Finding Local Gaming Groups?

[Arilin]

I do most of my browsing at work so half the sites I try to visit are fun and blocked since I'm still here for another good 5 hours I thought I'd ask you all here. I've always wanted to do a PnP D&D game. 4th Edition most likely, but where do you all go to find groups, is there any particular meet up site you prefer over another? I'd like to find a decent group here in VA Beach, but I'm unsure about it. Really rather not find a group of pyscho's. :P

[Laughing Penguin]

While I haven't been in a decent group recently (though there are signs that another may be starting up soon), I used to have a great group a while back. The way we originally formed was through connections made at a local convention. A friend and I ran into a couple of cool people at some of the games we played, we hung out a bit and exchanged contact info. Before we knew it, we were getting together for regular games.

I can't speak for what may be available in your area (I'm from NY), but there are likely some small local gaming conventions somewhere in your area. Failing that, checking around any available gaming shops may turn up some leads too. Good luck!

[Arilin]

May have to look at some comic book stores. I just don't want to be the quote unquote "oldman" at the game. I'm not that old by any stretch, only 29 but still. Would rather not have to sit in someones parents house who's 17 and have a game session if I don't have to.

[Karak]

Gaming shops. Got to beat the street.
Make sure you are wearing deoderant and come prepared for nerdom.
I admit I am jaded towards the old shop in my old town which was the worst parody of gaming shops. No comic would have done them justice.
But I have met many a normal social person who loves gaming.

[Ten19]

Aye, sometimes it takes a bit of investigation that can't necessarily be done online, but it can be really worth it. I accidentally found an awesome gaming store when I lived in Rhode Island, and ended up going there for years. They didn't really have a website but they were a fantastic group that played everything, D&D, Magic, XBOX local LAN, old board games, 40k, etc etc.

Oddly enough now that I live in a bigger city, all the gaming shops are on the outskirts and the suburbs, so I don't have a home gaming shop :( (though I'm also not spending quite as much money!).

[Ghostbear]

I used meetup.com to find my current group. Its been great so far. I'm 28 and by far the youngest player.

[rifter]

I would recommend checking out local stores, and hope you have a small gaming or fan convention in the area. Conventions are a great place to network. Gamestores usually have a board up. (Even national chains, like Hobbytown USA have a good chance of having one). The problem, is that finding a gaming group is really a crap shoot. I have met a LOT of very major odd-balls that play, around here. (I used to work in a local game store).

[CappinCanuck]

Local hobby/gaming stores are a good bet like someone said. Also, your local university/college will probably have a gaming group with open invitation posted. I found one at mine through google :).

[rifter]

Came across this in twitter yesterday: http://www.treasuretables.org/ways-to-find-rpg-players