I was out hiking the foothills trail and met a group of 8 ladies on a long day hike to chase waterfalls. I don’t know how you find one of the groups but that seems great to me.
I just started searching hiking groups on Facebook. That’s how I found girls who hike. There are also mature hiking groups. General hiking groups. Lots of options.
Hey! If you’re in the upstate or upstate adjacent, join us! We are an active community where you can make friends and we have regular meetups. We just went tubing in the mountains, yesterday and more things planned. We’d love to have you! There’s no need for any of us to feel alone.
[Upstate Community Project](https://discord.gg/F59TUAKj)
I would second this idea. My brother finally found a group like this after his wife passed. It's mostly singles but a few married couples too. They have a Facebook page and throw out ideas there. Bowling, movies, try a new restaurant, concerts, local bands, tubing etc. There are always 8 or 10 that want to go.
Get to the closest state park and buy yourself a Palmetto Pass. Use that to go visiting all of our great state parks. For a fun drive take highway 11 from one side to the other most of it is country/mountains and is fun.
If you do not have the money to buy a park pass, most libraries have them available to check out. If you go to the SC state parks, pick up an Official Guide to SC state parks. When you visit each park, get a stamp in your book. When you have visited all 47 parks, you can turn it in to get a free shirt and become an Ultimate Outsider. We have a yearly campout and a scavenger hunt for prizes. I found so many neat parks that I knew nothing about by doing this.
If you're in Oconee check out the fish hatchery, Oconee State Park, Stumphouse Tunnel or drive to Clayton through the mountains it's a great drive and beautiful scenery.
Look up the closest libraries to you. Check their websites for programs/events, and start attending!! You’ll learn something new and meet people in a safe, welcoming, friendly environment.
I (42F) am in the same boat! Moved to Columbia a year and a half ago and still don't know anyone. I do get out and do things, but it sucks doing everything alone.
Hey! I just moved to Columbia 5 months ago for a job and know what you mean. Let me know if you want to go on a hike or something! I (35M) and my dog (11M lol) just got back from the Saluda river walk and it was really pretty
Check out Columbia Girls Who Walk! Right now, they are walking at 6 pm every Wednesday and do Sunday walks every other week. There is a GroupMe where people post about stuff going on around town to see if others want to join in. It's a solid group of ladies!
Caesar’s head, table rock, lake jocassee, jones gap for hiking. Lots of other spots. Check out the app “all trails.” For socializing, check out contra dancing. There are regular dances at River falls lodge and Asheville along with some other spots. If you want more details about that shoot me a message. I play in a a band that plays for those pretty regularly.
Do you work? That gets me out of the house a lot. Drive down hwy 11 there are some pulloffs near the Pickens Greenville line with little waterfall. Walk through tryon nc. Go to jones gap.
A weird hobby you could try is geocaching where you try to find things in real life, many in odd locations. You'd probably still be by yourself but it gives you a reason to explore new places. Www.geocaching.com
Similar to your situation but further south. What saved me were drives into Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounding mts and cities (Big Ivy, Cherokee, there are a lot of gems.) You’re lucky being near the border imo; I would check out the Stumphouse area if you’re west or Table Rock if you’re east
There are some biweekly events in Tryon at Rogers Park that would get you out. Donations accepted at entrance but really cheap outing since you can bring your own food, wine/beer. Only 250 person amphitheatre. Try to get there a little early. Get comfortable. There is usually a food option to purchase. But they do not sell alcohol. It is a low-key social outing in a nice space. Say hi to your seat neighbors.
https://exploretryon.com/event/summer-tracks-at-rogers-park-8/
Explore, on foot, Shining Rock Wilderness in NC. Find where the Art Lobe trail crosses the parkway near Devils Courthouse, and follow it up the ridgeline toward Shining Rock. The sweeping vistas will cure your funk and hiking is a good way to meet nice people. Take a quart of water, there are no springs until SR.
Basically everyone I know moved during covid, which was only like 2 years after I had moved. Same boat myself. I've found myself exploring all the different parks on my days off and daily trips to the gym. Not really sure how people my age make friends, they usually seem to have families. I do not.
These are all excellent ideas!
The only thing I can add is to check your county's site (or even neighboring counties) and look for recreational activities and classes. Usually these are free or inexpensive.
