Buying a new bike

Question
When I was in college and living in western NC I was really into Mt. Biking, well I moved to TX and kinda fell ou tof it. Anyway, I want to buy a new bike to enjoy in the weekends. I live in PA, near Valley Forge (suburb of philly). So the trails will not be hard core, but I am not into road bikes. Any suggestions on what kind of bike I should buy/brand and where I can maybe get some additional info before I hit the bike shop. I always like to have some knowledge before I go out and buy, helps being a better consumer. Thanks for your help! Have a great one. I am 28 guy if that matters.

Answer
Hello Jamey,

It is very difficult to say to another person what kind a bike you will like.
It depends on experience on a hardtail or a suspension bike, budget and choice of a brand. Some people just only want a Cannondale, no matter what.
I don't have this information from you, because you're allready are familiar with biking I don't have to go deeper into biking at all?
An other question is, what do you want to do with this bike, only ride as an weekendwarrior. Do you like the feel of a steel bike? Aluminum or carbon, with or without suspension in front/back?
Tell me something about these questions, and maybe I can made up my mind to advice you a bike.

Further I can recommand you the website from Cannondale, Trek and Scott and Specialized.
There are a lot of manufacturers, so enjoy them.

Hope to hear from you.

Kind regards,

Michael