Here's a subject with which I have had fairly extensive experience on. Yep, it's hard to beat the planets, at first. The Orion Nebula was already mentioned, but up next on yer list should be the Andromeda Galaxy ; as it is best seen in Autumn skies, you'll have to catch it almost immediately after sundown before it sets (if it's even up where you are at all?). But the summertime constellations generally have the most objects in both quantity and quality. I highly recommend a book called, Turn Left at Orion, that highlights the best objects for small to medium scopes, and shows you how to find them.
Someone mentioned tracking a plane...that might be pretty hard, obviously. But I have tracked several satellites. They can be pretty quick too.
I too have wanted a solar filter for a long time, but haven't ever gotten around to getting one. Someone linked to Orion (the telescope company) above...I've ordered several times from them without problems.
But overall I guess I'm just a gazer more often than scoping anymore, using just binoculars or naked eyes. And of all the objects I've seen, nothing beats a killer meteor shower. Any other questions or tips, just ask. Have fun! :cool: