I agree that it is a fabulous game. I play both party and duplicate but much prefer duplicate because it, as you state, avoids the lucky cards factor, and the bidding is usually much more rational. Bidding boxes also are better than verbal bidding in several ways.
There is a local ACBL but they charge $8 for the beginner games and they seem to be an insular and offputting group from what I can gather. I'll probably play there sometime soon just to see for myself.
That's OK though, I play with my duplicate learning group weekly, another duplicate learning group monthly, my Dad's Friday group, my Dad's monthly group, my Dad's friends' twice-monthly duplicate group, and occasionally with my Dad's friends' Tuesday group.
I do try sometimes to get friends my age interested in the game but it's hard to convey its appeal. There is somewhat of an initial learning curve to get over that I think requires some motivation to start.