@Spazzergasm
A good way to begin is to buy a
planisphere and learn to recognise the constellations. If you buy one for your latitude (about 41 degrees North), you can set it to show you the constellations currently above you at any time and date. I use a dim torch and tape red crisp packet wrapper (or something similar) over it to view the planisphere outdoors at night without ruining my night vision.
Once familiar with the constellations, a simple astronomy guidebook (or software, website etc.) can reveal any interesting objects located within each constellation. A selection of the brightest objects, visible with my binoculars, includes: M31 (a galaxy) in the constellation Andromeda, M42 (a star-forming nebula) in Orion, M13 and M92 (globular clusters) in Hercules, M22 (globular cluster) in Sagittarius, M8 (the Lagoon nebula) in Sagittarius, M4 (globular cluster) in Scorpius, the Dumbbell nebula (a planetary nebula) in Vulpecula, and (very far north) the Sword-Handle (a double cluster) in Perseus.
I've viewed many of these (the ones nearer the zenith) from a city.
that's neat! how does a planisphere work? you're getting me interested in this, now....