Recreational & Family - Recommendations?

I'm intending to buy a bike just to go around town to avoid paying gas as much as possible. I'm not sure what is good. My budget is pretty limited, but I'd like to get something that is going to be of good quality. I'm very short if that makes any difference as to what types are good and I'm going to be pulling my DS around in a trailer. I probably need something that can handle different grounds (sorry not sure of the word, gravel, pavement, etc). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Take a look at the Giant Suede series of bikes. They are pretty reasonably priced ($350-$500), are designed to be "around town" bikes and appear to be designed to fit shorter riders. Giant is a good quality brand. Ability to handle different grounds is more a function of the tires than the bike itself (wider for dirt and gravel). Your LBS can advise you as to the best tires for your riding conditions. The Trek Navigator bikes are also good, but I think tend to run a little higher in price than the Giant.

Personally I like Crank Forward bikes which are great for a short person, but they are considerably more expensive and can be difficult to rig for trailer pulling (depending on the type of trailer).

I'd say to look for a used mountain bike. They're available all over around here (Reno, Nev) for $25 to $50 in places like the Salvation Army or Goodwill. I bought my wife a Specialized Hard Rock last year, in like-new condition with a $25 computer and $40 Blackburn rack, for $10. All it needed was lubrication. We put on fenders and road tires, and she's been commuting 23 miles a day on it. You do need a little expertise to pick one without major problems, but it isn't hard to learn.

Thanks! I'm definitely going to go to the Salvation Army tomorrow and see what they have.

I just converted a full suspension mt bike with a 4in stem riser,higher bars and 1.25 street slicks.Rides smooth and should be bullet proof. Jack