What would be great cruiser style motorcycle to start with?

I am 16 about 5'6 and 113lbs small build, and am looking for a beginner bike. I have a little experience from driving my dad's 1982 Yamaha Seca 750 and I've driven his 2007 Harley Davidson Road King a few times (To heavy thou), but we've decided I need another bike that would be easier to drive and learn from. I am looking for a cruiser type bike (I hate the look of sports bikes :P), something that will have no problem handling highways, and below $3,000 either new or used. I don't mind vintage bikes, so an older model will be fine. Although I probably won't drive this bike forever, I am still growing, which is why I ruled the Honda Rebel 250 out, so keep that in mind while giving me ideas. Also people have told me that a big 1100cc cruiser would be easy to drive after some practice, but I would like to have at least a chance of picking the bike up if I drop it, hahaha, so anything like a small-medium Cruiser. Thanks in advance!