My husband and I need to get away for a few days, but we don't want to drive too far (5 or 6 hours is OK). We are in south Jersey and would like any suggestions you can offer. Cannot do the beach, but love nature and the mountains. He is not keen on the Watkins Glen idea, as we loved in Vermont and are spoiled.
Any help will be appreciated.

Can't you get to Vermont from New Jersey in 5 or 6 hours?

Yes, we can, but we have done that so many times that we thought we
would try someplace new. I love Vermont and may wind up there again.

You should be able to make NH's White Mountains or lakes region in 8 hours or less. Break up the drive with a nice stop along the way. For example, there's a place not too far from Rt 495 in MA where you can walk thru a building full of plants and butterflies. There are lots of places in NH to rent kayaks. Depending on the weekend there are some wonderful events. On the weekend before labor day there is Old Farming Days at Musterfield Farm in Sutton NH (NW of Concord off Rt 89). Beautiful location and fun things to do.

"as we loved in Vermont and are spoiled"

I can't think of any tourist attraction or getaway that would top being 'loved' in Vermont.