Can I read a .bak file without restoring it?
After some more searching and a helpful link or two, I finally found that what I was looking for is Red Gate's SQL Virtual Restore.  Problem is, it apparently isn't around anymore. I found an informational link about it in Red Gate's site here. Great write up by Brant Fritchey on it from June 2011 here

One link I found had a comment that similar functionality is in SQL Compare Pro.  If it is, the advertising page for that product, doesn't mention that feature.