I grew up in Cleveland and live in Seattle now... Believe me, when I got to Seattle I never looked back...to me Cleveland is truly "the mistake on the lake"!

You don't have to love Seattle like some of us do, but come on... Cleveland????

I've only been to Seattle once, for a friend's wedding. I really enjoyed the "vibe" of the city and there was plenty to see and do for a few days.

What I wanted to add to this thread is that my visit there was also in mid-September. My friend planned her wedding then because she said it's the best weather of the year. We had blue skies our whole week in the Northwest, and could see Mt. Ranier from the city, which I was given to understand isn't an everyday occurance?

We enjoyed a Mariners game, a touristy boat tour of Seattle that goes through the locks, and even had fun at the original REI store with all its ways to test out equipment! Food and of course coffee was great, too. We also stopped at the Museum of Flight on our way into the city from the airport. It chronicles the beginning of the flight industry and has a "gallery" of planes with everything from early airliners to stealth fighters...

Bugswife,
People get a little protective about living in Seattle. You seem well traveled and I applaud you for trying to convince the husband to visit. I think if you like Vegas you'll certainly enjoy Seattle too. To say you wouldn't doesn't make real sense. It does have crime, traffic and a high cost of living but it's unlikely to affect your visit. Vegas and Seattle are different and both are fun. We have many fab restaurants and a beautiful waterfront. There's a ton to do. The market is fine and starbucks is fine (I think there's better coffee) but it's not a reason to come here. Many cities boast lovely markets. I think if you're interested in outdoor activities and good seafood, this will compliment your trip. Like previous posters, the islands are pretty and I think Vancouver blows away Seattle any day and people are nicer. Might be worth a visit up North if you can squeeze in two nights.

I don't understand all the posters who have this false dichotomy: Seattle or Vegas, either or, but not both. Just because someone enjoys Vegas doesn't mean they'll hate Seattle.
Seattle has a variety of options that will appeal to a variety of people. Fine dining and entertainment are plentiful. There are many things to experience in this fine NW city; you just have to take the time to find them, as you do when traveling to any other destination, including Vegas.
OP seems to be a pretty established traveler...why not add one more destination to your "Been There" list, instead of doing the same-old in a city you've already visited several times?

My reason for hesitating to recommend Seattle, is when you've got a spouse saying "What is so great about xxx?" I think you may be in for a lose/lose situation
:-(

So, the outcome. I am not going to try to convince him anymore. The crime and such does not scare me off--I live in NYC and am pretty well prepared for anything. I just am more of a nature lover and he needs glitz and excitement. So, I will spend 2 days in Seattle alone, and then meet him in Vegas. Then I will work on him for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver : - )

EXcellent!!