I love the SW Ohio trail network. I usually ride on the Little Miami trail, but I'm moving up to Dayton this week and will have to check out the Creekside trail and whatnot up there. Which shops are you looking at? I need a bike shop. (You can PM me, if you like.)

Buy what meets your goals and fits you best within your budget. Jamis makes nice bikes (I've been looking at the Quest Femme as my next bike), as does Surly. I've never ridden steel, but people tell me it's nice. (If I had my way, I'd have a carbon (or really spiffy aluminum) go-fast bike and then a steel one just because.)
I would also add that you might consider buying a little more bike than you think you need right now. I have an entry-level Giant, and while I do like it and have a soft spot for it, I didn't think I'd get as into it as I have and want to buy a new one. That's not going to happen for a while.

Test-ride some of everything. Hybrids, flat-bar road bikes, drop-bar road bikes...something of everything.