Beg Borrow or steal another $200 and get this one. A woman at work just completed a 600+mile tour on this bike and it performed very well for her. She also commutes everyday on it. It won't impress anyone at the local weekly racer wannabe sweat fest. but it will take you as far as you want to go.
Windsor Bikes - Tourist

Or go the roll you own route with an older MTB. Here is an example from my local craigslist. These old Trek's had pretty decent wheels and with a few upgrades( racks and better brake pads and a good saddle) you could get on the road under $500 Trek 830