The cranks are forward on the Townie so that you can sit lower and be able to put your feet on the ground. An extreme example of having the cranks forward would be recumbents, which people tour the country on with no problem. Likewise, people tour the country on diamond-frame touring bikes with the cranks more below the rider.

Whatever you like best is what you should get. The ratio of quads to hams(front and back thigh muscles) used on your pedalling may be slightly different but your body will get used to it whatever it is.

What will hurt you the most on a long weekend ride are the front suspensions, suspension seatposts, and squishy saddles common on most comfort bikes. The suspensions do very little but add weight and the front suspension can rob some power. The wider tires of comfort/hybrid bikes do a great job of absorbing the road vibration and small bumps. The big, cushy saddle feels great on short rides but as you ride longer you sink down into that padding and pressure is brought to bear on spots where you don't want pressure. Brooks saddles come highly recommended as an excellent replacement.