Somewhere social, I agree. Take some girlfriends and go bowling, or to a place where alot of people hang out, dancing, whatever.. I'd avoid bars.. You don't want to meet up with a guy and all he wants to do is drink. I don't think there is anything wrong with drinking, but if you find a guy in a bar, well he probably has issues with it.. I rarely drink, and I never go to a bar. But when I was young, I did it quite often, and I drank all the time..
Just find a nice place where you can meet a guy..
You tried the online thing, and you said you got hurt, so trying it again would be an awful thing to do!! So don't go that route..
If I didn't have my kids, I would probably feel a lack of purpose myself, especially if I lived alone.. I think what you need is a good solid relationship to fill that void in your heart. It might not happen overnight, but it doesn't mean it won't.
Key words: don't give up hope..