How to deal with crushing loneliness?

I'm 39(m). Somedays the loneliness is crushing. Each day it gets a bit heavier. Every aspect of my life has improved since I quit drinking, but each day the loneliness is gaining ground. I live in a smallish town, roughly 10,000 people, and it feels like there is no way to meet people without going to the bars. I'm seriously considering going to the bar and getting a soda and just seeing what happens. I'm not in danger of drinking alcohol because I refuse to go back to that life but it feels so contradictory that my best chance of meeting someone is at a bar. Has anybody actually met anybody this way? I'm truly lost. I need someone, anyone in my life. Please give me some hope that I won't always be alone. I will take any advice.