I live between two very small rural communities and belong to both of those quilt guilds, as well as one in a larger city, 50 miles away. I also belong to an art quilt guild. The name is funny, so I will share it. The Underground Art Movement. We meet in one of the lady's basement. I also belong to a committee that organizes and puts on a fabulous quilt retreat in August.
I am not from this area, but because I am involved in so many quilting related things, I rarely go anywhere without running into someone I know through quilting.
It is a great way to make friends, and see which ones to stay away from, we have THOSE, too.