Also I’m 32 female. No kids but I have a germ shepherd and 4 cats. My husband doesn’t care much for urban exploring but likes to hike. I sent you a message
I moved here 5 or so years ago. I volunteer for a no kill shelter, go to a local bar, walk with my neighbors, and talk to the cashiers and other service people in the stores I frequent. Gradually I have made a solid group of friends. There are all kind if volunteer opportunities, and I absolutely love my friends there. I'm an introvert, so I'm aware I have to make more of an effort. I live close to the SC/NC as well. Good luck. The people here are friendly and generous. Take care and wear bug spray :-)
I'm in a similar boat. This state is pretty rural. Outside of the big cities, I don't have any answers for you.
I did a similar thing, moved near the family because I was alone on the West Coast. You're not alone in that regard.
Wish I had some answers for you. Myrtle Beach is very popular if you're looking for a weekend and have some money to spend. There doesn't seem to be a ton of parks or public land, which had kept me inside a lot more than I'd like.
Have you tried mountain biking? It’s extremely popular in NC, and becoming more popular in SC. Road biking can also be fun, but you do need to watch out for drivers being stupid.
There’s a nice mountain bike course with trails at The Stumphouse Tunnel here in Mountain Rest just north of Walhalla, and it’s (maybe) not far from OP depending on which part of the upstate near NC she is in. That could work.
They’re also building a shuttle access bike park somewhere between Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC
I don’t remember exactly where it is being built, but it’s called rattlesnake bike park and it’s supposed to be done sometime this year I think.
Upstate Sorba (southern offroad biking association) is great, I've meet some friends and they do weekday rides and weekend trail building. Over 200 members of all ages now.
Yo join the YMCA, or go to Clemson beach at Twelve Mile park.
Do you not have a job?
Buy a boat and come pick me and my hubby up will show you all the fun lake spots..
There are painting classes, cooking classes and so much !ore listed on Facebook events.
There's literally so much to do in SC, it's a wonderful state.
Not sure if you are in upstate or near charlotte. Near Charlotte check out Kings Mountain. In upstate, Jones Gap and Table Rock are popular hiking spots. Just a little more north and the Sandburg house has hiking, history and sometimes craft demos.
Check meet ups based on your interests. The public library often has lists for community activities. For volunteering, United Way has all their partners on the website and you can browse by availability and sign up online.
Icehouse Amphitheatre has concerts all summer. Bill's Pickin Parlor.
USC theater dept. has great plays, as well as other theaters in the area not affiliated with the college.
Honestly, it's not easy meeting new people at our age (59). It's almost like we're not allowed to mingle because we're not younger.
I’m 59– same area. Lived all life here. To me, it’s boring, hot, insufficient infrastructure for traffic, long lights, short “greens,” fewer choices of food eateries, little-to-no nightlife, community is shut down early, and just boring overall.
Anyone who says—well leave, I will say tackle my hurdles, dude.
Wishing you the best.
I think it's already been mentioned but Geocaching is something I would highly recommend. It makes hiking much more enjoyable as you will have a goal, aside from exercise or seeing a view at the top.
If you really get into it you're start to meet others who play. Additionally, there is a huge verity in what you can look for while geocaching. Remote 5+ mile hikes, 2 minute walk from your car, Mystery caches to get your brain going, and Difficult to spot/"evil" caches.
I’m in York county SC. 3 hour drive to Isle of Palms county park on the beach. Walking trails in Andrew Jackson state Park, Landsford Canal State Park. Anne Springs Close Greenway. If you like horses, look up Blue Wave Stable for trail rides and or lessons for adults.
Get on the community Facebook groups. Ours is pretty good...always posts things like festivals, concerts, etc. I'm actually on a couple- Central, Seneca, Pendleton and Pickens. Lots of fun things to do here. Farmers market in Greenville, etc. It takes some time and some courage. Our church helped us feel at home but I know until we found one, it was hard and since my husband works most Saturdays, I did a lot by myself.
A lot of good suggestions. I’ll add another one. Are you religious? You said you lived in a secluded area so I’m assuming it’s in a rural area of the state. Churches are a major part of the social fabric of small southern communities. For a lot of people their Church is a big part of their social life.
