Stone dust is the product you describe, it is also known as screening and some other names and the granules, if that is the right word, vary just as you say. Sand particles do not vary and are more consistent, dry sand or kiln sand will be easy to brush into your joints and just as easy to brush out or be pushed out by ants. SandLock sounds like a polymer sand.

Before you pick an entrance sidewalk material, first verify the gravel base thickness: - For pavers, you need 4" minimum. I see fresh ant hills protruding out so I would question the thickness. On top of that goes 1" of sand bedding, then the 2 3/8" interlocking pavers. - For the asphalt driveway, 4"-12" gravel base. Then depending on the company it will probably be laid in a single 2" thickness, or done in 1 1/2" + 1", or if a better company, thicker or how you prefer and are willing to pay. The reason I say verify base first is if it is adequate, will the sidewalk and asphalt match height. Or if you have to dig out the sidewalk area anyway to redo the base, then that may affect your decision of material. If that is a cornfield next to you, then corn country has freeze/thaw. I would never recommend any paver except interlocking pavers - flat patio blocks (e.g. 1" or 1 1/2" thick) just move too much and aren't appropriate for an errant car tire pulling over the sidewalk. If timing is an issue an asphalt drive can be installed up to a batter board for slope. It can also be sawcut later for a straight edge, but may have dips where meets sidewalk. The suggestion of installing the sidewalk first is good though, then the asphalt can be thickened to raise as required. Look at natural-color concrete for a sidewalk option because it complements anything, and ties together with the foundation parge coat, window sill, and door/garage slabs. The most ornate finish to use that would not compete with the stone/brick would be California finish (e.g. no stampings or colors).

@Beth Thank you! We have had a concrete driveway for many years and there are also no tire marks. But I think it's because it had an aggregate type finish. I would love the more modern smooth finish - that is what we are getting on the walkway (broom finish to ensure its not slippery). When I walk around my neighborhood, there are several houses with this finish and they all have tire marks. Maybe it's because of the finish? Or maybe it's because it's newer and, therefore, in a year or more the marks won't show? Or is it dependent on the skill of the contractor and how it is installed? We are tinting/coloring the walkway concrete to a light gray. So I do hope that will not show marks as easily and also won't be as reflective (in the CA sun). I agree that pebbles in between is not a good idea. But I've come to terms with that! I love the look. I'm going to be careful with the sizing and also won't fill the gap so that the gravel is level. The gravel height will be lower than the concrete height - in the hopes that this will contain the gravel. The second photo you shared is very similar to my plan in that the slabs are right next to the driveway but separated by 6" of gravel. Fake grass is a smart idea (2nd photo) but I'm afraid I don't like fake grass. Sorry!! We did consider doing the look in the 1st and 5th photos. I LOVE that look. But my husband vetoed it as he feels the gravel would be too messy there. We can live with the messy sidewalk but not sure we can live with a messy driveway. But I really do love this look! The driveway in the 7th photo is a different color to the walkway so that gives me hope that pavers might work! Your observation about the white garage door is so accurate. I had not noticed this at all but, now that you point it out, it's completely obvious. My garage door is also white and you are making me realize we need to change the color. Thank you! Thank you so much for all your insights. I so appreciate it!

Many thanks to all for the replies and I apologize for the delay. My pavers are made of concrete. For some reason I wasn't able to download pictures that were openable. I did not like the manufacturer's suggestion for 1 part chlorine bleach to 4 parts water b/c it sounded too harsh, and I was concerned about harming abutting grass. So instead, I used 2 cups powdered, non-chlorine OxiClean in 3 gallons of hot water and applied with a soft brush to wet pavers. It removed the stain 100%!