The FOE is the home base for the Dallas’ chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, a nationwide non-profit that happens to have the distinction of being known as the most party-friendly of all of America’s traditional charitable organizations (John F. Kennedy was a member, if that tells you anything). So it’s no surprise that during the summer, the Dallas chapter’s home base—reportedly a former country club called the Hollow Tree— opens its doors to non-members to use its outdoor pool and clubhouse. What is rather shocking is the cinematic, otherworldly atmosphere that one glides into at the FOE, which has all the drama, aesthetically at least, of Dynasty and Dallas combined. Mixing a David Lynchian, 1950s, white-gloves-please feeling with one of the best dive bars I’ve ever been to, the place is like the idea of America found in old movies like A Place in the Sun—were Texans, now known predominantly for nails/hair/nails/hair, ever this chic? Getting to the FOE is somewhat daunting and as you drive down a road strewn with abandoned houses into a dirt parking lot that faces a building, Greeted with a not-so-impressive façade, you are certain you’re in the wrong place.  However, once you get past the friendly blonde in denim cutoffs at the counter who collects your entrance fee, all doubt quickly disappears into a pool filled with bikers, local shop owners, young families, empty nesters and Eagles. Here, you sit in the sun and watch the kids in the pool as they chase after the watermelon they never can seem to catch. Or, you spend the afternoon lying in the sun, sipping a machine-made frozen margaritas from a Solo cup and speculating about the intriguing lives of these Texas locals. All while listening to the sounds of ‘50s crooners over the loudspeaker. Yes, the loudspeaker.

Fraternal Order of Eagles, Dallas Aerie 3108, 8500 Arturo Drive, Dallas, Texas 75228