You can hear the laughter before you step inside, and the chatter of “not-from-around-here” dialects. 

Greeters lead you to homemade goodies, and signup tables offer special interest groups for men and women of all ages with ever-evolving options including Sightseekers, Knit Wits, mah-jongg, book clubs and golf.

And with more than 200 club members overall, you can meet new people with each visit.

Volunteer Connection offers opportunities to help at a local soup kitchen, the Ronald McDonald House, and more.

Take part in charity auctions — this year’s club-selected charity is Children’s Flight of Hope — and stay connected via the club’s monthly newsletter, Cary Currents.

“Cary Newcomers Club is an invaluable resource,” said Nadine Bernstein, who was a Cary newcomer just a few years ago, and now serves as club president. “It has enabled me to meet many bright and affable people from across the U.S. and more than 12 countries. Making friendships at this stage of life is a testament to the Cary Newcomers Club, and the area!”

Cary Newcomers Club, carynewcomers.com

Meets first Wednesday of the month, 9:30 a.m., at Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian Church, 200 High Meadow Drive.

Apex Newcomers & Friends Club, apexnewcomers.org

Meets second Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., at C.C. Jones Building, 309 Holleman St. 

Holly Springs Newcomers & Friends Club, hollyspringsnewcomers.com 

Meets first Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., at Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W. Ballentine St.