I just visited Nome yesterday. Honestly the surrounding scenery is stunning and I really enjoyed Nome. I'm going to try to go back up for the Iditarod this year. I'll post a link to some photos here once I get them up. I'd be happy to offer some suggestions I received from a friend who is a Nome local prior to my trip.
Also, regarding cell service. Both Verizon and ATT have 1X data coverage downtown. Out in the tundra don't expect anything. In fact locals spending time out in the tundra ask passers by on the road to convey messages to people in town.