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.
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.
Alki Point - Yes, Seattle has a beach!
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.
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
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 the four Seafeasts. They will cover your table with butcher block paper and pour it out steaming hot. 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 - The dinners are expensive but you can fill up on the lavish happy hour menu. Downtown.
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, but it's a breakfast hot spot with the locals. In Phinney Ridge.
Louisa's - Located in Eastlake close to downtown, a bakery that is just charming.