Not all of us are going to be able to take advantage of Santa Fe Photographic Workshops new mentoring program, and we don't always have access to the critiques that are available at photo shows, but that doesn't mean you have to content yourself with self-critique and online groups. While both are effective, they can only take you so far. Having someone front and center giving you honest feedback about your photography and guiding you through your evolution as an artist and technician is invaluable.
Local camera clubs can be just the place to get that feedback in person. Levels will vary, but you can count on there being a few master photographers there who are passionate about the craft and are more than happy to give your their input on your creative process. And if there aren't, well, having a number of photographers in one place, each with their own opinion, can give you good direction as well.
If you're looking for a club, check out this list of camera clubs from The Big Photo List. They list as many clubs as they know about, including organizations in other countries (a great resource if you're scouting locations for future travel).