It started out as a lackluster taxi ride from the airport to the hotel. But it turned regal and elegant the second I hailed the next taxi as I exited Charlotte Douglas Airport. The Crown Cab that pulled up was shiny and spotless. When the taxi driver raised the trunk to deposit my roller bag, I was stunned to see it was lined in mink—not real mink of course, but a faux mink blanket. Instead of returning to the driver’s side, he opened the passenger door for me to embark.

As the taxi pulled away, classical music began playing on the radio. There was a cup holder with a small bottle of ice cold water. The magazines in the seat were ones you might expect at a luxury hotel—Robb Report, Wine Spectator and Town and Country. When I complimented the driver on his choice of music and reading material, he smiled and humbly responded, “My pleasure, sir.” I felt like a rich tycoon in a chauffeur-driven limousine—and it was a 10-year-old Chevrolet! I was “purpled!”

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