Hello and welcome from a native NC Tarheel. I now live in So Cal. I wish I was there, I would sure go with you. My niece lives in Raleigh, but she is a singer, not a sewer. LOL.
I have the same problem here. We have moved so much, I have to make new friends, it is hard. I have a couple that will go to quilt shops. But can't find any to travel with me to quilt retreats. My friends can't leave their DH even for a few days. I miss just girl time to hang out at a quilt retreat.