I live in SE OK, and have to go 90 miles to Texarkana....I don't call that local, but it's all I have. I order a lot online. As a matter of fact, I have ordered from SWF.com 3 times, and was very happy both with the quality, and the prices.
i am pretty much in the same boat. okc is the closest i have found....which i am in nw ok so it is a bit of a drive but we end up going there pretty frequently for other things so it isnt a big deal. i have ordered off of swf as well and have been pleased. i am really wanting to find somewhat of a "sw mentor" more then anything.
Yes, I know what you mean...I have received a lot of very helpful information from these boards, but I still like to go to the lfs and see different stuff, and talk to people in person.