If you were still in FL we could hang out. My wife and I love having friends and are always ready to go for a hike, wander around a flea market or sit in front of a bonfire staring into the flames looking for things after doing a home made edible.

I have no idea what CL, NH-FL, TN, Mars Hill or Erwin mean. I think FL, TN are states, but other than that... My ex (a nice person) who is 420 friendly lives in Asheville N.C. I can put you in touch with her, if you are in NC. There are many Asheville's running around loose.

I can relate . . .

I feel your pain all the way to north Georgia. Most of the towns around me are less than 4,000 in population and I would say that at least 85% are religious and Trumpers which makes pickings slim. I also have one large pooch which makes it impossible for me to be away for any extended period.

I wish I lived in your area and both of us could hangout. Otherwise, you would have to come to me and live here. As for reincarnation maybe we could both come back as teenagers.

I know exactly how you got lost; I-26 can be quite the nightmare lol. I moved from the Asheville area back to the Charlotte area in 2017. I learned early on to use my gps at all times.
Check out Pack Square: drum circle on Friday evening...my advice is to park and walk.(anytime you visit downtown; parking is a challenge). So many places to see. Instant Karma, several tea houses, microbreweries, Chocolate Fetish, and so much more. Haywood Street and Lexington are good places to start. On Instagram, search Asheville to follow news about restaurants, music venues, and events. Hendersonville has antique shops, and it’s not far. The ag center-near the airport-hosts flea markets and farmers markets on weekends. Plus, check local listings for other artisan events. In west Asheville, the River Arts district has all kinds of studios/galleries/shops, plus restaurants and tables by the French Broad River.
I’m sure I’ve left out about a thousand things, but it’s a start! You’re going to love it.

Do the web search for "atheist groups in Asheville"

Just like here, these groups have monthly and bi-monthly meetings/talks.

That's exactly the sort of thing I'm open to so I'd jump on that offer if I were in your area. Sadly, I'm not but you have given me an idea for a new topic of discussion.

I think you've got the right idea , just maybe not the right market , so to speak . Go online and let your computer know where local is now for you , then log into facebook , and in the left hand column , look for events . Once you bring that up , you will get a constantly updated list of events going on near you . Pick the ones that interest you and go to them .