When it comes to bikes in your desired category, I really like the Jamis Sequel, Jamis Coda, Marin Muirwoods, Giant Toughroad, etc... These are no suspension hybrid style bikes that fit fatter tires, the Coda is more limited by tire size.. Nice suspension is excellent, but cheap suspension feels like a drag. I thought I needed a suspension hybrid when I first started as well, my first 2 bikes had it, but those are no more.
Nice mountain bikes with nice suspension are great, but they are in the $1500 range. It also doesn't sound like you'll be riding rough terrain.