Tucked away on Cottage Street, right by the edge of Nashawannuck Pond, The Water’s Fine goods + coffee is more than just a store—it’s a state of mind. With its curated collection of handcrafted goods, warm coffee aromas, and sunlit seating that spills out toward the water, this Easthampton gem invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
The woman behind it all, Pat Foster, made a bold leap in 2018, transitioning from a high-powered career in design and marketing to founding a modern general store with an eye for aesthetics and a heart rooted in community. “I wanted to create something that felt intentional,” she said. “A space where people could experience beauty and calm in everyday things.”
That vision came to life in the form of a thoughtfully designed shop where nature, craftsmanship, and comfort come together. With the inclusion of a high-quality espresso bar and the irresistible outdoor seating right on the pond, The Water’s Fine quickly found its rhythm—and its loyal following.
When it comes to choosing what to carry, her process is intuitive, but deliberate. “I’m always paying attention,” she said. “Whether I’m traveling, at gift shows, or just observing fashion trends, I collect what resonates. It’s all about the aesthetic.”
The result is a collection that spans the globe and the neighborhood: from Japan , Lithuanian, Florida, and even crafts made right here in Easthampton. “It’s taken time to build up,” she said. “But now we have a solid mix—local, national, and international. And we bring in new items seasonally to keep it fresh without changing the essence of the store.”
That essence—calm, grounded, and inspired—is what keeps people coming back. “The response from the community has been incredible,” she said. “People always say it’s peaceful here.”
And this became even more important during the pandemic. Prior to COVID, most of the seating was indoors. But necessity sparked creativity, and adding outdoor seating turned into an unexpected silver lining. “It changed everything,” she said. “Now people sit outside with their coffee, look out at the water, and it’s just… right.”
While some businesses dream of expansion, her vision remains steady: no bigger, just better. “I want to keep it high quality and exactly what it is,” she said. “There’s something sacred about not trying to do too much.”
She’s not alone in that thinking. The Water’s Fine is part of the vibrant Cottage Street Merchant Association, which organizes community events like sidewalk sales and Cultural Chaos—a lively summer festival filled with music, food, and vendors that stretches beyond the shop doors. “We’re all invested in this street,” she said. “We plan together, we grow together.”
It’s clear that Easthampton isn’t just the location of her shop—it’s the soul of it. The pond, the community, the people walking in from down the block for their morning coffee or a handcrafted gift—they’re what make The Water’s Fine feel like home.
“In the end, this store is about connection,” she said. “Connection to beauty, to nature, to each other. That’s what I hoped for. And that’s what it’s become.”
Learn more at: @thewatersfinegoodsandcoffee
