I was just kind of in the same boat, and I'll second the cross bike recommendation, based on my still limited knowledge.

I wanted something I could use for paved trails, mostly, up to about thirty miles. I didn't think I'd use it for commuting or riding the roads, but I liked the idea of having rack options in case I decided to do longer trails someday (didn't consider road trips at the time), and the Bianchi Volpe has the ability to take racks and fenders and all. It's almost a cross between a cross and a touring rig.

Anyway, I sit a bit more upright than on a standard road bike, it's a cushy ride, and I can use wider, more commuter friendly tires on it. And now, with my 350 mile mark coming up tonight, I've fallen in love with biking and want to do *longer* rides. I think I'd be mad at myself if I'd gotten a hybrid as I'd originally planned. You *can* do long rides on one, but this is much better, IMO!

I wuv my bike...