I have a Meade model #395 90 mm (3.5" diameter) refractor telescope with a focal length of 1000 mm, purchased several years ago.  It has an equatorial mount and a motor drive.  I rarely use the motor except for high-power planetary viewing.  (I bought this scope after first trying out three other scopes: a 60 mm refractor, an 8" Cassegrain, and a 90 mm Cassegrain.)  I have a number of eyepieces giving magnifications between 25X and 210X with an additional barlow lens.  I purchased a 6x30 Orion Right-Angle Correct Image Finder Scope to replace the one on my Meade telescope.  It has made a big improvement in being able to find things, and allowing me to use standard star charts.  I have also found that there is major  differences in eyepieces,  Lately I have gotten an Orion Epic ED-2 eyepiece and its special coatings on the lens allows more light to pass through.  As a result I can see about twice the number of stars as with my other eyepieces.  To view the sun safely I use an Orion Solar filter which fits over the front of the scope.  I have several small colored filters which fit in the eyepiece and are useful in viewing the planets to bring out detail.  I have a gray filter which dims the light of the moon, making viewing much more comfortable, as the moon usually seems too bright for a telescope.  (Note: Viewing the moon through a telescope without a filter will not damage your eyes.)  I also use a flashlight with a red bulb for proper dark adaptation along with a few appropriate star charts.  I also use a chair to sit on and dress warmly.


RECOMMENDATIONS
Binoculars.  I recommend first you get some from Wal-Mart to try out.  They will say two numbers on them, such as 8x25 or 7x40.  Keep the first number below 10X.  For a good pair of binoculars I recommend Orion Vista 8x42.  They are $179,
Telescopes.  Any telescope by Meade, Orion, or Celestron should be good.  My daughter and son-in law has a 60 mm Tasco which also gives good views although the 675x magnification claim is bogus.  A telescope will never give decent images beyond 300x!  One caution in department or discount store scopes.  Do not get any with 0.965" diameter eye-pieces, only 1.25" or 2".  For under $1000, I recommend you consider the following:  an Orion SkyQuest XT6 for $329 or an XT8 for $449, a Meade 5" LXD-55 refractor Model AR-5 for $695, or a Celestron NexStar 5i for $899.