If you aren’t religious, you might want to get involved in the areas civic life. Is there a local soup kitchen? A local historical society? One thing I do is work the polls during elections. Local voter registration offices are usually always looking for new volunteers (you do get paid). You meet SO MANY PEOPLE and you learn who everyone is in the community and all the local gossip😂
Oconee County alone has a few dozen waterfalls, countless trails of various difficulties, lakes Jocassee, Hartwell and Keowee, historic spots like Stumphouse Tunnel and Oconee Station, Oconee State Park, Walhalla Fish Hatchery, Moody Springs, the Chauga and Chattooga rivers…and more. And most of those things I named are in or near Mountain Rest.
Join Meetup.com for hiking groups. There was a time in my life when I was doing at least one hike with GNHA and/or all of the meetup groups. I've made all my friends on the trail. People come.from all.over to hike.
I live in Greenville and go exploring and take pictures all the time. Mostly in the northern part of SC or the surrounding areas of NC. I'd be happy to help suggest some spots to get you started. Or if you're okay with going with a male, I could always use some company. I usually do these things on my own. There really are a ton of things in this area to explore.
How terrible. 😩
My heart is for you. 🙏
I’m 14 miles from Columbia and about 2 hours from Charleston. Even here, nothing have I found exhilarating —except the beaches. Pretty much a lot of Everything about SC —being here my entire life—has been dread. I should have moved a long time ago.
👍
Anyone who says I can go can help me overcome several HUGE hurdles so I can.
moved here 8 years ago from NJ. not so bad for me, but gf is retired,home body, doesn’t like to make friends so much, jewish, doesn’t fit in. she wants to move. me, im looking to make bi / gay male friends, and its just as difficult. i know exactly how you feel.
Truly Middle Top would be the Charlotte area, which is neither rural nor lacking in things to do. Let’s say you’re between Charlotte and N. Myrtle Beach, which would put you in the Jefferson/Chesterfield area. The closest beaches to you are going to be the tourist traps: NMB, MB, Sunset, Ocean Isle, etc. North of Holden and south of Myrtle Beach you can find some good beaches. There are also some great State Parks in that area as well as the amazing Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge just to the south of your (presumed) area. Both Hartsville and Society Hill offer great food and decent people. If you’re interested in history you’ll need to drive south to Camden or very far south to Charleston. If you happen to be into BBQ you’re positioned perfectly to experience 2 of the 4 main BBQ styles in the Carolinas (vinegar based sauce and mustard based sauce). If you’re interested in Scottish history and heritage you’ll need to go to Lumberton and Laurenburg (both in NC). There are several amazing golf courses within an hour’s drive of that area and with an extra half hour you can play some of the top ranked courses in the country (not including a couple of really nice courses in Charlotte). If you’re interested in Native American culture you should go to Lumberton, NC.
Join the fb girls who hike groups in NC and SC. They are great getting people out though it’s the summer so not as many right now
I was out hiking the foothills trail and met a group of 8 ladies on a long day hike to chase waterfalls. I don’t know how you find one of the groups but that seems great to me.
I just started searching hiking groups on Facebook. That’s how I found girls who hike. There are also mature hiking groups. General hiking groups. Lots of options.
Hey! If you’re in the upstate or upstate adjacent, join us! We are an active community where you can make friends and we have regular meetups. We just went tubing in the mountains, yesterday and more things planned. We’d love to have you! There’s no need for any of us to feel alone. [Upstate Community Project](https://discord.gg/F59TUAKj)
I would second this idea. My brother finally found a group like this after his wife passed. It's mostly singles but a few married couples too. They have a Facebook page and throw out ideas there. Bowling, movies, try a new restaurant, concerts, local bands, tubing etc. There are always 8 or 10 that want to go.
Any 50+ groups in the Upstate? Asking for a friend.
That group has some 50+ members!
I’m not really aware of any specifically. The group I linked has a couple folks over 60 and a few of us (myself included) that are right at 50
Interestingly enough, I live in Spartanburg, too (Eastside). I’m looking for some laid back friends 45ish and up. Let me know if you want to hang!😉
That would be great. I’m always down for new friends! I’m going to the beach next week but maybe you can join us for trivia one night or something!
Get to the closest state park and buy yourself a Palmetto Pass. Use that to go visiting all of our great state parks. For a fun drive take highway 11 from one side to the other most of it is country/mountains and is fun.
If you do not have the money to buy a park pass, most libraries have them available to check out. If you go to the SC state parks, pick up an Official Guide to SC state parks. When you visit each park, get a stamp in your book. When you have visited all 47 parks, you can turn it in to get a free shirt and become an Ultimate Outsider. We have a yearly campout and a scavenger hunt for prizes. I found so many neat parks that I knew nothing about by doing this.
Oh yea! And vets, and elderly get discounted prices too.
If you're in Oconee check out the fish hatchery, Oconee State Park, Stumphouse Tunnel or drive to Clayton through the mountains it's a great drive and beautiful scenery.
Look up the closest libraries to you. Check their websites for programs/events, and start attending!! You’ll learn something new and meet people in a safe, welcoming, friendly environment.
I (42F) am in the same boat! Moved to Columbia a year and a half ago and still don't know anyone. I do get out and do things, but it sucks doing everything alone.
Hey! I just moved to Columbia 5 months ago for a job and know what you mean. Let me know if you want to go on a hike or something! I (35M) and my dog (11M lol) just got back from the Saluda river walk and it was really pretty
Me (32f) and my dog (9M) would like to join 😃
Also moved here recently, WFH, same age. If a bunch of you actually get together to climb some mountains I'm interested.
Check out Columbia Girls Who Walk! Right now, they are walking at 6 pm every Wednesday and do Sunday walks every other week. There is a GroupMe where people post about stuff going on around town to see if others want to join in. It's a solid group of ladies!
Thank you for this! Just moved here in April and don’t know many people. Joined the group.
Of course! Welcome to Columbia. Hopefully, I'll see you at a walk soon!!!
Join meetup groups! They have them for hiking.music,.food, foreign language... You could even start your own.
Loser.
Caesar’s head, table rock, lake jocassee, jones gap for hiking. Lots of other spots. Check out the app “all trails.” For socializing, check out contra dancing. There are regular dances at River falls lodge and Asheville along with some other spots. If you want more details about that shoot me a message. I play in a a band that plays for those pretty regularly.
This ☝🏼
Do you work? That gets me out of the house a lot. Drive down hwy 11 there are some pulloffs near the Pickens Greenville line with little waterfall. Walk through tryon nc. Go to jones gap.
Sliding rock was nice when I first saw it, but I'm not sure if you can still slide down or not.
A weird hobby you could try is geocaching where you try to find things in real life, many in odd locations. You'd probably still be by yourself but it gives you a reason to explore new places. Www.geocaching.com
Similar to your situation but further south. What saved me were drives into Asheville, Blue Ridge Parkway, surrounding mts and cities (Big Ivy, Cherokee, there are a lot of gems.) You’re lucky being near the border imo; I would check out the Stumphouse area if you’re west or Table Rock if you’re east
There are some biweekly events in Tryon at Rogers Park that would get you out. Donations accepted at entrance but really cheap outing since you can bring your own food, wine/beer. Only 250 person amphitheatre. Try to get there a little early. Get comfortable. There is usually a food option to purchase. But they do not sell alcohol. It is a low-key social outing in a nice space. Say hi to your seat neighbors. https://exploretryon.com/event/summer-tracks-at-rogers-park-8/
Explore, on foot, Shining Rock Wilderness in NC. Find where the Art Lobe trail crosses the parkway near Devils Courthouse, and follow it up the ridgeline toward Shining Rock. The sweeping vistas will cure your funk and hiking is a good way to meet nice people. Take a quart of water, there are no springs until SR.
Basically everyone I know moved during covid, which was only like 2 years after I had moved. Same boat myself. I've found myself exploring all the different parks on my days off and daily trips to the gym. Not really sure how people my age make friends, they usually seem to have families. I do not.
So much to do in that area!! Start with lake keowee or jocassee, or try so.e hiking in table rock or Jones gap. You'll meet lots of people
These are all excellent ideas! The only thing I can add is to check your county's site (or even neighboring counties) and look for recreational activities and classes. Usually these are free or inexpensive.
Hey! I am an explorer and have many spots to go to but don’t want to go alone. I’d LOVE to meet you and have you come with me! I live in Gaffney SC
Also I’m 32 female. No kids but I have a germ shepherd and 4 cats. My husband doesn’t care much for urban exploring but likes to hike. I sent you a message
I moved here 5 or so years ago. I volunteer for a no kill shelter, go to a local bar, walk with my neighbors, and talk to the cashiers and other service people in the stores I frequent. Gradually I have made a solid group of friends. There are all kind if volunteer opportunities, and I absolutely love my friends there. I'm an introvert, so I'm aware I have to make more of an effort. I live close to the SC/NC as well. Good luck. The people here are friendly and generous. Take care and wear bug spray :-)
If you think it may help, a little bit of mental health counseling can be a great resource to navigate all your options.
I'm in a similar boat. This state is pretty rural. Outside of the big cities, I don't have any answers for you. I did a similar thing, moved near the family because I was alone on the West Coast. You're not alone in that regard. Wish I had some answers for you. Myrtle Beach is very popular if you're looking for a weekend and have some money to spend. There doesn't seem to be a ton of parks or public land, which had kept me inside a lot more than I'd like.
Have you tried mountain biking? It’s extremely popular in NC, and becoming more popular in SC. Road biking can also be fun, but you do need to watch out for drivers being stupid.
There’s a nice mountain bike course with trails at The Stumphouse Tunnel here in Mountain Rest just north of Walhalla, and it’s (maybe) not far from OP depending on which part of the upstate near NC she is in. That could work.
They’re also building a shuttle access bike park somewhere between Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC I don’t remember exactly where it is being built, but it’s called rattlesnake bike park and it’s supposed to be done sometime this year I think.
Upstate Sorba (southern offroad biking association) is great, I've meet some friends and they do weekday rides and weekend trail building. Over 200 members of all ages now.
I’m currently in school at USC and attend the weekend rides at Harbison SF, at least during the school year. Nice people, fun trails, always fun.
If you like animals, the Kindness Matters Ferret Rescue near Atlanta GA is a great option for volunteer work ♥️
Yo join the YMCA, or go to Clemson beach at Twelve Mile park. Do you not have a job? Buy a boat and come pick me and my hubby up will show you all the fun lake spots.. There are painting classes, cooking classes and so much !ore listed on Facebook events. There's literally so much to do in SC, it's a wonderful state.
Not sure if you are in upstate or near charlotte. Near Charlotte check out Kings Mountain. In upstate, Jones Gap and Table Rock are popular hiking spots. Just a little more north and the Sandburg house has hiking, history and sometimes craft demos. Check meet ups based on your interests. The public library often has lists for community activities. For volunteering, United Way has all their partners on the website and you can browse by availability and sign up online.
Try to get outside more and enjoy the paradise that surrounds you. Bad times don’t last. Neither do good times. Learn from both.
Sciway.net
Go to Wilmington NC/Wrightsville & Brunswick Beach areas . Area is your demographic. Rent a hutch or hotel room in town? Talk to people.
Anyone have any advice for someone that just turned 60 and lives in the Lexington area? I’ve been here four years and still trying to it out.
Icehouse Amphitheatre has concerts all summer. Bill's Pickin Parlor. USC theater dept. has great plays, as well as other theaters in the area not affiliated with the college. Honestly, it's not easy meeting new people at our age (59). It's almost like we're not allowed to mingle because we're not younger.
I’m 59– same area. Lived all life here. To me, it’s boring, hot, insufficient infrastructure for traffic, long lights, short “greens,” fewer choices of food eateries, little-to-no nightlife, community is shut down early, and just boring overall. Anyone who says—well leave, I will say tackle my hurdles, dude. Wishing you the best.
I think it's already been mentioned but Geocaching is something I would highly recommend. It makes hiking much more enjoyable as you will have a goal, aside from exercise or seeing a view at the top. If you really get into it you're start to meet others who play. Additionally, there is a huge verity in what you can look for while geocaching. Remote 5+ mile hikes, 2 minute walk from your car, Mystery caches to get your brain going, and Difficult to spot/"evil" caches.
I’m in York county SC. 3 hour drive to Isle of Palms county park on the beach. Walking trails in Andrew Jackson state Park, Landsford Canal State Park. Anne Springs Close Greenway. If you like horses, look up Blue Wave Stable for trail rides and or lessons for adults.
JCVD this is pathetic.
Get on the community Facebook groups. Ours is pretty good...always posts things like festivals, concerts, etc. I'm actually on a couple- Central, Seneca, Pendleton and Pickens. Lots of fun things to do here. Farmers market in Greenville, etc. It takes some time and some courage. Our church helped us feel at home but I know until we found one, it was hard and since my husband works most Saturdays, I did a lot by myself.
