I have a Salsa Vaya. Lighter and more nimble than a LHT, but can handle wider tyres and some fairly rugged off-road stuff as well as touring if you want. A 'cross bike is a good solution too, but will put you in a more aggressive position than a bike like the Vaya or LHT.

Incidently, more people ask about the Vaya when I'm riding it than any of my other bikes.