's contact information the next day. Most speed dating mixers cost $35 a person and are geared towards specific age groups.

Events for the rest of June and early July will take place at Bedz (138 E. Rosemary St.) in Chapel Hill with the exception of a July 13 mixer at Charlie Goodnight's (861 Morgan St.). Visit www.dateswitch.com for more information.

In Durham, there's a new place to score an innovative cocktail. While Symposium Cafe (318 Blackwell St., Suite 100) is a chain based out of Canada, it doesn't have that franchise feel. Having just opened in the American Tobacco Historic District with a goal of redefining the cafe experience, this place delivers both an upscale and casual feel. Exposed brick walls set the stage for contemporary artwork and sleek modern furniture rests upon the shiny hardwood floors.

Although it's only open until 10 p.m. seven days a week, it's still worth an early stop on the nighttime circuit for drinks like the Strawberry Cheesecake (Stoli Vanilla, fresh strawberries, grenadine, lime, cranberry and cream), Killer Cool-Aid (Absolut vodka, Midori, Disaronno Amaretto and cranberry juice) and the Godiva Chocolate (Godiva chocolate liquor, Stoli Vanilla, amaretto, Khalua and cream). There's also a selection of gourmet wraps and specialty coffees and teas.

Symposium Cafe even has a couple of perks: There's free Wi-Fi both inside and outside by the fountain, and if you bring your Durham Bulls parking ticket stub it's good for $3 toward any purchase.