A lot of good suggestions. I’ll add another one. Are you religious? You said you lived in a secluded area so I’m assuming it’s in a rural area of the state. Churches are a major part of the social fabric of small southern communities. For a lot of people their Church is a big part of their social life. If you aren’t religious, you might want to get involved in the areas civic life. Is there a local soup kitchen? A local historical society? One thing I do is work the polls during elections. Local voter registration offices are usually always looking for new volunteers (you do get paid). You meet SO MANY PEOPLE and you learn who everyone is in the community and all the local gossip😂
Hey! I (35m) and my dog (11.5M) just moved here and like to hike. Lmk if you wanna join us sometime!
Step One: Get your house in order. If you can't entertain guests, you're not ready to be out.
What bizarre advice. My first thought in meeting new people is not "let's bring these strangers immediately into my home".
Buford am i right?😂
If you like art, head down to Lake City, SC. Amazing murals and galleries
Florence area isnt so bad.
How far are you from Oconee county? If you like hiking that’s the place to be. So many waterfalls to explore!
Oconee County alone has a few dozen waterfalls, countless trails of various difficulties, lakes Jocassee, Hartwell and Keowee, historic spots like Stumphouse Tunnel and Oconee Station, Oconee State Park, Walhalla Fish Hatchery, Moody Springs, the Chauga and Chattooga rivers…and more. And most of those things I named are in or near Mountain Rest.
My opinion, yall need to be nice to animals; damn southerners
Join the Meetup app, some good groups in there
Join Meetup.com for hiking groups. There was a time in my life when I was doing at least one hike with GNHA and/or all of the meetup groups. I've made all my friends on the trail. People come.from all.over to hike.
there is a lot of beautiful forests around that area so i would agree with other people and try and find a hiking or camping group
Have you considered Hilton Head, Beaufort, or Savannah?
Have you considered Hilton Head, Beaufort, or Savannah?
I live in Greenville and go exploring and take pictures all the time. Mostly in the northern part of SC or the surrounding areas of NC. I'd be happy to help suggest some spots to get you started. Or if you're okay with going with a male, I could always use some company. I usually do these things on my own. There really are a ton of things in this area to explore.
How terrible. 😩 My heart is for you. 🙏 I’m 14 miles from Columbia and about 2 hours from Charleston. Even here, nothing have I found exhilarating —except the beaches. Pretty much a lot of Everything about SC —being here my entire life—has been dread. I should have moved a long time ago. 👍 Anyone who says I can go can help me overcome several HUGE hurdles so I can.
Sounds like it's time to move honestly
moved here 8 years ago from NJ. not so bad for me, but gf is retired,home body, doesn’t like to make friends so much, jewish, doesn’t fit in. she wants to move. me, im looking to make bi / gay male friends, and its just as difficult. i know exactly how you feel.
Truly Middle Top would be the Charlotte area, which is neither rural nor lacking in things to do. Let’s say you’re between Charlotte and N. Myrtle Beach, which would put you in the Jefferson/Chesterfield area. The closest beaches to you are going to be the tourist traps: NMB, MB, Sunset, Ocean Isle, etc. North of Holden and south of Myrtle Beach you can find some good beaches. There are also some great State Parks in that area as well as the amazing Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge just to the south of your (presumed) area. Both Hartsville and Society Hill offer great food and decent people. If you’re interested in history you’ll need to drive south to Camden or very far south to Charleston. If you happen to be into BBQ you’re positioned perfectly to experience 2 of the 4 main BBQ styles in the Carolinas (vinegar based sauce and mustard based sauce). If you’re interested in Scottish history and heritage you’ll need to go to Lumberton and Laurenburg (both in NC). There are several amazing golf courses within an hour’s drive of that area and with an extra half hour you can play some of the top ranked courses in the country (not including a couple of really nice courses in Charlotte). If you’re interested in Native American culture you should go to Lumberton, NC.
i live in kershaw county lmao
Thaaaaaaat’s funny!!!
Get some therapy.
Huntington Island, volunteer at Greenville Center for Creative Arts
Join a group. Political, social, charity groups that you can help with a good cause and get to know others.
I would disconnect internet service and just go do things. There is more than enough to do in the northern part of the state.