If you need to stay away from the corporate internet, one must pursue the Web Rival my friend. I miss the old internet too, trust me, I remember actually believing the conspiracy that the world was gonna end hearing y2k. Good times man.
There are still a lot of charming websites out there, despite the horrible social media. The Melonland project was created by a guy named Daniel, he highly specializes in that old 2000's internet feel. They have their own dedicated forum for the old web, as long with fun other cool stuff he created.
https://melonland.net/
You should definitely check out there first, man. He has his own zine guides as well for the old web. Check is guide on finding things on the world wide web.
https://melonland.net/zine/
The personal web is where it's at with connecting with online people. There is also a awesome place called Neocities!. Pretty freaking rad if you ask me.
https://neocities.org/
Anyway, not gonna explain much further, but I already gave you some good sources to find things to surf the web. Good luck.