Hi Strat:
There is an excellent site that gives reviews of ukuleles:
www.gotaukulele.com. The guy who gives the reviews, Barry, is the real deal. He tells it like it is. No BS.
Assuming you are located in the US, two shops that have an excellent reputation are Mims Uke's and Hawaii Music Supply (
www.theukulelesite.com)
At your price point, I like the Romero Creations brand.
Good luck in your search.