My weekender drop (large) is 28 lbs stock. That might be heavier than you want, but it is $1249 new and can do anything you want it to. Road, gravel, touring, light single track, whatever. Sort of a do all bike.
If you want something more road specific, Jamis is a good way to go either the Quest series (has long reach brakes and will take larger tires) or the Expat as someone mentioned if you want disc brakes and more off road capability. Kona ***** Tonk is another option around that $1,000 mark.