Depending on your budget, you have a few good guitar manufacturer you can look at.

If you're into the classic looking guitars, you can take a lot at Epiphone. They carry classic models like the Les Paul and my favorite... The SG :)

There's another company that I like a lot. Schecter. They have some very nice entry level guitars. Sure they also make high end ones but the cheaper models were surprisingly well made.

Then for an amp I'de suggest something like a Spider III series or a Roland Cube series. They have built-in effects that can save you a great deal of money when you start.

Except for the Roland Cube, I have owned all of them so I can safely recommend them.