Concrete? Pavers?

Depends on what your budget is.

Pictures would help. I hate blacktop too but sometimes you just have to go with it. We looked at pavers, bricks, concrete, heated, but here is Western Mass you have to consider weather/winter/cracking etc. Probably the same in NJ with storms the way they'vew been in the past few years. The ashphalt does fade over a year to a dark grey so it isn't horrible. Cost is a huge factor.

We have paving stones and they are lovely. They have gotten weeds neteeen them which is very annoying.

Has anyone done the exposed concrete driveway? I'm thinking that with large stone pavers but would love to see others

Many people around us have concrete driveways and some are better than others. Once that have breaks and opportunities for expansion (guessing) seem to survive better. Ones with grass between pieces look best long term. Some get cracks or weird staining. I would say you really need to he confident in the trade who does the work for you.

Drive around the neighborhood and see what others have and the condition they are in with age.

"Has anyone done the exposed concrete driveway?"

There is exposed aggregrate concrete finish, if that is what you are referring to. I would not suggest it on a 90'x16' (or skinnier?) driveway. You will have lots of rust and missing aggregrate over time.

I'm thinking that with large stone pavers but would love to see others"

Interlocking pavers are concrete that can resemble stone. However, they will not be large in footprint, as you have heavy weight and use.

NJ has several bays - are you at the Barnegat Bay? When I was a kid (a looong time ago) we used to vacation down there every summer. Back then all the driveways were a type yellow/orange smooth beach stone. It was beautiful and I still think of that when I remember the Jersey Shore. Do they still use that? Maybe do a paver driveway the 1/3 closest to the house, then the remainer with the beach stones with a paver border along the edge?

No I"m further south than Barnegat but love that area! Most people do concrete but I'm just over that look. Pavers will be $$$ for that large an area.

I am wondering why it rusts??

https://www.qualitypavingnj.com/choose-the-best-driveway-material-for-your-home