mountain or hybrid?

I've been away from biking for about 10+ yrs. i want to go out there and mostly have fun!
ride around the neighborhood and visit the local parks/trails (there are a couple of good ones close by). I'd also prefer to find my way around town by bike than have to drive to these parks, you know, be spontaneous!

the local(closest) bike shop sells Cannondale and Specialized. i tested the Quick 4 and it felt very weird.
it was uncomfortable, tall and fast. while commuting does sound like a good idea (I'm not dismissing it), i want to experiment with back roads, finding shortcuts, and getting dirty. I'd sooner cut through a field than sit in traffic waiting for a light to turn green; sorry, but isn't that the point of going by bike?

i really didn't like the whole shocks and suspension for bikes, but the more i think about it, it really sounds more like i need a mountain bike, i think they're called cross country.

am i making sense, or is there a better way of asking for a bike to the guys at the shop?
i too don't want to cheap out, so i need to make sure i make a good decision.

thanks for any/all input.