If I were you, I would hang on to that bike as a back-up or neighborhood bike.
It really depends on if you want to do some serious road riding, possibly doing
group rides, etc., then you would probably need a drop-bar road bike.
If you just want something similar, but updated, go with a hybrid, like a
Specialized Sirrus, Giant Escape, or Specialized Sirrus. Get one with a carbon
fork.
Best thing to do is go to a shop and try some different options. Try several
shops, too.

s