Making Friends

I was in a recovery group for a long time until I found out I didn't need to be in that specific group. After leaving the group, I've found my world has gotten really small. I don't see people multiple times a week anymore and there has been a lot of drifting. My point, I guess, is I don't know how to make friends outside of there. How to talk to people. What to talk to new people about. How to actually initiate a friendship and not have it just end at a conversation. My world was so singularly focused that I don't know what its like outside of it. I have a wonderful boyfriend, but we are long distance part of the year and I want to build a wider community in my life. I would so appreciate any advice.