I go up at least once a month, more if i can cos my brother and sister in law live in windermere, i agree it's a bit touristy but lets face it you will be a tourist! Bowness is great imo if you like to eat out, plenty of different types of food and i can highly recommend Bodega's tapas bar! Loads of beers from around the world and a nice spot to people watch, if you do go to Bowness i'd consider taking the ferry over to Ambleside, it's a great way to see the lake and there is some nice shops to see as well as pubs.
Grasmere and Rydal waters is a nice steady walk if you fancy it and in the week you'll see the RAF jets and helicopters which is awesome if your up on the hills as they fly real low across the lakes!
Grange over sands is a nice little town but theres not much there tbh unless you like sausage rolls! Higginsons ftw!
The motor museum near Newby bridge is worth a look, they tend to have some cars from the movies like the old Batmobile and dukes of hazard etc, and the Aquarium of the lakes is near that too.
Kendal is a nice shopping town as is Barrow, Ulverstone is on the way to Barrow and is alright but not great, Beatrix Potter is in Bowness.
Erm.... I'll keep thinkin.
