Written by: Carrie Honaker | Photos by: C&Co Productions
When Dr. Reese Harrison and his family moved to the Watersound Origins® community five years ago, it wasn’t just a change of address—it was the beginning of a lifestyle they envisioned for years. Now firmly rooted in Phase One on Cannonball Lane, just steps from the first hole of the OriginsSM golf course, Dr. Harrison has become more than just a resident. He’s a neighbor, an advocate, a club member, a business owner, and a champion of the Watersound way of life.
“We’ve always wanted to live in a place with a real sense of community, where outdoor spaces are a big part of daily life and neighbors are friends and family,” says Dr. Harrison. “As a family, we love the strong community that Watersound Origins promotes. We have been a part of the Watersound community during many different phases of life as our children have grown up, and with each new phase, we find new things we love.”
Family Life Built Into the Community
Dr. Harrison and his wife Mara, his high school sweetheart, raised their three daughters—Anne Margaret, Evelyn, and Vivian—with community and connection as priorities. That’s exactly what they found in the Watersound Origins community.
From early morning walks on the trails to impromptu golf cart drop-ins from family, the Harrisons take full advantage of the neighborhood’s walkability and easy rhythm.
There aren’t many places where your niece and nephew can ride their bikes over, your daughter ‘chips it in for the win,’ and your brother-in-law shows up with a cold beer—all within 50 yards of your house,” says Dr. Harrison. “That’s the good stuff.”
Club Life: Where Memories Are Made
From day one, they’ve embraced the community through golf, pickleball, events, and fitness. “Some of the best moments of our lives have happened at the Watersound Club® amenities,” Dr. Harrison says. “College acceptances, sports wins, even baby announcements—we’ve celebrated more life changes and celebrations sitting in a beach club chair, pulling into the pickleball courts, at the driving range, or eating at one of the restaurants. The best club amenity is that we can enjoy it all together.”
A golf enthusiast himself, Dr. Harrison has spent countless hours at Origins and Camp Creek® golf courses, both recreationally and alongside his daughter Vivian, who just wrapped up a standout high school career with a team state championship, five of the top players also Watersound Club members. “Our time at all the golf courses over the 14 years of our lifestyle membership has been a big part of our family time and her overall success on the course, and love for the sport,” he says.
The Harrisons also enjoy the rhythm of Watersound Club events: the Golf Member-Guest tournament, the Moneyball pickleball league, Rhythm on the Range, and holiday gatherings that bring the whole community together.
Dining Local: From White Tablecloth to Post-Game Burgers
It’s not just recreation that keeps the Harrisons active in the community—it’s the local flavor too. For a special night out with Mara, Ambrosia Prime Seafood & Steaks at Watersound Town Center tops the list. “It’s got that white tablecloth atmosphere that’s perfect for special occasions or just a night out with my wife,” he says.
After a pickleball match or casual get-together with friends, Bark & Brine located poolside at Camp Creek® Inn hits the spot. “You can walk in straight from the courts and not feel out of place, and it’s always really good food,” he says. And for a quick bite or a family-friendly option, he’s a fan of Friends 30A Burger Bar also at Watersound Town Center.
Recently, the opening of Scout Sports Tavern—right below his dental office in Watersound Town Center—has added yet another layer to his Watersound lifestyle. “It’s got a cool, high-end vibe. I can finish work, walk downstairs, grab a beer—hopefully one of mine—and catch a game.” He co-founded Odd Pelican Brewery in Freeport. One of its flagship beers, Anchored Down, is now on tap at the Watersound Beach Club—a perfect example of how personal and professional passions come together in Watersound.
From Resident to Business Owner: Legacy Dental Studio
Dr. Harrison doesn’t just live and play in Watersound—he also works here. In 2024, he opened Legacy Dental Studio on the second floor above Nigel’s Bananas in Watersound Town Center. With over 23 years of dental experience in the Florida Panhandle, opening a practice in the heart of the community he calls home was a full-circle moment.
“When we go in, we go all in. That’s our mindset at Legacy Dental, just like it is in [our personal life],” he says. “We strive to offer more than quality dental care. We want the dental office to foster the same sense of community and family that our little town takes such pride in promoting,” he says. “We are a family business and building a legacy we are proud to call ours.”
Legacy Dental Studio offers full-service general and cosmetic care, including preventative and restorative treatments, whitening, and personalized care for families and individuals alike.
The decision to bring his practice to the Watersound community wasn’t made lightly. After Hurricane Michael, Dr. Harrison witnessed firsthand the generosity and community spirit of Watersound residents. When his former practice became a disaster relief hub, people from this area showed up in force to help.
That was the moment I knew—this is where I want to be,” he says. “The way that all of those people opened themselves up to be involved in helping their neighbors, I loved that feeling.”
At the end of the day, Dr. Harrison’s story is less about how he got here and more about what he’s building every day—at home, as a club member, at his practice, and in the community.
