There was a recent posting in my area and I am debating about applying for it. I have very mixed feelings about the possibility of leaving my company. I also am not sure if I could easily get away for a day to interview without it being obvious.

I have a few concerns

1) That somehow it will be made known that I applied for this job, it's a very small community that I work in

2) That the company would be upset if I somehow quickly withdraw my name from consideration.

So is interviewing to find more about the place really such a bad idea?

Some of thread731-322976: Leaving first job? may be relevant, and arguable that may be a more appropriate forum.

why not just a phone call to talk to them about it, or do you want the interview?

1) So then you probably already know someone who works for the company? Call them and ask about it.

2) Companies don't get upset. People get upset. There is no reason that withdrawing your candidacy should upset anyone. In fact, if you don't get onto the short list it's unlikely that anyone would even notice.