Need help choosing a new amp :)

I need help choosing a guitar amp. I've been playing on practice amp for a long time. I'm sick of it.

I have no idea whether to get a solid state or a tube amp.

My budget is roughly $500, I'm willing to spend more or save some money if I can. But I basically want the best amp I can get for $500.

I currently have a boss metal pedal, I like what it does for my practice amp, it sounds good. I haven't tried it with other amps yet.

I was thinking about just walking into guitar center (or any local music store) and just asking the saleperson "I have $500, what's the best amp for that price?" I'm not sure if that would be a good idea. What do you guys think. I'm also not very comfortable playing in public, so I would ask them to play on a certain amp that I'm interested in.

I'm looking for an amp with good high gain distortion. Heavy and beefy, the way I like it.

Feel free to ask me any questions to help narrow down the choices.

P.S. I would like to buy the amp at a local store, no internet retailers, thanks.