Shocks, bigger wheels, or MTB frame?
 

I ride a 531 steel road bike with Continental Gatorskins 700x28. They are touring tires, slightly wider than road racing tires.

What kind of configuration would work better for:
A) Being able to ride quickly and smoothly over cobblestone streets
B) Being able to ride directly up and down sidewalk curbs

With my current steel road frame and 700x28 tires I bounce around a lot on cobblestones and slow down considerably. I worry about getting a flat. Also, while I try not to ride on sidewalks, sometimes I'd like to hop onto them (without finding a corner ramp) or jump off of them directly onto the road. I also feel like my narrow tires would be prone to getting a flat.

Which configuration would be able to handle these two scenarios?
A) getting wider MTB rims and tires (road slicks) for my steel road frame
B) an MTB frame and tires (no shocks)
C) an MTB frame with front shock

Of course option C would work the best, but wondering what people think about A or B as they would be less expensive and less prone to theft. Thx.

Option A will be determined by the clearance that your frame and fork has.

Personally, I think that so long as you keep the tires inflated properly, then just stand up and allow the bike to float over the rough stuff