Kentucky Route 4: Lexington

Let’s take a cruise around the city of Lexington on Kentucky Route 4, better known to locals as New Circle Road. This eight-mile stretch gives us a taste of both Lexington’s suburban and urban energy as we loop around the western and southern edges of the city. If you’re looking for an easy way to navigate around Lexington, this is the bypass everyone uses — and there’s more to see along the way than just traffic!

We kick off this drive heading south on New Circle Road at the busy interchange with U.S. Highway 60, just west of Lexington’s downtown core. This spot is a key connector for folks coming in from Frankfort, Versailles, or the Blue Grass Airport. Almost right away, you’ll notice that this part of New Circle Road is wide and well-developed, with plenty of retail plazas, chain restaurants, and hotel options lining both sides. If you’re in the mood for shopping, Fayette Mall isn’t far away, and there are dozens of smaller strip centers as you head toward Harrodsburg Road. Keeneland, one of America’s most beloved thoroughbred racetracks, is just a short hop west of here — if you time your visit right, you can catch a race or just admire the beautifully manicured grounds.

As we cruise past the interchange with U.S. Highway 68 (Harrodsburg Road), New Circle Road subtly shifts its personality. You’ll spot a mix of neighborhoods, office parks, and larger green spaces. There are also several well-kept residential neighborhoods branching off from the main bypass, showcasing Lexington’s blend of suburban comfort and city convenience. Continuing southeast, we approach the interchange with U.S. Highway 27 (Nicholasville Road), a major commercial corridor that’s always buzzing with activity. Here, New Circle Road becomes even busier, serving as a lifeline for commuters and shoppers alike. If you’re looking for something different, The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is right off Nicholasville Road and is worth a detour — especially in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.

Not far from here, after passing the interchange with KY-1974 (Tates Creek Road), New Circle Road makes its final arc northward. You’ll notice the scenery begins to shift from retail centers to quieter residential neighborhoods and a few more pockets of green. Our journey wraps up at the interchange with U.S. Highway 25 (Richmond Road), where the road continues its loop around Lexington, connecting travelers to the city’s eastern and northern sectors.

Traveling this portion of Kentucky Route 4 gives you a real feel for the city — from big box stores and bustling retail to leafy neighborhoods and easy access to Lexington’s horse country charm. Whether you’re a local using New Circle as a daily shortcut or a visitor just passing through, this drive is the fast track to exploring everything Lexington has to offer, with plenty of dining, shopping, and cultural highlights just off the next exit.