You could go with a new Yamaha acoustic... they're in your price range and they do sound pretty good. The standard Fender dreadnaught is pretty good for that as well. I went and spent just a little more than your $250 for my Takamine GS-330S and I love it. I was only $275 I think and then I bought a good case for it later which ran $80.

Why don't you just go to a guitar store and play a few? I had no clue what I wanted, needed, was looking for at all. Had a buddy come with me and we played everything we could get our hands on.... Piece of advice, start from the cheapies and work your way up. If you're like me, you'll be a little disappointed by the time you get to your ORIGINAL price range =)

good luck!