Not sexy, probably not cool, and definitely not expensive: we've used the Performance Bike Forte Metro-K 26x1.25 tire for years with very good results. Almost never get a flat, handles well, etc. Not the supplest or lightest, but a great all-around tire. And only $15-$20 usually. We've done loaded touring on them, metric centuries, bike paths, rail-trails, you name it.
Product: Forté Metro-K Road and Mountain Tires