The government shutdown is continuing to cause trouble in the skies, with delays and cancelations piling up nationwide.

“It’s kind of chaotic over there at LaGuardia, for sure,” said Henry Vo, whose flight into Boston was delayed in New York. “A lot of the government shutdown, a lot of the pilots were saying, and then also, a lot of it’s just things that were happening that were just unfortunate, to say the least.”

In many cases, a shortage of air traffic controllers is to blame. They’ve been working without paychecks during the shutdown, which is putting stress on an already strained system.

Massport says the air traffic control tower at Logan Airport is fully staffed, but the shutdown has impacted staffing at other airports, leading to delays and cancellations.

“They need support, they need money, they need a paycheck,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.”

Duffy acknowledged the impact on travel, saying it may get worse before it gets better.

“We will slow traffic down, you’ll see delays, we’ll have flights canceled, to make sure the system is safe,” Duffy said.

As the government shutdown continues, the federal government says it will partially fund food assistance after last week’s court rulings.

Aviation experts say the Federal Aviation Administration has strict rules around staffing levels for air traffic controllers to make sure it’s safe to fly.

“Ultimately, what we would hope to see is not safety issues, but just more significant cuts to operations,” said Seth Miller, an aviation journalist and editor at Paxex.Aero. “The FAA says, ‘You know what, we’re going to half capacity because we don’t have enough controllers to support the whole system.’”

When staffing levels drop, the FAA can slow flights or limit arrivals, which can be unpredictable.

“Generally speaking, it’s not an airline issue,” Miller added. “The counterpoint to that is if you have an airline that has a hub at an airport that is affected more often — Delta and JetBlue, for example, here in Boston — if Boston gets more affected, then Delta and JetBlue are going to become more affected.”

The Department of Transportation released recent delay data showing the impact of the ATC shortage. On Friday, 64.8% of total delay minutes were attributed to staffing. On Saturday, it was 59%, and on Sunday, it was 84%.

From January to September before the shutdown, that number was only at 5%.

Despite issues around the country, Logan Airport has been faring well. In an email, Massport said, “We have not seen any operational impacts due to the shutdown. We would advise passengers to check with their airline for the best info on their flight.”

November has arrived and daylight saving time has come to an end, meaning there are only a few weeks of downtime before the holiday spirit kicks in. Before your calendar fills up (and your wallet empties out), here are low-key, no-cost ways to have fun in Greater Boston — from “Downton”-inspired blooms to classic comedy screening night … with live organ accompaniment. Whether you want to create heartwarming harmonies or make your way through the Goblin Market, here are five fun and free events and activities across Greater Boston, Nov. 3-9.

‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ DOWNTOWN If “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” left you wanting more from your favorite family of aristocrats, check out Fleurs de Villes’ pop-up floral show featuring decorated mannequins and displays based on the fashion of “Downton Abbey.” The show, which has been exhibited in London, New York, and other cities, arrives in the Hub featuring 21 local floral designers’ meticulous and artful arrangements inspired by the show’s early-20th-century elegance and glamour. Nov. 5-9. Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St. prudentialcenter.com

TOGETHER IN TUNE The New School of Music, in partnership with local home care agency Seniors Helping Seniors, will present a Memory Café event for individuals experiencing memory and cognitive changes (and those who love and care for them). The musical sing-along features a selection of well-known tunes led by an NSM faculty member, pianist Joe Reid, followed by socializing and complimentary treats. Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. RSVP required. New School of Music, Concert Room. 25 Lowell St., Cambridge. newschoolofmusic.org/events/memory-cafe-sing-along

FALL FAIRE Miss the King Richard’s Faire season? Don’t fret, as the Bow Market’s Urban Ren Faire brings a full day of medieval activities to the city, including two armored combat demos (knight fights) at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., a circus performance from local aerialist Qatherine in Flight at 3:30 p.m., and a Celtic music performance at 5:30 p.m. Fun competitions, including a stein-holding contest, will be held throughout the day, with a chance to win mystery prizes. At 7:30 p.m., the event transforms from a Goblin Market into a Fantasy Ball, where all witches, wizards, and warlocks can dance to modern tunes in ancient garb. Nov. 8, noon-11 p.m. Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville. bowmarketsomerville.com

ORGAN TUNES Catch a free screening of two classic comedies: “The Red Balloon,” a post-WWII fable about a boy chasing a bright-colored balloon in a world of dull tones, and “The Kid,” a silent comedy by Charlie Chaplin about found family. Local organist Peter Krasinski, who has performed live movie accompaniments throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will improvise a score for both films live. The screening starts at 5 p.m. — beforehand, at 4 p.m., the church will hold a silent auction to raise funds for organ maintenance. Nov. 8, 4-6:30 p.m. The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St. stpaulboston.org

HISTORIC HARMONIES The Key of Cambridge exhibit, on display at the Kendall Public Lobby through Dec. 2, showcases 100 years of the city’s expansive musical history. The showcase features the likes of Joan Baez, a Club 47 performer, and Tracy Chapman, who busked in Harvard Square as a student. On Nov. 9, the Cambridge curious can explore the exhibit with an opening reception featuring live music and beverages. Through Dec. 2. Kendall Public Lobby, 355-325 Main St., Cambridge. kendallcenter.com

SANDWICH SECONDS Monday is National Sandwich Day, and Bootleg Special, a Cajun-inspired fusion restaurant in the South End, celebrates the occasion with its buy-one-get-one-free Po’ boy deal, valid from Monday through Friday. Take a double serving of the Louisiana favorite filled with fried catfish, oyster, or shrimp. Nov. 3-7. Bootleg Special, 400 Tremont St. bootlegspecial.com

Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information. Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.

Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.

Visitors to New Hampshire have a lot of destinations to choose from, with some of the better-known areas being the Lakes Region, the White Mountains and the Seacoast Region. But one of the most interesting parts of the state doesn’t get nearly as much press, and it really doesn’t have a specific name. The part of southwest New Hampshire tucked away by the Massachusetts and Vermont borders is often called the Monadnock region (from the rather imposing mountain by the same name in Jaffrey) while some also call it “Currier & Ives Country,” which can lead to confusion because there’s also an official Currier & Ives Scenic Byway in another part of the state.

While not commonly used, the Currier & Ives label certainly does apply to this area, which includes picture-perfect New England villages, scenic winding roads, rolling hills and countless lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. It makes for a perfect setting for road trips, and a number of old-fashioned roadside restaurants seemingly pop up out of nowhere on many drives, feeding hungry travelers and locals alike.

One such place sits just outside a tiny village near the Massachusetts border, and while it’s little more than an hour from the Greater Boston area, Emma’s 321 Pub & Kitchen is a place that feels far, far away, reflecting the rustic quality and slow pace of this little pocket of New Hampshire.

Rindge is a rugged, deeply wooded town that lies in the shadow of Mount Watatic, a nearly 2,000-foot peak just to the east in Ashburnham and Ashby, Massachusetts. It’s also a short distance south of the aforementioned Mount Monadnock, which rises well over 3,000 feet, towering over the surrounding landscape. Rindge itself is one of the higher communities in the state and feels like an outback town of sorts, with its blink-and-you-miss-it village center off Route 119 that doesn’t have so much as a restaurant or a general store.

A few businesses can be found near where Routes 119 and 202 meet, however, including Emma’s, which is just north of the intersection and just south of the beautiful Pool Pond, with spectacular views of Mount Monadnock and its summer homes and cabins. Emma’s itself has the look of a cabin (albeit a large one), with its weathered wooden exterior, warm and welcoming outdoor lights, multiple chimneys and stacks of firewood, all shaded by massive trees that surround the place.

The cozy country look of Emma’s’ exterior is just a taste of things to come, as its interior is a bit similar to the better-known colonial-style restaurants found throughout New England. But unlike some of those which tend to be a tad on the upscale side, this restaurant is definitely more casual, low-key and family-friendly. Several rooms make up the place and all have a lot of charm, include a large dining area to the right which extends back with views of the woods, a charming bar in the middle, another dining area through a doorway to the left and, beyond that, a room that has the look of a fully enclosed four-season porch, sitting high above the land below.

Wagon wheel lights, checkered tablecloths, old-fashioned sconces, rough-hewn wood and windows that give a glimpse of rural New England just out back all give Emma’s a look and feel of yesteryear, and really make you think you’re much farther away from the urban canyons of Boston than you really are.

PHOTOS: Roadside dining in rural NH at Emma’s 321 Pub & Kitchen

Even before you look at the menu at Emma’s, you’ll probably get an idea of what it has to offer simply based on the overall look of the place, and the offerings are indeed familiar and will probably not come as a surprise to anyone.

Classic comfort food and regional faves are the name of the game here, with highlights being a hearty bowl of chili with just a bit of heat; a Caesar salad with a house-made dressing and parmesan crisps; loaded potato skins with bacon (or chili) and cheese, scallions, sour cream and salsa; greasy and crunchy fried pickle chips that come with a spicy aioli; quesadillas with bacon, diced chicken and lots of cheese; extra crunchy deep-fried mozzarella sticks with a dusting of parm along with marinara and ranch on the side; chicken marsala in a rich wine sauce and served over a bed of linguini; a large plate of eggplant or chicken parmigiana with plenty of sauce and mozzarella; a decadent bacon-wrapped meatloaf with plenty of brown gravy; the ever-popular “build your own” burger with such topping options as onion strings, blue cheese, bacon jam and mushrooms; a classic turkey club with lettuce, tomato, bacon and mayo; and an old-school turkey melt that includes a couple of hefty pieces of sourdough.

New Hampshire doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to its breweries, but there are some very good ones out there and Emma’s indeed serves up some options from beermakers across the state. The offerings are always changing, but depending on when you go, you might find beers from Spyglass, Stoneface, Northwoods and Great North, to name a few.

Cocktails are very popular here, particularly the margaritas, martinis, mimosas, mojitos and rum punches, and a variety of their own concoctions that range from fruity drinks in the summer to drinks that will warm you up in the late fall and winter can be had as well.

Long ago, New Hampshire had a lot of rustic old restaurants like Emma’s 321 Pub & Kitchen, but many of them are gone now, including such iconic spots as the Longhorn Palace near Franconia Notch in Lincoln, a cafeteria-style steakhouse that was legendary back in the day and had a similar vibe. The loss of such places makes Emma’s all the more important these days, as it harkens back to the days of unpretentious roadside family restaurants focusing on service, value and food that’s good for the soul.

The southwestern part of New Hampshire is a wonderful area to visit whether for hiking, paddling, snowmobiling or simply enjoying the rural scenery from behind the wheel, and Emma’s is easily one of the most interesting options for dining in the entire region.

Emma’s 321 Pub & Kitchen, 377 US-202, Rindge, NH, 03461. facebook.com/Emmas321