Two Seattle Writers' Conferences:
Pacific Northwest Writers Conference - each July
Emerald City Writers' Conference - each October
Non-chain bookstores:
Seattle Mystery Bookshop - That's right, ALL mysteries.
Elliott Bay Book Company - 150,000 books for your reading pleasure/addiction.
Themed Venues
The Knee High Stocking Co. – A “speak easy” that’s very small; ideal with a small group. You can ONLY get in with a reservation by text message. No outdoor sign. You have to ring the doorbell for entry.
Copper Gate – Get your Viking fix at this charming Scandanavian restaurant/bar in Ballard.
Marrakesh – Great place for larger groups. Has combination of floor cushions and couch seating. Ideal to make a reservation 30 minutes before the belly dancer begins.
Sky City Restaurant – A revolving restaurant located at the top of the Space Needle. It takes about 50 minutes for one full rotation. Ideal times are on a clear day or just before sunset. Reservation required. Free elevator to the top and they will validate your valet parking so it’s just $8.
Activities I'd recommend:
Underground Tour - It's a bit cheesy, but actually a fun way to learn about Seattle history.
Pikes Place Market - Wear comfy shoes and go check it out.
EMP Museum – Has behind-the-scene exhibits of Battlestar Gallactica and Avatar as well as rock and roll history.
Alki Point - Yes, there’s a beach in West Seattle! A nice drive, Dukes and Spuds are great restaurants on the water. Nice place for a walk/run or just to relax.
Museum of Flight - Tour the Air Force One and Concorde.
San Juan Islands - Fly Kenmore Air or take the state ferry, but don't miss this experience. If you have the time, I'd recommend the ferry so you can take your car with you.
State Ferries - Even if you just take a loop through the islands, it's a unique experience. WA has the largest ferry system in the nation and 3rd largest in the world.
Victoria, Canada - Take the Clipper or Kenmore Air, both will carry you to the heart of the city, so you won't need a car. Don't forget your passport.
Mt. Ranier - Another popular day trip.
Comedy Underground - Located near Pioneer Square downtown
Parlor Live Comedy Club - Books great headliners. In downtown Bellevue’s Lincoln Square. They seat first come first serve so go early to get in line. It also has lots of pool tables and a bar.
Things that look like fun, but I haven't done:
Argosy Cruises - Departs downtown for dinner cruise, harbor cruise, or locks cruise.
Ride the Duck - Amphibious vehicle that offers city tours on land and sea (or street and bay in this case).
Nice Local Restaurants:
Pasta Freska - Located near downtown on the medium of busy street and looks like a subway shop from the outside, but this place has some of Seattle's best pasta. Forget the menu and order family style. Mike, the owner and chef, will come to your table to find out what you dislike then create a 4-5 course mouth watering experience.
Crab Pot - Put the menu and silverware down and get one of the four Seafeasts. They will cover your table with butcher block paper and pour out a steaming hot seafood boil. Located downtown and in Bellevue.
Celtic Bayou - Have you ever been to an Irish pub that also serves Cajun dishes? That's what you get when two former Microsoft employees from Ireland and Louisiana go into business together. Located in Redmond.
Dukes - A popular restaurant known for its chowder. There are 5 locations around Seattle, including Alki Beach.
Metropolitan Grill – Famous for its steaks. The dinners are expensive but you can fill up on the lavish happy hour menu. Downtown Seattle.
Cutters - Located next to Pikes Place Market, it has a great steak and seafood menu, and an awesome view of Elliott Bay.
Mae's Cafe - Decorated with cow memorabilia, a popular breakfast spot for the locals. In Phinney Ridge.
** Updated September 19, 2011