New poster here! Woo!

I've been learning Russian for about a year now, and I'd like to plan a trip to St. Petersburg around December and January for about two weeks (yes, I'm probably crazy).

I've never traveled to Russia before. I know I need a visa and an invitation, but don't know the best way to obtain them.

I'm a little nervous about simply doing a web search for Russian visa services. I simply don't know which sites to trust, and which ones to avoid.

I'm an American citizen who currently resides in America.

I do not live in a city with a consulate or embassy.

What's the best way to get a visa or invitation? What organizations can I trust, and which ones should I stay away from?

Thanks!